Hazard Communication - LABELING PROCEDURE

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Overview:

To find out if the chemicals in your work area are hazardous read the label.

Labeling Procedure:

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires all chemical containers in the workplace be labeled with useful information. Chemical labels must contain the following information:

No hazardous chemicals will be accepted for use at the University, or shipped to any other location, unless the containers are labeled with this minimum information.

All labels will be legible, in English, and prominently displayed on the container. Question: If a bottle in a laboratory contains a salt water solution and is labeled NaCl solution, is this satisfactory for the Hazard Communication Standard? What do you think? (hint: Is NaCl English?)

Any portable chemical container not intended for immediate use by a single individual must be properly labeled. These containers may be labeled with an in-house label that contains the necessary information or employees may label the container with a grease pin or "sharpie".

Some hazardous chemicals are regulated by OSHA in a specific health standard. In this case these chemicals will be labeled in accordance with the requirements of the specific health standard.

Never deface or remove a label from a chemical container. Any container without a label should be reported immediately to the work area supervisor or Principal Investigator.

Conclusion:

All chemicals in the workplace must be labeled. Employee's have the "Right to Know" whether chemicals are present in their work area and any hazards associated with those chemicals. This information is on the label. Specific chemical information is contained in the Material Safety Data Sheet, read about those on the next page.

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Material Safety Data Sheets

Employer Written Program

Types of Exposure

Hazard Evaluation

Employee Training

Hazard Communication