Revised February, 2021 Show
3.1 Labeling of Incoming (Shipped) ChemicalsChemical 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. 3.2 Label Information for Incoming (Shipped) ChemicalsIncoming 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.
3.3 Hazard Classification and RatingsChemical manufacturers and importers are responsible for evaluating chemicals and assigning applicable health and physical hazards. Specific criteria has been established for the classification of chemical health and physical hazards, with many hazard classes sub-divided into hazard categories based on the severity of the hazard. 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 character, the higher the hazard. The following two tables provide a summary of the hazard classes and associated hazard category ratings. The hazard rating scheme required by the HCS is in contrast to the commonly used National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 System (represented by the “fire diamond”) and the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS). Both of these systems use a numerical hazard rating scheme where “1” indicates the lowest hazard and “4” indicates the highest hazard. Tables 1 and 2 summarize the health and physical hazards that manufacturers and importer must consider when classifying a chemical under the OSHA HCS. Table 1. Chemical Health Hazard Classifications
3.4 Hazard Category PictogramsThe HCS requires pictograms on chemical 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 border and represents a distinct hazard category. The pictograms included on a specific chemical label are determined by the chemical hazard classification. The pictograms that may be used are shown below, with each chemical label including all pictograms that are applicable. Health Hazard
Flame
Exclamation Mark
Gas Cylinder
Corrosion
Exploding Bomb
Flame over Circle
Environment *(Non Mandatory)
Skull and Crossbones
3.5 Replacement LabelsEach 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. 3.6 Secondary ContainersWhen transferring material to a secondary container (e.g. bucket, spray bottle, can, or jar), the person accomplishing the transfer must ensure that the secondary container is compatible with the material, and that the container is labeled as described in section 3.5. 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. What information is mandatory on chemical container labels?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 is not mandatory on chemical container labels?Employees in the workplace must be able to readily understand the chemical and hazard information on a secondary container label. Abbreviations or acronyms should not be used on the labels.
What 3 things must be listed on a chemical transfer container label?GHS Label Requirements: The Six Elements. Signal Word. The signal word indicates hazard level. ... . GHS Symbols (Hazard Pictograms) ... . Manufacturer Information. ... . Precautionary Statements / First Aid. ... . Hazard Statements. ... . Product Name or Identifiers.. What is on a chemical label?All labels on incoming chemicals must include the product identifier, supplier identification, precautionary statements, hazard pictograms, a signal word, hazard statements, and supplemental information.
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