Chemical Hazard Communication Comprehensibility in South Africa: Implications for the Adoption of the Globally Harmonised System for Chemical Hazard Classification (GHS).

Abstract

P-376 Abstract: Chemical hazard communication is a key strategy to prevent illness and disability from potentially hazardous chemicals. The Globally Harmonised System for Chemical Hazard Classification (GHS) was developed to strengthen national capacities for safe management of chemicals. A study of 402 respondents, including 315 workers in the manufacturing, transport and agricultural sectors and 87 consumers was conducted in 2003 to provide data on chemical hazard communication comprehensibility as part of a feasibility study into the possible adoption of the GHS in South Africa. Data were collected using an adaptation of an instrument developed for the International Labour Office (ILO) to support GHS implementation. Less than half of respondents reported any training in their current jobs in health and safety, and only 34% on labels. Agricultural workers were far less likely to have received any training. In general, comprehension of hazard communication labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) was low, varying positively by education and a history of previous training, and negatively if the respondent’s home language was not English. Symbols such as the skull and crossbones (98%) and the flammable (93%) symbol, and pictograms denoting use of protective clothing (93% or more) were relatively well understood (either correct or partly correct responses), but the majority of hazard symbols, warning and activity pictograms, and hazard messages, were of moderate to poor comprehensibility (less than 75% correct or partly correct responses). Significant levels of critical confusions (5% or more) occurred with symbols for corrosive, compressed gas and the hazard statement “do not induce vomiting.” Less than half of all respondents were able to identify correctly information on health and physical hazards, emergency procedures, protective clothing use and storage directions from Safety Data Sheets. Co-workers and supervisors were identified as important sources of information. Multivariate analyses confirmed positive associations with comprehensibility for years of education, increasing age, previous safety training and home language fluency in English, and negative associations with female gender and employment in agriculture. If the GHS is to leave a legacy of safety, there has to be investment in GHS training, with a particular focus on those items causing critical confusion, using peer trainers; hazard statements written in simple local languages; and public awareness through media to reach consumers. If the GHS failes to address problems of comprehensibility, it will only succeed in facilitating trade in chemicals without ensuing adequate safety.