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Labeling and Posting
Labels Labels are required for all primary and secondary
containers of hazardous materials . Primary containers are the original containers received from the manufacturer; secondary containers are cans, squeeze bottles and other vessels to which
hazardous materials are transferred by an employee. Labels on primary containers must:
- Show the name of the material (must be the same name as listed on the MSDS);
- Provide hazard warning information appropriate for employee protection;
- List the name and address of the manufacturer, and
- Be legible and prominently displayed.
Labels on secondary containers must be marked or labeled with the name of the chemical(s) and hazard warnings. This is to be done by the employee.
Labels showing hazard warnings are available from Stores.
Note: Peroxide forming chemicals and other
unstable/reactive compounds will be marked with the date received and date opened.Consult the peroxide former(s) control procedures in the CHSP for further information.
Most labels will provide additional safety information to help you protect yourself while working with this substance. This includes protective measures to be used when
handling the material, clothing that should be worn, first aid instructions, storage information and procedures to follow in the event of a fire, leak or spill.
If you find a container with no label, report it to your supervisor. You should also report labels that are torn or illegible so that the label can be replaced immediately.
Existing labels on new containers of hazardous chemicals should never be removed or defaced, except when empty! If you use secondary working containers that will take more than one work shift to
empty, or if there is a chance that someone else will handle the container before you finish it, you must label it. This is part of your responsibility to help protect co-workers.
Read the label (and MSDS) each time you use a newly purchased chemical. It is possible the manufacturer may have added new hazard information or reformulated the product since your
last purchase, and thus altered the potential hazards you face while working with the product. All employees involved in unpacking chemicals are responsible for inspecting each incoming container
to insure that it is labeled with the information outlined above. The Chemical Hygiene and Safety Program Manager should be notified if containers do not have proper labels.
Some laboratories may synthesize or develop new chemical substances on occasion. If the composition of the substance/intermediate is known and will be used exclusively in the laboratory, the
laboratory worker must label the substance/intermediate and determine, to the best of his/her abilities, the hazardous properties (e.g. corrosive, flammable, reactive, toxic, etc.) of the
substance. This can often be done by comparing the structure of the new substance with the structure of similar materials with known hazardous properties. If the chemical produced is of unknown
composition, it must be assumed to be hazardous and appropriate precautions taken.Posting Area Entrances
Entrances to shop areas where hazardous materials are present or where hazardous operations are conducted must be identified with a
Pictogram Hazard Key which indicates the hazard types in the work area (such as corrosives and carcinogens) and emergency contact information.
Line managers are responsible for ensuring that entrances are appropriately posted.
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