Labels - Wording

OSHA requires the following specific information to be included on labels:

• Name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer or distributor:
  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
• Product identifier - The way in which the hazardous chemical is identified. The manufacturer, importer, or distributor can decide the appropriate product identifier. The label may include one of the following identifiers:
  • Chemical name
  • Code number
  • Batch number
• Signal Words - There are only two signal words: "Danger" and "Warning." Note that Appendix C to §1910.1200, which is titled Allocation of Label Elements (Mandatory), states the following in regard to hazard information: "C.2.1.1 If the signal word 'Danger' is included, the signal word 'Warning' shall not appear."
  • "Danger" indicates more severe hazards.
  • "Warning" indicates less severe hazards.
• Hazard statements. - Describes the chemical's specific hazards. For example, a hazard statement may state the following: "Causes damage to kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure when absorbed through the skin."
  • All applicable hazard statements must appear on the label.
  • Hazard statements may be combined where appropriate to reduce redundancies and improve readability.
  • Hazard statements are specific to the hazard classification categories, and anyone working with the chemical should always see the same statement for the same hazards no matter what the chemical is or who produces it.
• Precautionary statements - Describe the actions one should take after exposure to a hazardous chemical. There are four types of precautionary statements.
  1. Prevention (to minimize exposure)
  2. Response (in case of accidental spillage or an emergency response to exposure, and first aid)
  3. Storage
  4. Disposal
• Pictograms
• Supplemental information - If the employer decides to include information about the chemical on the label that is above and beyond what the standard requires, it may list this information under what is considered "supplementary information."
  • Directions of use
  • Expiration date
  • Fill date (the date the container was filled)
  • Additional instructions or information that the manufacturer, importer, or distributor finds helpful
  • Information specific to the process in which the chemical is used
  • Any other potential hazards
  • The percentage of ingredients of unknown acute toxicity

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