Labels

Proper labels must be applied to any container that could contain bloodborne pathogens. This includes the containers for storing and shipping contaminated sharps, other waste, and specimens as discussed in previous sections. It also includes contaminated laundry, contaminated equipment, and refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious materials. These labels must either contain the international biohazard symbol, as shown here, or must be labelled "BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE" or "SHARPS WASTE," as appropriate. This labelling must be obvious to anyone who might have to handle the container.

The labels must be entirely or mostly fluorescent orange or red-orange unless the container itself is orange or red-orange. The lettering must be in a contrasting color so that it is easily read. The labels must either be a part of the container itself, or fixed to the container in a way that prevents them from being accidentally removed.

These labels do not need to be applied to blood or blood-products whose contents are already labeled and have been released for transfusion or other clinical use. The labels also do not need to be applied to individual containers of blood or OPIM that are inside a larger, properly labeled container.

To learn more about Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training web page.