Chemical Containers (Correct Labeling)

Follow the guidelines below to ensure that your container is labeled properly:

Incoming shipments of hazardous substances must have the original Manufacturer’s Label.

Do not accept delivery of hazardous substances if the original manufacturer’s label(s) have been damaged, obscured or removed.
Do not remove or deface these original labels while the original substance is still inside.
If the label becomes damaged then contact your Supervisor or the CHO for help in obtaining a replacement label.

As per HAZCOM 2012, Manufacturer’s Labels must include the six required label elements attached to the container:

Product Identifier: This can be (but is not limited to) the chemical name, code number or batch number
Supplier Info (Name, Address, and Telephone Number)
Signal Word: Used to indicate the relative level of severity of the hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on 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.
Pictogram(s)
Hazard Statement(s)
Precautionary Statement(s): Precautionary Statements describe recommended measures (including PPE) that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to the hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling.
- There are four types of Precautionary Statements:
  - Prevention (guideline to minimize exposure; e.g., “Wear eye/face protection”)
  - Response (instructions in case of accidental spillage or exposure; emergency response; and first-aid)
  - Storage
  - Disposal

You Do Not Need to Label a Container if:

You are the only person using it, AND
You do not leave the container unattended, AND
The container is emptied at the end of your day, shift, or work procedure (whichever time frame is shortest).
Such a container is called an “Immediate Use” container.

You DO Need to Label a Container if:

You leave the container unattended.
For example, you pour oil-based paint/paint thinner from the original manufacturer’s container into a new container and then leave the area to take your morning break. lunch, etc.
- Such a container is now considered a Secondary Container and so must be labeled appropriately.

When you transfer a chemical from its original container to another container (e.g., squirt bottle, non-original screw-top bottle), the container you transfer it into is called a Secondary Container.
Secondary Chemical Container labels must include (1) the name of the container’s contents, and (2) the Hazard Class(es) of the container’s substance.

Use one of these two options to label your Secondary Chemical Containers:

Option 1:
• Name: Write out entire name of substance
• Hazard Class:

• Write out the substance’s Hazard Classes (e.g., “Corrosive”) OR

• Use the correct GHS Pictogram sticker (use the SDS to determine the proper GHS pictograms; Supervisors have GHS Pictogram Stickers).

Option 2:
• Name: Use Acronyms (e.g., EtOH for Ethanol), or symbols to label your container.
– Post a highly visible Chemical Abbreviation Key that lists the chemical name of the associated acronym, or symbol. Note: this key must be posted in each separated work room.
– You can download this Chemical Abbreviation Key and modify it for your work space
• Hazard Class: Write out the substance’s Hazard Classes (e.g., “Corrosive”) or use the correct GHS Pictogram sticker (use the SDS to determine the proper GHS pictograms; Supervisors have GHS Pictogram stickers).