Document DGDygLxGGa6ygG67N7NBrJbRa

TELEPHONE NATIONAL 2<C3 NATIONAL 240B Manufacturing Chemists' Association OF THE UNITED STATES (FOUNDED 1873) ARREN N. WATSON WSCKTAItr 608 WOODWARD BUILDING Washington 5, D. C. MINUTES OF MEETING LABELS AND PRECAUTIONARY INFORMATION COMMIT1EE Room 517, The Chemists' Club, 52 East 41st Street, New York City 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 6, 1944 If8 The meeting was called to order by Acting Chairman W. N. Watson at 10:00 A.M. The following members were present: Dr, T. Aalto Dr, J. M. Carlisle (Alternate for Carl Anderson) Dr. A# G. Cranch Mr, J. D Gunther Mr, Richard Hansen Mr, L. L Hedgepeth Mr. S. J. Hill Dr. D. D. Irish Mr, R. W. Lahey Mr, R, W, Towne (Alternate for Iynn Watt Mr. W. N, Watson Guests: Mr. C. P. Davis, American Cyanamid Company Mr. John Williamson, American Cyanamid Company Mr. C Johnston, U. S. Industrial Chemicals, Inc. Ccmmittee Members Absent: Mr. Frank S. Low I, MINUTES OF MEETING The minutes of the meeting of May 17, 1944 were approved as distributed. II. CLASSIFICATION PATTERN Each member was called upon to submit comments in full detail on the tentative classification pattern set forth in the minutes' of the meeting of May 17, on pages 2, 3, and 4, Discussion developed the following, points: The basic hazards include (1) fire, (2) vapor, (3) dust, (4) skin contact and (5) oral intake, some products having only one, and other products more than one of these hazards. It was agreed.that complete coverage of all properties of all chemicals would lead to endless subdivisions. The classification should be limited because its pri mary function is as a guide. It was emphasized that the ultimate decision of the label to be adopted must be an individual one, depending upon the properties of the individual product. The following changes in the classification were agreed upon: Provide for: 1. Solids, including irritant and toxic dusts. 2. Oral intake. 3. Cumulative effects - such as lead and mercury. 4. Reference to gas masks as follows: "Use gas mask suitable for product, approved by U. S. Bureau of Mines." Ir-9 g it was unanimously agreed to ask Dr. A. G. Cranch to revise the first draft ox ie classification pattern on the basis of the suggestions submitted, sending such ijtapdraft to the Acting Chairman on or before July 11 for reproduction and transmittal members of the Committee. Mr, Watson was also requested to review this revised ott-gqyflft with the Chemical Products Agreements Committee at its meeting on July 12, and report the recommendations of the CPAC to the LAPI Committee, (See attached-] ifappointment of Labels Subcommittee. The Chairman was directed to appoint a subcom.''ifjjSlttee on labels to expedite the preparation of a list of recommended label caution |!,i*tatements. The following committee was appointed: Richard Hansen, Chairman Carl Anderson S. Jc Hill R W-> Lahey A, G. Cranch A discussion of labels and related subjects developed the following points for consideration by the Labels Subcommittee: Uniformity of precautionary information is desirable in order to effectively protect the user, and simplicity and clarity of the wordage of labels. Single line cautions, sufficient to protect workmen. Detailed instructions do not ordinarily belong on the label, but should be covered by leaflets on precautionary information or M.C.A, manuals from the manu facturer to the consumer. Additional precautions to be covered by label for oxidizing and related agents: dangerous in contact with other chemicals or combustiblesj may cause fire in contact .with combustible products; product may decompose under heat to give irritant or toxic gases. Storage cautions to include statement to keep away from heat, or food, or sun light, according to the product. While a single label in many instances is satisfactory for several products, in other cases it is necessary to have a separate label for the individual chemical pro duct, The trend is toward the individual label. Suggestion was made that standards for color schemes be considered to obtain a degree, of emphasis between extreme, medium and mild hazard. The M.C.A. label design on 0-5 label was distributed as an example of the M.C.A. standard. The proper ratio of type size on the label is of great importance. Use of different phrases such as "caution", "warning", and "danger" was suggest ed for study by the Label Subcommittee in order to stress different degrees of hazard. It was agreed that the word "poison" was outmoded, with the general exception of caution for oral intake, and that its indiscriminate use would do more harm than food, the significant point being that cautions should be directed to the particular : hazard, such as a skin irritant or toxicity of vapor. L-10 ' State poison laws commonly call for the antidote for specified products in re v-ball containers. For some products there is no antidote. For that, and other reasons, ."'.it iS frequently desirable to use on bulk packages instead of the word "poison", the I*phrase "not for internal use". 'I The question of a positive statement on a label versus instructions was reviewed, further information to be obtained from legal sources on the relative advantages of .each. For example, the choice between "corrosive to skin" and "if spilled on the skin . trash hands with water", or the use of both phrases. Another type of positive statev ment frequently used is "for technical use only" or "for dry cleaning only". It was agreed that some generally informative statement in a report to members - for customers is desirable on flammables, bearing in mind, however, that labels are required by I.C.C., various laws and ordinances, A recommended precautionary state ment for flammables, however, is desirablej attention to be called to safety regula tions relative to fires and explosions, the need for use of approved electrical appliances and non-sparking tools, shoes without exposed steel nails, and avoidance of all sources of spark and flames, TAppointment of Product Subcommittees. The Chairman was requested to appoint sub;j.; committees according to major chemical groups, or for any product which may require !:emergency treatment, such subcommittees to proceed with the development of precaution- ary label information for the products included within their scope. It was also agreed that the chairmen of such subcommittees be empowered to select and appoint other subcommittees for this purpose, 1, Subcommittee on Sodium Cyanide. The"following subcommittee on sodium cyanlif ide was appointed: * R, W. Lahey, Chairman '} S. J, Hill Richard Hansen 2. Caustic Soda. The Committee was advised that two companies had adopted a .1 label for caustic soda drums, and that there was interest in this question on the part 5,of other producers. The Chairman was requested to appoint a task force to proceed _r with the preparation of a precautionary label for caustic soda. III. DDT Attention of the members was called to a letter sent to each of then, dated June 8, containing the label recommended by DDT producers and prepared at their meeting of May 24* It was emphasized that the label was a tentative one in recognition of the fact that more information would be available in the near future on properties of , DDT. No recommendations were submitted for revision of this label. 1' : IF. OXALIC AND FORMIC ACID Mr. S, J, Hill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on this subject, reported the follow- ing recommendations: 1, That the M.C.A. label C-5 be used for carboys containing formic acid, j 2. That a similar label be prepared for use on barrels, bearing" in mind -. the problem of possible leakage from these wooden containers. It was agreed that the subject of this new label for barrels be referred to the -; Poisonous Articles and Miscellaneous Packages Committee, Mr, Hill and Mr, Gillet to ii;- suPPly suggestions to them. Such a barrel label might also be appropriate for cerVtain other products shipped in wooden barrels. L-ll . Hill also reported the draft of a label for oxalic acid in bulk containers, r with alternate suggestions for phraseology. Suggestions were made to Mr. jlisnd he was requested to submit a final report to the LAPI Committee. V. PHOSPHORUS AMD PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS Mr. Watson reported on behalf of T. Pat Callahan, Chairman of this Subcommittee, Mr. Callahan had written the producers of these products and that the matter was consideration although final recommendations had not been formulated. VI. CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AfiREEMRNTS COMMITTEE For the information of the Committee, the Acting Chairman advised that a meeting he Chemical Products Agreements Committee of the U. S. Public Health Service would Id on July 12, at which the subject of precautionary labels will be reviewed and sals from the American Hygiene Association will be considered. It was reported that an additional label- had been adopted by producers of aniline supplementary to the label under the agreement with the U.S, Public Health Ser, The Chairman suggested that the language of the new label could be incorporated amendment of the agreement, and thus eliminate an extra label. Dr. Irish agreed , submit to the Chairman a copy of the extra label referred to. VII. AMERICAN PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY The Chairman reported that he had held a conference on June ,27 with Messrs. F. Howard (R, I. State College) and J. G. Horsfull (Conn. Experimental Station), at they requested sources of information on the hazardous properties of new insectiis and fungicides, as a guide in their application. The Chairman had suggested this information should be obtained from the producer of the new product. Discussion developed that frequently requests come from the experiment stations others for samples of new products, and old products for new uses, on which the 'cological tests have not been completed. It was agreed that a preliminary preLionary statement on such experimental samples is desirable, and the following ommittee was appointed to prepare a recommended precautionary statement: D. D. Irish, Chairman S. J. Hill R. W. Lahey VIII. SAMPLES OF PRODUCT LABELS It was unanimously agreed that each member would promptly send to the Chairman, been copies of each of ten to twenty selected product labels now used by their motive companies, including products which cariy different hazards in the organic inorganic groups. IX. USE OF CODES Seme customers have requested that hazardous chemicals may be shipped under code. twas agreed that this was undesirable and may involve risk to the user and liability ;the shipper. It was suggested that the matter be called to the attention of the ives through an appropriation letter, Mr, Hansen to submit a draft to W. N. on. IX. MISCELLANEOUS The Chairman advised that he had been able to obtain from the Office of the Surof the Air Service Command, a sufficient number of copies of the two following for loan to each member of the IAPI Committee, and that he vras endeavoring a copy for each member of the Association: 1, Industrial Hygiene Manual (90 pages). 2, Supplement No. 1 (34 pages). There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. s Subject to Approval WARREN N. WATSON Acting Chairman labels and Precautionary tion Committee. M- CONFIDENTIAL. NOT FOR RELEASE July 11, 1944 '-fee REVISED DRAFT FCR CIASSIFICATION OF CHEMICAL PRODUCTS FOR PRECAUTIONARY LABELING ,piammable materials: Brief statement such as: WARNING1 FLAMMABLE MATERIAL KEEP AWAY FROM FLAME OR EXCESSIVE HEAT. If(Use to be determined according to highest local requirements for such el jpg and to conform to such requirement.) % Vapors immediately toxic or extremely irritant even on short exposure or to low centrations. (E.g. Hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, phosi, chlorine, arsine, ammonia, formaldehyde, etc.): DANGER? VAPORS VERY HAZARDOUS. DO NOT INHALE. IN EMERGENCY USE GAS MASK APPROVED BY U. S. BUREAU OF MINES FOR PURPOSE, OR AIR LINE RESPIRATOR. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES. %: Vapors hazardous from prolonged or repeated exposures, or from higher concentrapas. (E.g Chlorinated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, aniline, nitrogen ^pounds, etc.) ;v WARNING! VAPORS HARMFUL. AVOID BREATHING HIGH CONCENTRATIONS, OR PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LON CONCENTRATIONS, USE ONLY WITH GOOD VENTILATION. j 4* Vapors physiologically inert. (E.g Acetylene, nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, methane, propane, etc.) CAUTION? SUFFOCATING VAPORS. VERY HIGH CONCENTRATION MAY HARMFULLY REDUCE OXYGEN FCR BREATHING. USE WITH GOOD VENTILATION. 5. Hazardous dusts. (E.g. Lead and some other metals, fluorides, arsenicals, caus tics, chrome salts, etc.). CAUTIONS DUST FROM THIS MATERIAL MAY BE HARMFUL. PREVENT SCATTERING OF DUST. AVOID BREATHING OR SKIN CONTACT. 6 Skin irritants - corrosive. (E.g. Mineral acids, some organic acids, caustics, etc.) DANGER? CORROSIVE TO SKIN AND EYES. AVOID CONTACT. IN CASE OF CONTACT, IMMEDIATELY FLUSH THOROUGHLY WITH PLENTY OF WATER. Skin irritant, after repeated or continued contact, (E.g. Fat solvents like chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, ethers, alcohols, also amines, etc.). CAUTION! MAY BE IRRITATING TO SKIN. AVOID LONG CONTINUED OR FREQUENTLY REPEATED CONTACT. , Skin penetration toxic, (E.g ethylene chlorhydrin, aniline, crotonaldehyde and acme extent, benzol, methanol, some amines, etc.). warning; dangerous amounts may be absorbed through the skin. AVOID SKIN CONTACT. IF CLOTHING IS WET WITH MATERIAL REMOVE AT ONCE, WASH THOROUGHLY WITH SOAP AND WATER ANY SKIN AREAS WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN WET. Toxic if taken internally. (Wide variety of produots covered by various poison Would apply to materials covered by statutory definition of poison, "dangerous human life in doses of'60 grains or less" (4 gms.), or to any material toxic in unts likely to be taken through easily anticipated errors, through kind of use.) WARNINGt MAY BE HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY.