Containers of hazardous chemicals are to be labeled as described below. Labels for stationary and portable containers will be provided by each department and in most cases can be purchased through Central Stores, the vendor, or printed in-house.

The OSHA 1910.1450(h) hazard identification requirements allow for certain containers not to be labeled in a lab. Hazardous chemicals obtained from a manufacturer or supplier must be shipped with certain labels already affixed to the container. The labels placed on the container by the manufacturer/supplier are required to have the identity of the hazardous substance, appropriate hazard warning, and the name and address of the manufacturer. Labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals at UWSP (e.g. from the manufacturer) should remain on the container and protected against damage.

Even though manufacturers and suppliers have the primary responsibility in labeling containers of hazardous chemicals, UWSP is responsible for appropriate labeling of secondary containers of chemicals (i.e., when dispensed into another container from a primary container) or relabeling original containers when the label becomes defaced or is removed. Unless approved by the Department CHO under the standard, or is allowed or meets the below secondary label exemption, secondary containers of hazardous chemicals in the lab or those with defaced manufacturer labels are to be labeled, tagged, marked, or otherwise identified with the following legible and prominently displayed information:

• Identity of the hazardous chemical(s), matching the SDS name.

• Appropriate hazard warnings, or alternatively, words, pictures, symbols, or a combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees will provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical. Hazard warning means any words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof appearing on a label or other appropriate form of warning which convey the specific physical and health hazards, including any target organ effects, of the chemicals(s) in the container(s). The hazard warning may require a brief statement of the physical and health hazard effects of the chemical (i.e., "flammable," "causes lung damage," etc.).

TIP: Use the information provided on the manufacturer label or SDS when developing secondary labels.

Additional Resource: Environmental Protection Agency-Label Container Examples

Secondary container labeling exemption: UWSP is not required to label secondary containers into which hazardous chemicals are transferred from labeled containers, and which are intended only for the immediate use of the employee or lab personnel (who know the identity of the chemical) for a class period or shift. If the container is used beyond this timeframe or removed from the laboratory facility, the container is to be labeled properly following the above requirements. GHS labeling requirements should be followed.

NOTE: For Hazardous Waste containers, the label must contain the above information as well as the words "Hazardous Waste" and the appropriate date of waste generation or appropriate satellite accumulation date requirements. Contact an EHS Specialist and visit the UW-Stevens Point Hazardous Waste Management page for more information.

When working with hazardous chemicals, routine personal protective equipment may include a laboratory coat (or equivalent) and protective eyewear. Special procedures may require special protective equipment on a case-by-case basis. For example, gloves made of chemically compatible material should be worn for work with strong corrosives or with particularly hazardous substances as applicable. If such special procedures are routinely encountered, they should be included in the standard operating procedures for the department.

Departments should assess the laboratories to determine if hazards are present or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment. A written hazard assessment must be completed and on file for each employee position. Contact an EHS Specialist for guidance on completing these PPE hazard assessments.

Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

See, Chemical Hygiene Plan Section 5.5 for more details.

Follow UWSP Emergency Management Procedures for specific emergency response for the given emergency situation.

For chemical spills, follow the UWSP Emergency Management Plan's Hazardous Materials Release procedure.

A sign will be posted near appropriate laboratory doors or near the entrances with emergency contact information, emergency telephone numbers, the responsible laboratory supervisor or pertinent personnel, appropriate chemical warnings, safety instructions, and other pertinent information.

Caution and warning signs indicating special or unusual hazards shall be posted as necessary and deemed appropriate by the EHS Specialist, Principal Human Resources Officer, Lab Supervisor, or Department. For sign definitions see the Sign Explanations document. Chemicals likely requiring signage are particularly hazardous substances as discussed on section 5.9 of Chemical Hygiene Plan. For more details, see the Chemical Hygiene Plan section 5.8 and 5.9.