Safety Tidbit #2.16 – A Little Bit on Hazardous Chemical
Labeling
Sources: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
In
almost every workplace that I visit, I find unlabeled containers of hazardous
materials. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires the employer to label,
tag or mark each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
[1910.1200(f)(6)] They don’t care how big or small the container, it has to
labeled, tagged or marked. Also, OSHA prohibits the employer from defacing or
removing any labels and if they do they must immediately relabel it.
[1910.1200(f)(9)]
However,
two exemptions that come into play, first, if the hazardous chemicals are
transferred from a labeled container, and are intended only for the immediate
use of the employee who performs the transfer. [1910.1200(f)(8)] Make sure it’s
for immediate use, though. If the container is left somewhere then you are out
of compliance, or, if more than one person is around the chemical, then you
need to label the container. Second, and this one is a bit longer, the employer
may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures,
or other such written materials instead of affixing labels to individual
stationary process containers. So long as the alternative method identifies the
containers to which it is applicable and conveys the same information as the
label. [1910.1200(f)(7)] The employer must ensure the written materials are
“readily accessible” to the employees in their work area throughout each work
shift. The proof is in the pudding for this part, reality, can the employee
explain what the hazards are in the container? If so, then you’re golden! If
not, label it.
So
what is required to be on the label? Well you’re not going to like this but
here goes:
•
Product identifier
•
Signal word
•
Hazard statement(s)
•
Pictogram(s)
•
Precautionary statement(s) and,
•
Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical
manufacturer, importer, or another responsible party
Furthermore,
the employer shall ensure that workplace labels or other forms of warning are
legible, in English, and prominently displayed on the container, or readily
available in the work area throughout each work shift. Employers having
employees who speak other languages may add the information in their language
to the material presented, as long as the information is presented in English
as well. [1910.1200(f)(10)]
Lastly,
chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, or employers who become newly
aware of any significant information regarding the hazards of a chemical shall
revise the labels. The revision must be done within six months of becoming
aware of the new information. [1910.1200(f)(11)]
Hope this was helpful and
thanks for reading my Safety Tidbits ~ Bryan
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