HOW TO DELIVER A LESSON ON LABEL READING
(ESPECIALLY SAFETY AND FIRST AID MESSAGES)

Background and Context
What is the workplace task? Reading labels
What is a label? Show trainees a number of products with labels and generate a group definition.
What kinds of products have labels? Brainstorm a list with trainees (e.g.) medicines, hair products, processed food, thinners, glue, cosmetics, cleaners, paints, cement, machinery, shipping boxes, furniture that needs to be put together, toys, CDs, tools, etc.
What information can be found on a label? Ask trainees to brainstorm a list based on label samples (e.g.) safety precautions, first aid treatment, warnings, directions for use, product name, dosage or amounts to use, ingredients or parts, nutrition information, use restrictions, proper storage instructions, expiry date, manufacturer, etc.
What are some ways to emphasize information on a label? Brainstorm a list with trainees based on label samples (e.g.) bright colour, hazard symbols, block letters, bolding, extra white space, larger font size, exclamation mark, placement on label, etc.
Why is it important that we know how to read key messages on labels? Brainstorm a list with trainees (e.g.) to work safely with the product, to use the product correctly and avoid damaging or wasting materials, to apply first aid correctly if there is an accident, to store the product correctly to avoid wastage or accidents, etc.
Specific Example (Practice Exercise: Acetone Label)
What design features of the label “jump out at you” at first glance?
(Previewing before reading in more detail.) 		Some possible answers:
  • some words are bold and all letters are in capitals
  • there is a picture of a fire
  • ACETONE with a chemical name and some numbers
  • the letters HCL are at bottom in a box
  • three sentences begin with IF
  • information in the top half of the label is about how to use the product safely
  • information in the bottom half is first aid procedures
What vocabulary words and symbols need to be addressed in order to read this label? Some possible answers: flammable (and symbol), irritation, mucous membranes, ventilation, flush, inhaled, artificial resuscitation, dilute, unconscious, convulsive
What does the Acetone label tell readers when read in detail? There will usually be 4 sections or categories of information:
  • hazard symbol: flammable
  • precautions: keep away from heat, sparks and flame; keep away from eyes, skin and clothing; keep container closed; use adequate ventilation; wash thoroughly after handling
  • what medical conditions can result if you don’t follow the precautions: causes irritation of eyes, skin and mucous membranes (acute); may cause dermatitis (chronic)
  • first aid treatment: see below
What pattern does the first aid section follow? Complete the first aid label table.