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 words should be used on a chemical label?
Only the strongest applicable word is used on labels. For example, if the chemical is a severe oxidation hazard and carries a minor risk of igniting, the label should say “Danger.” GHS pictograms illustrating hazards, each surrounded by a diamond-shaped red border.
What is the signal word on the label of a chemical?
the label. There are only two words used as signal words, “Danger” and “Warning.” Within a specific hazard class, “Danger” is used for the more severe hazards and “Warning” is used for the less severe hazards. There will only be one signal word on the label no matter how many hazards a chemical may have. If one of
What are the basic requirements for labeling chemicals and templates?
The basic requirements for labeling chemicals and templates for creating labels are discussed in the sections below. The label on an original chemical container must be legible and written in English. It must include the chemical/product name as shown on the SDS and the manufacturer's name and address.
What's new in the HCS for chemical labels?
The newly revised HCS outlines eight specific GHS pictograms for use on labels. Each is surrounded by a red border and designed to convey the health and physical hazards of chemicals. A ninth, environmental pictogram may be required by other agencies, but not by OSHA. Environmental hazards are not within OSHA's jurisdiction.
What information is included on a chemical label?
What is the label on a chemical container?
What information is used on a secondary container label?
What to do if container label is damaged?
How many secondary chemical label templates are there?
What is chemical container labeling?
Why do you need to label a secondary container?
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What information is required on a chemical label OSHA?
OSHA has updated the requirements for labeling of hazardous chemicals under its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). All labels are required to have pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification.
Do chemical labels need contact information?
Response: Yes, a U.S. address and U.S. phone number are required on SDSs and labels for hazardous chemicals.
What are the 3 most important pieces of information on a chemical container label?
When you read the label on a chemical container, what are the three most important pieces of information? The chemical, concentration, and hazard warning. How many times should you read the information of a chemical container before you open the container?
What is the purpose of a chemical label?
Labels are there to help identify hazardous chemicals and explain what the hazards are and how to avoid them. Packaging is also important to ensure that chemicals are stored and disposed of safely.
What 4 items of information must be on a label?
By law, most packaged food must be labelled with:a nutrition facts table, which gives you information on: serving size. calories. nutrients. ... an ingredient list, which lists all the ingredients in a food by weight. this begins with the ingredient that weighs the most and ends with the ingredient that weighs the least.
What other information is required on a chemical label?
Labels for a hazardous chemical must contain: Name, Address and Telephone Number • Product Identifier • Signal Word • Hazard Statement(s) • Precautionary Statement(s) • Pictogram(s) Page 3 3 above, the label could state, “Do not breathe vapors or spray. Get medical attention if you feel unwell.
What 3 pieces of information must be on a workplace label?
In general, a workplace label will require the following information: Product name (matching the SDS product name). Safe handling precautions, may include pictograms or other supplier label information. A reference to the SDS (if available).
What information do you need to know before using a chemical product?
Every chemical container must be labeled by the manufacturer or supplier with general information on the potential hazards and how to use the product safely. The label at a minimum must have the: name of the product, name and address of the manufacturer, and the physical and health hazards associated with the product.
What is the purpose of a chemical label and safety data sheet?
A safety data sheet (SDS) includes important information to help reduce risks of using hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods in your place of work.
What is the reason why labeling is important?
The main focus of using labels is to provide customers with information that will lead them to buy your product.
What are the 3 mandatory pieces of information on a workplace label?
In general, a workplace label will require the following information: Product name (matching the SDS product name). Safe handling precautions, may include pictograms or other supplier label information. A reference to the SDS (if available).
What is label in contact information?
Labels allow you to categorize contacts into different groups based on their relationship with you and your business. For example, some contacts may be customers whereas others may be service providers. You can use labels to filter your Contact List, send email marketing campaigns to multiple contacts at once and more.
What are the requirements for chemical labels OSHA quizlet?
Chemical labels must contain a product identifier, signal word and a pictogram to represent the hazards.
Labeling of Secondary Containers | Occupational Safety and Health ...
June 20, 2017. Mr. Stuart Bailey Pinnacol Assurance 7501 E. Lowery Blvd. Denver, Colorado 80230. Dear Mr. Bailey: Thank you for your letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP).
What is the requirement for labels for hazardous chemicals?
Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors are required by regulation to label every hazardous chemical container as described in section 3.2. As long as the original label is affixed and readable, individuals receiving or using the chemical do not have to take any action. If a label is missing or not readable, the responsible user must affix a replacement label that contains the information described in section 3.2.
What is hazardous chemical labeling?
Each hazardous chemical container in the workplace must be labeled as described in section 3.2, or alternatively, labeling must include the product identifier and at least general information regarding the hazards using words, symbols, etc. If, for any reason, this information is not legible on the container a proper label must be promptly attached to the container. Chemical users can generate labels themselves or labels can be obtained from vendors. Contact EH&S if guidance is needed on generating or obtaining labels.
What does numerical rating mean in OSHA?
Numerical, alphanumeric, or alphabetic ratings indicate the severity of the hazard. Under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) criteria, the highest hazards are rated as “1” and lower hazards are rated as successively higher numerical ratings (lower the number, higher the hazard). Analogously, the lower the alphanumeric or alphabetic ...
What is incoming chemical?
Incoming chemicals are those that are obtained from a chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor. All labels on incoming chemicals must include the product identifier, supplier identification, precautionary statements, hazard pictograms, a signal word, hazard statements, and supplemental information.
What is the product identifier?
The PRODUCT IDENTIFIER contains the name of the item as well as the product number or other distinguishing information used by the manufacturer, importer, or distributor. An identical identifier must appear both on the product label and on the corresponding safety data sheet.
Do you need a label for a secondary container?
NOTE: If the secondary container remains in the direct control of the person using it at all times and is emptied by the end of the work shift, a label is not required, but is highly suggested.
How many elements are on a hazardous product label?
Primary container labels on hazardous chemicals and products provided by manufactures and suppliers are required to have six elements. The six elements are pictograms (see below), a signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”), hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier (product/chemical name), and supplier information.
What is the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal regulatory body that oversees workplace safety in the private-sector as well as for some federal government employees. OSHA published the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) in 1983 and, at the time, ...
How to tell if a product is hazardous under HCS?
An easy way to tell if a chemical or product is hazardous under HCS is by the presence of a Pictogram, Signal Word or Hazard Statement.
What is a pictogram in HCS 2012?
HCS 2012 requires pictograms on labels to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red or black diamond-shaped boarder and represents a distinct hazard (s).
Where should SDSs be kept?
SDSs should be kept in a location known by employees and that is accessible to all affected employees. SDSs provide vital information on chemicals, especially in emergency situations. In an effort to assist departments with their efforts in maintaining SDSs, a list of links to SDSs has been created for the University.
Does Hazard Communication Standard apply to hazardous waste?
The Hazard Communication Standard does not apply to the following: Any hazardous waste as such term is defined by the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, when subject to regulations issued under that Act by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What do GHS chemical labels include?
There are six elements that all GHS chemical labels for primary containers must include in order to avoid HazCom violations. This information is typically found in the coordinating SDS for the chemical.
What is required on a GHS label?
Supplier Identification. GHS chemical labels must include name, address and telephone number of the supplier.
What are the penalties for failing to abate GHS labels?
Missing, damaged or illegible labels can result in a citation and costly OSHA penalties up to $134,937 per violation for failure to abate.
What is signal word?
Signal Word. Signal words ensure GHS chemical labels indicate the relative severity of the hazard.
Why do you need a SDS for GHS labels?
Once your GHS chemical labels have been filled in, you can use the SDS to double check the information. This process increases efficiency and helps reduce inaccuracies to ensure the information on your GHS chemical labels is compliant.
How long does it take to create a GHS label?
You can create compliant GHS chemical labels in under five minutes with Avery GHS Wizard® label design software.
How long can a BS5609 label stay in salt water?
BS5609-compliant GHS chemical labels can withstand being submerged in salt water for up to three months. If a chemical drum falls off a ship, for example, the label must remain adhered, intact and legible after an extended period in the ocean. Learn more about BS5609 label durability for marine and extreme environments.
Why do chemicals need labels?
Hazardous chemicals require labels because they provide information about the chemicals and instructions on how to use the products safely. They're important to businesses such as importers and manufacturers because they tell them about the safety measures required to use these chemicals in the workplace. Additionally, they also help the employees to properly prepare for working with the chemicals for both personal safety and environmental control.
What is the signal word for a label?
There are two choices for selecting a signal word for your label: warning and danger. A warning signal simply means a less severe hazard while danger is the more serious type. Since you can only choose one for your label, most businesses across multiple industries select “danger” as their signal word. Danger covers a variety of hazards that exist in a number of chemical classes; therefore, it eliminates label redesign.
What is hazard statement?
Hazard statements inform users about the nature of the chemical and its degree of danger. Chemical labels can have one or multiple hazard statements, but they should always be consistent and standardized for each category.
What are precautionary statements?
Precautionary statements lower the chemical’s risk to workers, instruct them about minimum exposure time, and what to do if an emergency should occur. When looking for precautionary statements, there are four things your business should consider:
Where is the product identifier on a label?
The product identifier is generally found in the label’s upper left-hand corner. According to section 1 of OSHA’s material safety data sheets (MSDS), it should describe the hazardous chemical’s name by using an appropriate term as well as code or batch number.
What is supplier information?
The supplier information contains a chemical manufacturer’s physical name, phone number, and address.
Who must include contact information on GHS label?
This is a fairly straightforward GHS label requirement. The party responsible for the container and its contents – whether that be the manufacturer, distributor, importer, etc. – must include their contact information on the label.
What Are GHS Label Requirements?
These GHS label requirements are meant to succinctly communicate key information about what is inside.
What Does the GHS Do?
It’s important to point out that the GHS is only a collection of guidelines and not legal obligations. Each country is free to apply them as they see fit.
Why is leeway approved in GHS?
Again, though, some leeway is approved in order to improve readability and reduce redundancies when using GHS hazard statements. 4. Precautionary Statements.
How many precautionary statements are there on GHS labels?
There are four precautionary statements that can be used on GHS labels:
How many H codes are there in GHS?
There are 80, so these “H codes” make it easier to find the appropriate label. The European Union has another 26. However, it’s the actual statement that must appear on the label in order for it to comply with the GHS framework. In total, there are 29 GHS classification categories for unique hazards.
What is the purpose of an SDS?
The main purpose of an SDS is to give workers instructions for dealing with potential worst-case scenarios like direct exposure to the chemical or a major accident.
Why is chemical labeling important?
So, complying with chemical labeling regulations doesn’t just keep your business on the right side of the law, it ensures that anyone who comes in contact with materials has information on how to handle them and what to do in case of an emergency.
What information is on a label?
In this case, the label may only include basic information including the GHS pictogram, hazard statement and signal word.
What is the strongest word on a HCS label?
HCS compliant labels have four sections: A harmonized signal word. “Danger” is used for severe hazards, and “warning” for less severe hazards. Only the strongest applicable word is used on labels. For example, if the chemical is a severe oxidation hazard and carries a minor risk of igniting, the label should say “Danger.”.
How many columns are there in a HCS label?
A detailed HCS label is typically divided into two columns:
How long do you have to label a chemical?
Businesses have 12 months to comply with labeling requirements once a chemical is added to this list. In 2018, the law was amended to make labeling clearer on consumer goods: – The warning must be at least the same size as other consumer information, and the writing must be in a 6 point or larger font.
Do you need to include a label with a product?
However, complete label information must be included with the product, whether it’s on the box it’s shipped in or a paper that is packaged with the container.
Can you label a 50 gallon container?
Two column labels are mostly seen on large containers, like 50 gallon drums. If less information is needed, or the label needs to fit a small package, you can use chemical labels laid out in a single column:
What is the red border on a chemical label?
Each is surrounded by a red border and designed to convey the health and physical hazards of chemicals. A ninth, environmental pictogram may be required by other agencies, but not by OSHA. Environmental hazards are not within OSHA's jurisdiction. In addition to the new labeling requirements, chemical manufacturers now must supply customers ...
What is the HCS label?
HCS targets chemical manufacturers and importers to ensure their chemical containers will display a label similar to those now used in Europe and many other GHS adopters beginning June 1, 2015. The GHS-inspired standards will require chemical manufacturers and importers to label chemical containers with 1) a harmonized signal word 2) ...
What is a harmonized signal word?
These elements are discussed in greater detail below: · A harmonized signal word is used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. The signal words are "danger," used for the more severe hazards, and "warning," which is used for less severe hazards.
How many workers are affected by the HCS?
OSHA estimates over 5 million workplaces in the United States will be affected by the revised HCS, including approximately 90,000 establishments that create hazardous chemicals. Combined, these chemical producers employ nearly 3 million workers.
When did HCS change to SDS?
Since alternative labeling requirements may change in fewer than 4 years and employers must train employees to understand new label elements and the new Safety Data Sheet (SDS) format by Dec. 13, 2013, voluntarily switching to the revised HCS labeling now likely will reduce costs over the long run and reduce confusion in the workplace.
Is relabeling a mandatory process?
The relabeling process is mandatory and has to be completed regardless of whatever situation which may arise abruptly during the entire process. No matter how much time a company requires, it is an obligation for it to have the relabeling process 100% completed .
What is labeling in HCS?
Labels, as defined in the HCS, are an appropriate group of written, printed or graphic informational elements concerning a hazardous chemical that are affixed to, printed on, or attached to the immediate container of a hazardous chemical, or to the outside packaging.
Who is responsible for maintaining labels on containers?
Employers are responsible for maintaining the labels on the containers, including, but not limited to, tanks, totes, and drums. This means that labels must be maintained on chemicals in a manner which continues to be legible and the pertinent information (such as the hazards and directions for use) does not get defaced (i.e., fade, get washed off) or removed in any way.
What is the new OSHA label?
OSHA has adopted new hazardous chemical labeling requirements as a part of its recent revision of the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HCS), bringing it into alignment with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). These changes will help ensure improved quality and consistency in the classification and labeling of all chemicals, and will also enhance worker comprehension. As a result, workers will have better information available on the safe handling and use of hazardous chemicals, thereby allowing them to avoid injuries and illnesses related to exposures to hazardous chemicals.
What information is included on a chemical label?
The label can include additional information, such as the composition of chemicals and percent concentration in the container, the date the chemical was received, the date a container was opened (if the chemical could degrade or react over time), the name of the person who prepared the chemical, or any other information useful for safe and efficient use.
What is the label on a chemical container?
The label on an original chemical container must be legible and written in English. It must include the chemical/product name as shown on the SDS and the manufacturer's name and address. Do not accept materials if the label is illegible or missing required information. (See example of original label below).
What information is used on a secondary container label?
Words, symbols, pictures, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) pictograms , or a combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the chemical’s physical and health hazards can be used on the secondary container label.
What to do if container label is damaged?
Avoid damaging the original container’s label, if possible. If a container label becomes damaged or is no longer readable, a new label must be prepared that includes the six required WAC elements to comply with GHS rules.
How many secondary chemical label templates are there?
EH&S has designed four secondary chemical container label templates for your use.
What is chemical container labeling?
Chemical container labeling is one of the most effective and efficient ways to communicate hazard information to your coworkers and prevent accidents and injuries. Clear and consistent labeling that follows the Hazard Communication Standard is required in all University of Washington facilities including laboratories, shops, clinics, ...
Why do you need to label a secondary container?
If you transfer a hazardous chemical into a secondary container, the secondary container must be correctly labeled to ensure workers are readily aware of the contents and understand the hazards. The Hazard Communication Standard requires secondary chemical container labels contain at least the following information:
Osha Hazard Communication Standard Overview
Hazardous Chemical Container Labeling
- Primary Container Labels
Primary container labels on hazardous chemicals and products provided by manufactures and suppliers are required to have six elements. The six elements are pictograms (see below), a signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”), hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier (produ… - Secondary Container Labels
Secondary containers not for immediate use* must be labeled, at minimum, with the Product Identifier and the hazards of the chemical. The hazards may be communicated with words, pictures, symbols or a combination that provide at least general information about the hazards o…
Pictograms
- HCS 2012 requires pictograms on labels to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red or black diamond-shaped boarder and represents a distinct hazard(s). The pictogram on the label is determined by the chemical hazard classification. The nine pictog...
Safety Data Sheets
- HCS 2012 requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for every hazardous chemical supplied. SDSs, formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs, communicate the hazards of hazardous chemical products. As of June 1, 2016, HCS 2012 requires SDSs to be in a uniform format, and include section numbers, headings…
Exempted Materials
- The Hazard Communication Standard does not apply to the following: 1. Any hazardous waste as such term is defined by the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, when subject to regulations issued under that Act by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2. Any hazardous substance as such term is defined b…
Training and Assistance
- Contact Dustin Robbinsif you or your department would like to schedule Hazard Communication Training or for assistance with chemical labeling, SDS management or any other aspect of hazard communication. Training can be delivered through an online training module, in-person or using a combination of the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if a chemical or product is hazardous? 1. All hazardous chemicals and products purchased after November 30, 2015 will be communicated as such on their respective label and SDS. An easy way to tell if a chemical or product is hazardous under HCS is by the presence of a Pictogram, Signal Word or Hazard Statement. For chemicals purchased prior to December 1, 20…