Other Types of Labels

DOT Labels

Labels for hazardous packages must meet appropriate DOT requirements and should be English, affixed to the hazardous material, and be prominently displayed on a container or readily available within a work area. DOT labels give information in four ways: color, symbol at the top, words stating the hazard class, and class number at the bottom. Other such written material, such as a placard, may indicate the hazardous material in place of a label as long as it contains equally identifiable information. You must not remove or deface labels.

OSHA Labels

OSHA requires additional labeling based on the NFPA system by taking the 1-4 ratings in health, flammability, and reactivity and converting them to standards used for signs. These signs include the following:

• Danger sign
• Warning sign
• Caution sign

HMIS Labels

Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) labels take the principals of the NFPA and apply them to personal protective clothing when working with various hazardous chemicals. PPE is identified by symbols that represent the equipment that should be used. All members of a team should wear appropriate protective clothing when dealing with hazardous materials.

Pipe Labels

In some confined spaces, there is piping that carries corrosives, flammables, or combustibles, which can be potential hazards if leaked into a confined space. If you are a competent person supervisor working within a confined space that may contain piping, you must familiarize yourself with the ANSI or ASME A13.1 Pipe Marking Standard to understand what pipe labels stand for.

While it is not necessary for you to memorize all labels associated with hazards, it is essential that you become familiar with them to understand their potential dangers and enable you to respond effectively in emergency situations.

To learn more about Confined Spaces Competent Person/Supervisor visit our Confined Spaces Competent Person/Supervisor Online Training web page.