
The Hazard Communication Standard requires secondary chemical container labels contain at least the following information:
- Identity of the contents (spell out chemical names)
- Signal word, if known or suspected (e.g., “danger”, “warning”)
- Hazards, if known or suspected (e.g., “flammable”, “corrosive”, “irritant”)
What information is required on secondary container labels?
What information is required on secondary container labels? There are two mandatory pieces of information which need to be included on the Secondary Labels: the identity of the hazardous chemicals within the product and the hazards, either physical, health-related, or environmental, the components present. Click to see full answer.
What should a secondary container be labeled with?
• All secondary containers shall be labeled, tagged or marked: (Product identifier/ chemical name in English (exactly from the SDS) • Provides general information for the hazards of the substance. • Exception: portable containers for instant use during a single use by an employee are exempted from the labeling requirement.
What is a properly labeled secondary container?
Secondary containers are typically used for dispensing diluted chemicals and other materials at the point of use. In order to ensure appropriate, safe and efficacious use, substances used in an animal facility must be properly labeled. When transferring or adding materials to a secondary container, the responsibility of ensuring proper labeling rests with the personnel who filled the container. The extent to which labeling is necessary may vary according to the situation, and guidance is provided below.
Do secondary containers need GHS Labels?
The secondary containers are required to be labeled with a GHS chemical label, given if any of the following events occur:-The material is not used within the work shift of the individual who makes the transfer.-The worker who made the transfer leaves the work area.-The container is moved to another work area and is no longer in the possession of the worker who filled the container.-Labels on portable containers are not required if the worker who made the chemical transfer uses all of the ...

Do secondary containers need labels?
Employers must ensure containers with hazardous chemicals are labeled, tagged, or marked according to OSHA regulations. OSHA states secondary labels must relate the following information: The product name. The hazardous chemicals the product includes.
What three components are required on secondary containers?
General Secondary Container Label Requirements Each Secondary Container must be always labelled at a minimum, with the following information: 1. Chemical Name(s) and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Number(s)*, & 2. Hazard(s) posed by the chemical or product.
What is required to be on a container label?
All labels are required to have pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification.
What is a secondary label?
Definition of SECONDARY LABEL: A secondary label contains information about the product such as its ingredients and nutritional values, health and safety warnings, instructions for use, manufacturer or supplier details, contact information, or detailed tracking and product information in a barcode format.
How do you fill out a secondary container label?
1:092:30GHS Secondary Chemical Labeling System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInformation from the parent container to the secondary label. Begin first with the Product ID or theMoreInformation from the parent container to the secondary label. Begin first with the Product ID or the name of the chemical. Capture the signal word from the parent container it could be danger warning.
How are secondary containers identified?
Scenario: Your company purchases secondary containers for chemicals, which are bottles with pre-printed (embossed) labels that contain a specific chemical name (e.g., methanol, acetone), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond, and health and physical hazard pictograms.
What does OSHA require on a secondary container label?
This label must contain two key pieces of information: the identity of the hazardous chemical(s) in the container (e.g., chemical name) and the hazards present. There are many ways to communicate this hazard information. Employers should select a system that will work for each location.
What 3 things must be listed on a chemical transfer container label?
Label Elements The HCS now requires the following elements on labels of hazardous chemicals: Name, Address and Telephone Number of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.
What are secondary containers?
A secondary container is one to which a chemical or chemical product is transferred or the container in which a new chemical product/reagent is made and stored. Immediate use containers are containers which are only expected to last one work shift and are not intended to leave the control of the person who filled them.
Do secondary containers need GHS labels?
Labeling Requirements for Secondary Containers These secondary containers are required to be labeled with a GHS chemical label, given if any of the following events occur: -The material is not used within the work shift of the individual who makes the transfer.
What are some examples of a secondary container?
Some examples of secondary containers include, chemical transfer containers (such as a beaker or test tube in a lab), spray bottles, large stationary tanks and smaller containers used to store chemicals that arrived larger primary containers.
How must a secondary bottle be labeled when a chemical is transferred from the original bottle to another bottle for use within the hospital?
When a substance containing a hazardous chemical is transferred from its original container to a secondary container, the secondary container must be labeled with the identity of the chemical and any hazards it presents.
What does OSHA require on a secondary container label?
This label must contain two key pieces of information: the identity of the hazardous chemical(s) in the container (e.g., chemical name) and the hazards present. There are many ways to communicate this hazard information. Employers should select a system that will work for each location.
What 3 things must be listed on a chemical transfer container label?
Label Elements The HCS now requires the following elements on labels of hazardous chemicals: Name, Address and Telephone Number of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.
What are secondary containers?
A secondary container is one to which a chemical or chemical product is transferred or the container in which a new chemical product/reagent is made and stored. Immediate use containers are containers which are only expected to last one work shift and are not intended to leave the control of the person who filled them.
What are secondary containers made of?
LabSafetyShop.com offers sturdy and durable secondary containers made from HDPE material. It can carry at least 115% of the primary container's volume which hinders substances from spilling and leaking.
What is a secondary container label?
OSHA requires secondary container labels to have the full GHS label , or: "Product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which , in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under ...
What is secondary chemical container?
Secondary chemical containers are the chemical containers most often found in the workplace. While chemical shipping containers must have the full GHS label, OSHA provides employers with a lot of flexibility to create their own secondary container labeling systems.
What are Secondary and Service Containers?
A secondary container is used to apply and/or store an EPA-registered pesticide and , when it holds the pesticide, is neither sold nor distributed. Secondary containers are most commonly used in institutional settings for concentrated products that are diluted prior to use, or to hold pesticides filled from a larger container to be used or stored prior to application. Often secondary containers are filled by end users at the site where the product will be used.
Why do we label pesticide containers?
These recommendations for labeling are intended to help ensure the safe use of pesticides. Any labeling on secondary or service containers should not conflict with the product labeling.
What is a service container?
Service containers are containers that are filled with an EPA-registered pesticide by an applicator and usually transported to a use site where the pesticide will be applied by the applicator. Although a product may be temporarily stored in a service container, the container is not intended for long-term storage.
What are the labels for pesticides?
Although the Agency does not require labels on secondary and service containers, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements may apply. EPA recommends that the applicator identify the material in the secondary or service container in the event of a spill to ensure that adequate information regarding the pesticide can be obtained in case of medical or environmental emergency. EPA recommends that such labels include the following information: 1 The name, address and telephone number of the applicator/pest control firm [if applicable]. 2 Product name. 3 EPA registration number. 4 Name and percentage of active ingredient. 5 If the product in the container is diluted, it should be followed by the phrase:#N#“ The product in this container is diluted as directed on the pesticide product label.” 6 Signal word and precautionary statements (including First Aid statements) from the registered label unless the registrant has acute toxicity data supporting lesser precautionary statements for the diluted product and alternate directions for the diluted product are indicated on the product label; and 7 The statement:#N#“Follow the directions for use on the pesticide label when applying this product.”
What is the statement "follow the directions for use on the pesticide label when applying this product"?
It is a good management practice to ensure that the label for the pesticide product that has been put into a secondary or service container is available to any person transporting, handling and/or applying the pesticide.
What is signal word and precautionary statements?
Signal word and precautionary statements (including First Aid statements) from the registered label unless the registrant has acute toxicity data supporting lesser precautionary statements for the diluted product and alternate directions for the diluted product are indicated on the product label; and. The statement:
Do you need to submit labels to EPA?
Do registrants need to submit labels for secondary containers to EPA? Registrants are not required to submit labels for secondary containers to EPA for review. However, if the secondary container label is inconsistent with the EPA-approved label, the Agency will consider the product misbranded.
Why is container labeling important?
Container labeling not only provides important safety information but also gives companies the ability to accurately track all the hazardous products and chemicals they have. This becomes valuable not only for regulatory compliance purposes, but it is also advantageous for companies interested in tracking chemical life cycles.
What is a barcode label?
A barcode or a specific classification number on the label creates an understanding of how a material enters a facility, how it is used, and how it leaves as waste. Finally giving companies visibility into their hazardous material handling processes from beginning to end.
What is the most recent revision of HCS?
The most recent revision of HCS aligns U.S. hazardous chemical labeling standards with those of the international GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Labeling and Classifications), making it easier for everyone to understand the hazards related to chemicals nationally and internationally.
What is second storage container?
When a chemical is transferred from its original container to another, the second storage device is referred to as a “secondary container” or “workplace container.” Given the common practice of transferring chemicals from one container to another, OSHA has included requirements for proper secondary container labeling as part of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to ensure workers are aware of the chemicals they are exposed to.
What is hazard identification?
The hazard identification and words , pictures, symbols, or a combination that provide at least general information about the hazards of the chemicals. Generally, things that must be labeled include: Storage bottles created for the distribution of small amounts of a material.
Can large batches of the same compound be labeled collectively?
Sample vials or sealable tubes. Large batches of the same compound may be labeled collectively, provided that they are stored and handled as a group.
When Should Secondary Containers Be Labeled?
When it comes to chemical containers, it’s best to follow the phrase, “When in doubt, label it.” There are only a few instances (explained later) where secondary labels are not necessary. Labeling secondary containers can reduce the number of accidents in the workplace and protect worker health and safety.
Which Information Should Be Included on the Label?
Employers must ensure containers with hazardous chemicals are labeled, tagged, or marked according to OSHA regulations. OSHA states secondary labels must relate the following information:
Exceptions for Secondary Container Labels
As we mentioned earlier, there are some instances when secondary container labels are not necessary. These conditions include:
Safety First for Secondary Containers
Proper chemical labeling is not only essential for OSHA compliance, but it is also important to the safety of a workplace. For this reason, it’s critical that you educate supervisors and employees alike on best practices of chemical labeling and handling to reduce physical hazards.
What information is needed on secondary labels?
There are two mandatory pieces of information which need to be included on the Secondary Labels: the identity of the hazardous chemicals within the product and the hazards, either physical, health-related, or environmental, the components present.
When are secondary containers required?
In the US secondary container labels are required when operations in a work-place setting includes the transferring of smaller amounts from the original container to a secondary container such as a beaker, flask, or bottle. These secondary labels need to comply with OSHA’s HCS. The standards are in effect to prevent any cases where uncertainty ...
Why are labels important for OSHA?
As both entities, OSHA and WHMIS, aim to better convey the risks involved with shipping, storing, and handing hazardous material, they are also taking the necessary strides to ensure compliance with the UN’s Globally Harmonized System. Not only will this unify how such hazards are conveyed to the end user, it opens the doors of open communication, proper on-site training, safety measures, and an overall better understanding in general of the handled materials. Labels provide a to-the-point message of the dangers which may arise from using such a product but also instill a sense of security at the same time – one that all safety precautions are being conveyed and all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that the user’s safety has been made precedent.
What is an employer accountable for?
Employers are also held accountable for ensuring that adequate workplace labels are applied to a hazardous product which is: Made and used within that facility, Opened and transferred or poured from its original container, And lastly, a supplier label becomes lost or no longer legible.
Why is a workplace label not required?
The only two reasons a workplace label may not be required is if an employee transfers a hazardous product and uses it immediately or if the product remains, "under the control of the person who decanted it" according to CCOHS.
Do you need a label for a container?
It is important to note that although a workplace label is not required, the vessel must still be clearly identified. In specific cases, a WHIMIS label can be portrayed as a mark, stamp, sign, sticker, seal, tag, ticket, or wrapper imprinted or adhered to the container. The situations to which these exceptions can apply are:
Do secondary labels need to be removed?
These secondary labels need to comply with OSHA’s HCS. The standards are in effect to prevent any cases where uncertainty of the handled material could jeopardize the health and safety of anyone on site. However, s econdary workplace labels are not needed if the transferred product is used up in its entirety by the person handling it with in the initial work shift. All original labels cannot be removed, altered, or defaced and if a replacement label is needed, no information can be omitted from the first to the second label.
What information is required on secondary container labels?
Label it with the product identifier, words, pictures, symbols, or a combination thereof.
What does the HazCom standard mean?
How does the HazCom standard define "hazardous chemical"? 1910.1200 (c) gives the definition of hazardous chemical as "any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified.".
What is a physical hazard?
Physical hazard is defined as a chemical that is classified as posing one of the following hazardous effects: explo sive; flammable (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids); oxidizer (liquid, solid, or gas); self-reactive; pyrophoric (liquid or solid); self-heating ; organic peroxide; corrosive to metal; gas under pressure; or in contact with water emits flammable gas.
Can you use HMIS labels?
You can use HMIS or NFPA labels, or your own system, for in-house container labels as stated in 1910.1200 (f) (7).
Do you have to label a second container?
If the chemical is used in the same shift by the same person, you are not required to label the secondary container. In the second instance, in which the container is left unattended and may be used by an employee on another shift, the container does need to be labeled because it does not fall under the "immediate use of ...
Is hazard communication required in a portable container?
The hazard communication ("HazCom") standard at 1910.1200 (f) (8) says, in part, "the employer is not required to label portable containers into which hazardous chemicals are transferred from labeled containers, and which are intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performs the transfer.". If the chemical is used in the same shift ...
Option 1
Label the container in accordance with the full standard requirements;
Option 2
Label the container to provide information concerning the health and physical hazards;
How to label secondary containers?
Secondary Container Labeling Summary 1 Make sure you get OSHA-compliant Safety Data Sheets from your chemical supplier. 2 Play it safe and create GHS labels for all chemical containers in your facility. If simply printing a few extra labels helps you avoid an OSHA citation you’ll be glad you did. 3 Choose durable labels engineered for GHS compliance. Remember, a damaged or missing label won’t do you any good on inspection day. 4 Make sure your facility has the capability to print GHS labels on demand. Even if the bulk of your secondary container labels are custom-printed, it’s always a great idea to have a backup plan for printing last minute labels if something is overlooked.
Why is secondary labeling confusing?
Labeling secondary containers for chemicals is often confusing because it generally doesn’t involve manufacturing or distributing hazardous chemicals, but rather using them in the workplace. In order to be sure your secondary chemical labels are OSHA-compliant it’s important understand a few key terms.
What is the OSHA directive for secondary containers?
Additionally, OSHA directive CPL 02-02-079 reiterates that the employers who choose to use alternative labeling methods for secondary containers are still held accountable for ensuring employee hazard awareness. Employers facing enforcement actions (ranging from citations to civil suits and criminal charges) must prove the hazards were communicated to employees at a level equal to or exceeding what would have been accomplished using full GHS labeling methods.
What is the OSHA standard for hazardous chemicals?
In relation to the use of hazardous chemicals, OSHA HazCom Standard 1910.1200 (c) defines Immediate Use as “the hazardous chemical will be under the control of and used only by the person who transfers it from a labeled container and only within the work shift in which it is transferred.”
How to ensure secondary containers pass OSHA inspection?
The best way to ensure your secondary containers pass OSHA inspection is to play it safe and use the full GHS label on all chemical containers. This means following the GHS standards for labeling primary hazardous chemical containers regardless of transference of contents or intended use.
What is primary container?
Primary Container Definition. The original container in which a chemical arrives from the supplier is considered the primary container. The primary container label for a hazardous chemical should always be an OSHA-compliant GHS chemical label and contain all information needed to create a compliant secondary container label.
What is an exempt secondary container?
One example of an exempt secondary container would be a bucket or tub used to dilute solvents for cleaning during the same shift. However, you must be careful that leftover cleaning solutions and other chemicals originally intended for immediate use are not stored without a proper GHS chemical label.
Why label secondary containers?
If your company deals with hazardous chemicals, labelling secondary containers will go a long way as a preventive measure for these deaths. For the secondary label to be effective in its role, you must follow certain guidelines.
What is secondary label?
Under these guidelines, the secondary label refers to the information that communicates the risks of a chemical that’s stored in a secondary container. The guideline aims to harmonize ways in which businesses communicate the identities and risks of chemicals to the workers to ensure the workplace remains safe.
Why are safety data sheets important?
The safety data sheets are of importance because you won’t be able to create chemical labels that align with OSHA requirements.
How many indicators are required for hazardous chemicals?
OSHA requires that you label hazardous chemicals using six indicators. These indicators communicate the physical, health, and environmental hazards associated with a particular chemical.
Where do businesses store chemicals?
Most often, businesses resort to improvising. They store the chemical in any container that can handle the chemical.
Can you store chemicals in other containers?
Businesses may opt to store the chemical in other containers after the subdivision. A challenge arises during the storage of the subdivided part.
Can you produce secondary labels by yourself?
If you have this power then you’ll always be prepared for the inspection even if it’s on short notice. However, producing these label s by yourself can take away your focus from the core competencies of your operation.
What Are Secondary and Service Containers?
- Secondary containers and service containers are similar, but there are some minor differences, and different terms are used in different settings. A secondary container is used to apply and/or store an EPA-registered pesticide and, when it holds the pesticide, is neither sold nor distributed. Secondary containers are most commonly used in institutional settings for concentrated produc…
EPA Recommendations For Labeling Secondary and Service Containers
- Although the Agency does not require labels on secondary and service containers, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements may apply. EPA recommends that the applicator identify the material in the secondary or service container in the event of a spill to ensure that adequate information regarding the pesticide can …
Common Questions
- Do registrants need to submit labels for secondary containers to EPA?
Registrants are not required to submit labels for secondary containers to EPA for review. However, if the secondary container label is inconsistent with the EPA-approved label, the Agency will consider the product misbranded. - If a registrant wishes to submit and have EPA review the secondary container label, what does E…
As it isn't required that a secondary container label be submitted, there are no requirements per se. EPA will review them on a case-by-case basis and would be likely to accept them if: 1. The EPA-approved master label includes directions for diluting the product. 2. The secondary contai…