The Influence of Chemical Warning Label Content and Format on Information Retrieval Speed and Accuracy

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of chemical label content and format on the speed and accuracy of information retrieval. A total of 111 engineering students participated in the study, and 27 labels were tested, corresponding to three chemical types, three labeling systems, and three label sizes. Questions were asked for each label regarding target organs; immediate and long term effects; required personal protection equipment; the level of health, fire, and reactivity hazards; first aid procedures; and spill or leak procedures. Speed, accuracy, and subjective ratings of understandability and the ease of finding information all increased when the sought information was contained in the label. When it was not in the label, 64% of subjects consulted the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Subjects with past industrial experience using chemicals were significantly more willing to consult the MSDS and took significantly less time to find the requested information. Label format did not strongly impact subject performance. However, rated understandability was significantly correlated with the rated ease of finding information. Subjects reporting either past exposure to similar chemical labels or industrial experience working with chemicals gave significantly higher ratings of label understandability.