Barcoded labels and material data sheet s for users' samples at the Bragg Institute

The Bragg Institute has introduced a barcode-labelling system for the identification of samples and management of chemical hazards at the neutron-beam facility.

Why we use barcoded labels?
Barcoded labels allow us to keep a register and track the location of samples measured on an instrument and other chemicals present in the facility. These labels are used on any sample that has been measured on an instrument and on the containers of chemicals under our control. The use of barcoded labels also streamlines the radiation clearance process that is required for all samples to leave the facility.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for samples and chemicals
An MSDS details the hazards associated with a chemical, how those hazards must be managed and other information including shipping and disposal. The Bragg Institute requires an MSDS for your sample or alternatively an MSDS for each component within your sample. Federal and state legislations require us to keep a register of chemicals and their MSDSs to provide staff and users with information on the chemicals held and used. 

How we collect information about samples and their hazards
The Bragg Institute Customer Portal (rainbow.nbi.ansto.gov.au/Bragg/proposal/index.jsp) is designed to facilitate easy access to safety information regarding the hazards associated with users? samples and includes a database of over 380,000 chemicals. When applying for beam time using the Customer Portal, you need to provide details of the samples you wish to investigate and you are expected to upload the MSDSs for your samples, and any chemicals you are bringing, if they are not already in the system. ANSTO uses the ChemWatch format for their MSDSs which has a simple hazard rating system for determining the hazards associated with a chemical. If the MSDS you provide is not in the ChemWatch format we will have the MSDS converted to the ChemWatch format. If you do not have an MSDS for your sample we will arrange for an MSDS to be created.

How we use barcoded labels
A barcoded label must be attached to a sample or its container prior to, or immediately after measurement on an instrument. The information printed on the label is generated using the sample information provided on the proposal submitted in the Bragg Institute Customer Portal. All laboratory chemicals are barcoded (lab chemicals available for users can be found under "Lab Chemicals" in the Customer Portal). On arrival at ANSTO the barcode-labelling system is demonstrated as part of your induction training. The barcode-labelling system will not only give information on the hazards, but also help prevent samples getting lost, because the barcoded labels allow us to track and monitor samples after they have been measured.

What information is on the label?
The Bragg Institute has different labels for samples and laboratory chemicals and the labels differ slightly for each type. For both types the barcoded label lists the owner, information about the chemical or chemicals within the sample including names, the CAS number (a number unique to that chemical, eg. Aspartic acid always has a CAS number of 56-84-8), and the ChemWatch hazard ratings. The ChemWatch hazard ratings give a basic indication of the type and severity of the hazards the chemical poses  on a scale of 0 to 4 where a hazard rating of 0 poses no risk and 4 very high risk. We consider that a chemical with hazard rating greater than 2 is potentially hazardous and that special precautions, as listed in the MSDS, must be taken. Below is an example of a laboratory chemical barcoded label.

For more information or assistance please visit our website (www.ansto.gov.au/bragg) or contact our lab manager Rachel White (rachel.white@ansto.gov.au).