The label may appear decorative, but it serves a far greater purpose

But be honest, aside from catchy marketing messages like "sparkling clean," do you really read the label's content? 

I'm someone who reads labels: on electronic devices, food products, clothing, and even on chemical products. Primarily, to get information on proper use, and then on proper maintenance and safe application of the product. 

I didn't always do this. But when I encountered a problem with maintaining functional clothing (quick-drying and waterproof materials), I checked what the label actually said: "Do not use fabric softener." And I solved the problem by following the manufacturer's instructions. 

Why am I writing about this? Because we often don't understand the importance of the messages carefully crafted and listed on a product's label. And we don't think about it. 

The significance of label messages is multifaceted: 

·       they represent the product: explaining its purpose and features, 

·       they describe the application method: how to use the product correctly, 

·       they describe maintenance methods: how to make the product last longer, 

·       they describe safety measures during handling: especially important for chemical products. 

If you're a manufacturer, you know that creating a label is a complex process. It involves identifying key messages to include in a limited space. They must meet regulatory requirements and be clear to the target consumer, leaving no doubt about the application method. 

For some products, there are specific regulations defining the label's content. Where no specific regulations exist for the product type, general consumer protection regulations apply. 

Let's return to chemical products. 

Imagine receiving a bottle with some liquid. There's no label, the liquid is colorless, and you don't know if it's water, a cleaning agent, or something you shouldn't even sniff. What do you do with it? 

This is what a user's interaction with a product without a proper label looks like. There's no information, and they can't determine what the product is, what it's for, or how to use it. 

Now imagine this situation: the product has an adequate label, all necessary information is provided, but you're too lazy to read it. What do you do? You use the product based on habit or intuition ("This should be fine"). 

When it comes to chemical products, this situation isn't much different from the first, where the product has no label. If you haven't read how to use the product and how to protect yourself, you're just as uninformed as if the product had no label. 

Assuming regulatory requirements for mandatory information on the label are met, the label of a chemical product is extremely important for every user. 

On it, we can find these important pieces of information: 

·       do not use on metal surfaces, 

·       do not use on silk fabrics, 

·       do not mix with chlorine-based products, 

·       use protective gloves, 

·       rinse hands with water after use, etc. 

Do you see where I'm going with this? These messages are there to protect both people and objects. Of course, human health is more important, but taking care of things isn't insignificant either. 

Here's a mistake I made a long time ago: I used undiluted winter windshield washer fluid that needed to be diluted before use. This cost me the rubber seals and hoses that were damaged due to improper use. Fortunately, there were no other consequences or injuries. 

Where was my key mistake? In assumption. I assumed that this particular product was used the same way as previous products I had purchased. But it wasn't. 

This is a harmless example that highlights the importance of reading labels. I'm sure you have similar stories. But there are also more serious examples, some of which I've already written about. 

This topic is very important for everyday work with chemicals. That's why I'll be writing next week about the significance of labels and the importance of reading the provided information. 

Until then, share your experiences with incorrect product usage at nina.pajovic@bens-consulting.eu.