"Toxic: use with adequate ventilation"

[david shapiro]

I've seen language roughly like this on SDS warnings. I have no idea what criteria one should use in, say, applying a paint with this sort of warning. Smell is a commonsense answer, but I know that my schnozz isn't enough to tell me whether the ventilation is good enough. Is this sort of warning useful, to people who don't carry a calibrated meter for whatever the toxin happens to be? If so, how is it intended to be used?

I realize this isn't an inspection question, but you're a whole bunch of trades- and safety-knowledgeable folks, so I'm asking your thoughts.

[Jerry Peck]

If so, how is it intended to be used?

It (that warning) is intended to be used by attorneys defending the company being sued be the people who used the product without the knowledge and equipment you refer to.

[david shapiro]

Thank you, Jerry, and may I say, "Arrgh."