Do RTK Labels Need to List
Target Organs?
 According
to OSHA's HCS 1910.1200, an RTK label must contain the chemical name,
appropriate hazard warning, and the name and address of the manufacturer.
It is OSHA's position that an appropriate hazard warning includes information
on the target organs effected by exposure to the chemical (see OSHA
Standards Interpretation and Compliance Letters 02/09/1994 - Labeling
Provisions).
You can use both pictograms
and text to list target organ effects on your label. Your MSDS should contain
more comprehensive information.
OSHA categorized target
organ effects which may occur, including examples of signs and symptoms, into
the following groups. The list is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather
an illustration of the scope of effects and hazards that employers must consider
when evaluating chemicals in the workplace.
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a. |
Hepatotoxins:
Chemicals which produce liver damage
Signs & Symptoms: Jaundice; liver enlargement
Chemicals: Carbon tetrachloride; nitrosamines
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b. |
Nephrotoxins:
Chemicals which produce kidney damage
Signs & Symptoms: Edema; proteinuria
Chemicals: Halogenated hydrocarbons; uranium
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c. |
Neurotoxins:
Chemicals which produce their primary toxic effects on the nervous system
Signs & Symptoms: Narcosis; behavioral changes; decrease in motor
functions
Chemicals: Mercury; carbon disulfide
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d. |
Agents
which act on the blood or hemato-poietic system: Chemicals which decrease
hemoglobin function or deprive the body tissues of oxygen
Signs & Symptoms: Cyanosis; loss of consciousness
Chemicals: Carbon monoxide; cyanides
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e. |
Agents
which damage the lung: Chemicals which irritate or damage pulmonary tissue
Signs & Symptoms: Cough; tightness in chest; shortness of breath
Chemicals: Silica; asbestos
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f. |
Reproductive
toxins: Chemicals which affect the reproductive capabilities including
chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on fetuses (teratogenesis)
Signs & Symptoms: Birth defects; sterility
Chemicals: Lead; DBCP
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g. |
Cutaneous
hazards: Chemicals which affect the dermal layer of the body
Signs & Symptoms: Defatting of the skin; rashes; irritation
Chemicals: Ketones; chlorinated compounds
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h. |
Eye
hazards: Chemicals which affect the eye or visual capacity
Signs & Symptoms: Conjunctivitis; corneal damage
Chemicals: Organic solvents; acids |
*For more information check
out OSHA's
HazCom Standard
Other sites
devoted to rtk labels and custom label makers include:
Brady Handimark - handheld industrial labeler
Brady ls250 - heavy-duty, industrial
labeler
pipe markers
- pipe identification, labeling and marking
The RTK Resource -
excellent source of RTK information
labeling
products - Online tutorials
answer the question, why use a labeling machine?
Custom
Label Makers Home
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