Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals
Original Containers
Each hazardous chemical must be appropriately labeled to ensure that employees can easily identify the contents of the container and the hazards associated with the chemical product. When hazardous chemicals first arrive at your facility or worksite, they will be in the original container from the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor. Original containers may be in the form of totes, drums, cans, or bottles, and are required to be labeled with the following information: (1) product identifier; (2) signal word; (3) hazard statement(s); (4) pictogram(s); (5) precautionary statement(s); and (6) manufacturer or importer contact information.
Original Container Exceptions
Original containers that are less than or equal to 100 mL in capacity, and not capable of complying with typical labeling requirements due to their size, must be labeled with the following information: (1) product identifier; (2) pictogram(s); (3) signal word; (4) chemical manufacturer’s name and phone number; and (5) a statement that additional information regarding the hazardous chemical is provided on the immediate outer package.
Original containers that are less than or equal to 3 mL in capacity, and not capable of complying with typical labeling requirements due to their size, must be labeled with the product identifier.
Importantly, the immediate outer package of all containers that fall under this exception must include: (1) all typical labeling requirements, as mentioned in the section above, and (2) a statement that the small container(s) inside must be stored within the fully labeled outer package when not in use.
Secondary Containers
When a chemical is transferred from the original container to a secondary container, the secondary container must be appropriately labeled as well. In particular, secondary containers must be labeled with either: (1) the same information required to be included on the original container, as mentioned above, or (2) the product name and words, pictures, symbols, or a combination thereof that provides at least general physical and health hazards associated with the chemical. Such information can be used along with the safety data sheet to identify specific information regarding physical and health hazards.
Secondary Container Exceptions
A secondary container does not need labeled if: (1) the container will remain under the exclusive control of the employee who made the transfer, and (2) the entire contents of the container will be used by the end of the work shift in which the transfer originally occurred.
Additional Reminders
Chemical labels must not be defaced or removed.
Hazardous chemicals should not be transferred into water bottles, soda bottles, sport drink bottles, etc.
If a product is not considered a hazardous chemical, the container should still be labeled to prevent confusion and provide adequate notification to employees without firsthand knowledge of its contents.
