Scienceware® right-to-know 4-color bottles make identifying hazards easier and improve safety

It is no secret that consistent safety efforts can reduce accidents, and having properly labeled supplies is a must. Manufacturers spend countless dollars on labeling to insure against accidental misuse. But, what happens if those substances are transferred to other containers?

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that in the workplace, each container of hazardous chemicals is labeled, tagged or marked to identity hazardous chemicals and has appropriate hazard warnings which provide `at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals.` Wash bottles, often used in laboratories and work stations for easier dispensing and economy of space are one example of secondary containers into which hazardous chemicals are transferred.

Bel-Art Products, a leading manufacturer of Wash Bottles offers preprinted OSHA compliant bottles for many of the substances commonly used in the workplace. Now, they have taken steps to further protect the end-user, launching a new line of bottles with full color printing of the NFPA Diamond and enhanced safety and first aid information.

Robert N. Petersen, Product Manager at Bel-Art notes that `local regulations on fire hazards are cropping up mandating the use of the full color NFPA diamond. Parts of California and New York already have this regulation in place. As a company, Bel-Art Products is proactive in its approach to product and the upgraded labeling offers safety-conscious employers a way to stay current with the latest fire safety regulations.`

`Quick and easy substance identification saves time and helps protect against accidental misuse. Should a situation become an emergency, scene assessment is first priority. It is important for everyone to be able to easily identify materials and their properties.`

In addition to the substance name, full color NFPA Diamond, and safety and first aid information, Right-to-Know 4-Color bottles are labeled with the chemical formula, Chemical Abstract Service Number (CAS#) and applicable health hazards. `Label Your Own` bottles where the name, diamond and other information can be filled in are also available. Petersen stresses that all substances put into secondary containers should be labeled regardless of hazard potential. `Even if it`s just water going into a wash bottle, being able to easily identify contents saves time and eliminates confusion and potential mistakes.`

The Bel-Art Products Scienceware® Right-to-Know Wash Bottle Line includes 8, 16 and 32 oz. bottles in two styles, vented or non-vented (16 and 32 oz. only.) Vented bottles feature a patented safety valve that prevents pressure build-up of volatile solvents inside the bottle. All bottles have a wide-mouth for easy filling and are made of LPDE with a Polypropylene cap. Color caps further enhance identification.