Abstract:
Good labeling is essential for the safe handling of chemicals. The purpose of
this quasi-experimental research is to find out which are the best label combination
formats for chemical containers and also increasing the reader’s response and
comprehension. This knowledge will improve the hazard communication program
and the improved labels will also comply with local requirements about hazardous
material substances. Thus, eighteen combination formats were designed based on
three variables of label sizes, the adding of signal words and pictograms, and the
application of color codes. The objective was to increase the reader response and
comprehension. The random subjects were 422 manufacturing staff of GM Thailand
who were tested with one of the eighteen combination formats to check the response
time and comprehension scores.
Results of the study illustrated that the best average of both response time and
comprehension scores were for labels of 4” X 6” size in which signal words and color
codes were added. All variables had significant correlation with the subject’s
comprehension but only the pictograms application had no significant correlation
with response time. The comparison showed that the 4”X6” label size with signal
words, pictograms and color codes application format had better average response
time and comprehension scores than the existing label format. Therefore, this is the
format which is recommended for use.