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 ORS - Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication Program

6.0 LABELING AND OTHER WARNINGS 

6.1 Departmental Labeling Requirements 

Supervisors and principal investigators are responsible for ensuring that all containers of hazardous chemicals brought into their respective work areas are properly labeled and that containers and apparatuses filled in the work area are labeled as required. Each container and/or apparatus of hazardous chemical in the work area shall be labeled with the following information: 

  • identity of the hazardous chemical(s), which may be a trade name, generic chemical name, or manufacturer's code number of the product 
  • hazard warnings in words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemical(s) 

The information contained on the label, in conjunction with MSDSs and a workplace hazardous chemical list, will provide employees with the specific information they need to work safely regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical. 

Supervisors and principal investigators must ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced, unless the container is immediately marked with the required information. 

The department head supervising any person who is to vacate a laboratory or other work area must, prior to that person's departure, ensure the proper disposition of all hazardous materials and the identification, containerization, and labeling of all substances before releasing or assigning the area to the next occupant. 

6.2 Exemptions to Labeling 

A portable chemical container filled from a labeled container by an employee who uses it immediately or during his or her work shift does not have to be labeled. However, if any of the material is left at the end of the work shift, it must be labeled or returned to a labeled container. 

OSHA provides alternatives for hard-to-label chemical containers and for air emissions, such as in a welding area. Signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, or other such written material are suitable substitutes for labels on individual stationary process containers, where labels may be lost or difficult to read. The alternative label information must identify which container it refers to and be available to employees in the work area at all times. Pipes or piping systems do not have to be labeled. 

6.3 Labeling Requirements for Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors 

Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors must ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals leaving their workplace is labeled with the following information: 

  • identity of the hazardous chemical(s), which may be a trade name, generic chemical name, or manufacturer's code number of the product 
  • appropriate hazard warnings in words, pictures, or symbols that adequately convey the health and physical hazards of the chemical 
    • If known, the specific target organ affected should be named in the hazard warning. 
    • If the substance attacks the brain, lungs, skin, or other organ, this must be indicated in the hazard warning. 
    • A warning of carcinogenicity is required for those chemicals known to be carcinogenic and those that may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogenic by the National Toxicological Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. 
    • OSHA-regulated carcinogenic chemicals must be labeled according to the substance-specific standards. 
  • name and address of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party 

Any label that conveys the required information listed above, clearly and in English, is acceptable. Labels may also include other information, such as antidotes, first aid, advice to physicians, and storage and handling information. 

[ Up ] [ 1.0 Introduction ] [ 2.0 Responsibilities ] [ 3.0 Hazardous Chemical Definition ] [ 4.0 Training and Information ] [ 5.0 Material Safety Data Sheets ] [ 6.0 Labeling and Other Warnings ] [ 7.0 Workplace Hazardous Chemical List ] [ 8.0 Hazards of Nonroutine Tasks ] [ 9.0 Hazardous Materials Information for Contractors ] [ 10.0 Laboratory Requirements ] [ 11.0 Annual Chemical Inventory ] [ 12.0 Safety Desk Book ]

Internal ORS Links: What's New | Emergency Response | Administration | Biological Safety | Chemical Safety | Hazard Communication | Laboratory Safety | New to NU? | Radiation Safety

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Last Revision 05/16/2007
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