Effects of GHS Hazard Category, Signal Words, and Pictograms on an Individual's Assessment of Perceived Risk

Abstract

This preliminary investigation evaluates the impact of pictograms and signal words that would be present on chemical product labels following the modification of the Hazard Communication Standard by OSHA to incorporate the United Nation's Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The GHS classification for a given hazard determines the hazard classification category (Category 1 or Category 2), if a pictogram and/or a signal word will be present on the label, and the hazard and precautionary statements that would appear on the label. Participants were able to refer to samples of chemical product labels to assist them in completing an on-line questionnaire. The hazard classification category and the presence of a signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”) were significant with regard to the level of perceived risk by individuals, but there was no significant effect for pictograms on the sample chemical product labels.