Like some others we have not tackled the training yet and I'd be interested in some suggestions on how we would keep the lab workers from finding out about the conflict and becoming confused? Do we say, continue to use the NFPA (or whatever) system and ignore the GHS numbers on the SDS?

Al

On Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 4:14 PM, Ralph B. Stuart <rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**cornell.edu> wrote:

> How is anyone tackling the issue of NFPA and other ranking numbers for flammability, toxicity, etc. vs GHS?

I gave a presentation on this topic yesterday to other health and safety professionals where this question came up. My answer agreed with Kent that the numbering system within GHS does not have to be directly used by the person working with the chemical, and I would prefer to avoid discussing with lab workers.

This is particularly a problem in labs because the conflict in the numbering system is not only with NFPA; biosafety and laser safety numbering systems go from 1 to 4 in increasing the hazard level, and if we say chemicals go in one direction and other hazards in the other, the audience is likely to become frustrated and confused.

Cent. Cent.

- Ralph


Ralph Stuart CIH
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Cornell University

rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**cornell.edu

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