School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 3: Development of Protocols

ƒ Signal words. These provide a quick method of identifying the degree of hazard.

Danger: Hi i ghe e s s t t de e gr r e e e e of f haz z ar r d ( ( r r e e d t t e e x x t t ) ) . . Description of imminent hazard and injures that will result in death or serious injury if not avoided.

Warning: I I nt t e e r r me e di i at t e e de e gr r e e e e of f haz z ar r d ( ( or r ange e t t e e x x t t ) ) . . Description of hazard that could result in death or serious injury if not avoided.

Caution: Lowe e s s t t de e gr r e e e e of f haz z ar r d ( ( y y e e l l l l ow t t e e x x t t ) ) . . Description of hazard that could result in minor or moderate injury if not avoided.

For example, the following warning is found on the MSDS for Clorox ® bleach:

DANGER: CORROSIVE. May cause severe irritation or damage to eyes and skin. Vapor or mist may irritate. Harmful if swallowed. Keep out of reach of children. Some clinical reports suggest a low potential for sensitization upon exaggerated exposure to sodium hypochlorite if skin damage (e.g., irritation) occurs during exposure. Under normal consumer use conditions the likelihood of any adverse health effects are low. Medical conditions that may be aggravated by exposure to high concentrations of vapor or mist: heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or obstructive lung disease.

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