I/EC
Trustworthy "CLOSED-CIRCUIT" Cooling holds temperatures to close limits in entire processing column
Ο This Niagara "Aero" Vapor Con denser produces constant tempera tures, assures sustained capacity to this fractionating column, holding production and quality uniform. A closed system, it avoids fouling troub les, holds temperatures within speci fied limits at all points. It gives a higher vacuum than con ventional type condensers, effectively separating the non-condensibles at the condensate outlet, with sub-cool ing after separation. It produces this higher vacuum with use of less steam and power. It holds its full capacity with only a nominal consumption of water, using air as the cooling medium. It answers the question of water supply or dis posal. Mounted directly on the steel struc ture of the evaporator or distillation column, installation is simple, opera tion is dependable, maintenance is neither troublesome or expensive. For description and capacities write for Bulletin 129.
NIAGARA BLOWER COMPANY Dept. EC-J2, 4 0 5 Lexington Avenue NEW YORK 17, Ν . Υ. District Engineers in Principal
Cities
used. T h e form, size, design, etc., of a package m a y have a significant bear ing on the h a z a r d to the consumer. T h e applicability of pertinent legislation depends primarily upon where the product is manufactured and sold. If the market for the product is intrastate, the law of the particular state a n d / o r municipali ties therein will govern the labeling. At present, relevant federal legisla tion includes the proposed H a z a r d ous Substances Labeling Act; the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and regula tions a n d ruling's of the Interstate Commerce Commission, U . S. De partment of Agriculture (especially Interpretation 18), U . S. Public Health Service, Food a n d D r u g Administration, a n d Federal T r a d e Commission. At the state a n d municipal level, legislation requires precautionary labeling of hazardous household products. A n u m b e r of jurisdictions such as California, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Oregon have regula tions or ordinances governing the labeling a n d handling of hazardous industrial materials. These statutes should be reviewed if a product is sold for industrial as well as con sumer use. T h e r e is also a discerni ble, but uneven, trend in recent court decisions to place an increas ingly stringent duty upon the m a n u facturer to w a r n consumers of dangers inherent in his household products. Manufacturers and dis tributors of household products should also be aware of the progress of any relevant proposed legislation, as the passage of any such bills might increase their obligation. Precautionary labeling can only be effective if it is read by the consum ing public and readily understood. T h u s , the precautionary part of the label must be short, concise, a n d clear. Above all, it must be signifi cant. Its purpose is not to alarm the public or to confuse them. T o o much on the label, like the small print in some contracts, will result in the labeling not being read at all. T o o strong a warning, which m a n u facturers m a y use in an effort to obtain the utmost protection, m a y have a "cry wolf" effect and again
Circle No. 44 on Readers' Service Card
82 A
Guidebook for Technical Management—SAFETY
INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
Contents of Precautionary Part of Label The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor The common or usual name, or chemical name, or recognized generic name of the hazardous substance or of each component which contributes substantially to the hazard One of the following signal words— "Danger," "Warning," or "Caution" When necessary, an affirmative statement of the principal hazards, such as "Flam mable," "Causes Burns," or similar descrip tive phrases Where necessary, a description of the action to be followed or avoided in using the product Where necessary, instructions for the first aid treatment in the case of contact or exposure The word, "Poison," for any substance which is defined as "highly toxic" Where necessary, instructions for han dling and storing packages which require special care The statement, "Keep out of the reach of children," or its practical equivalent
result in the label being ignored. T o be significant the label must be understood. T o be readily under stood, the precautionary part of the label must be standardized. T h e statutes provide that the en forcement agency may make excep tions to the above requirements, in the case of small packages where the inclusion of a complete pre cautionary label would not be feasible. I n general, when the size and shape of the container limit the a m o u n t of space for labeling purposes, the normal label state ment m a y be shortened, providing that the approval of the proper authorities has been secured. I n stead of describing both the prin cipal hazards and the precautionary measures to be taken, it is proper to employ the statement which gives the clearest warning to the user. It m a y be practicable to eliminate or reduce some statements, such as those referring to instruc tions for first aid treatment, for the handling a n d storage of the package or container, and for final disposal of the container.
Our authors like to hear from readers. If you have questions or comments, or both, send them via The Editor, l/EC, 1155 16th Street N.W., Washington 6, D. C. Letters will be forwarded and answered promptly.
