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OSHA
OSHA requires the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor to ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged, or marked with:
- Product identifier;
- Signal word;
- Hazard statement(s);
- Pictogram(s);
- Precautionary statement(s); and
- Name, U.S. address, and U.S. telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party.
For solid materials, the required label may be transmitted to the customer at the time of initial shipment, and need not be included with subsequent shipments to the same employer unless the information on the label changes.
OSHA requires that the product identifier used on the label should match the product identifier used on the safety data sheet and the chemical list. Unlike GHS, OSHA requires a precautionary statement(s).
OSHA has adopted all of the GHS pictograms except the environmental pictogram. OSHA only requires a red border on pictograms when the container is shipped. In-house workplace labels may use a black border on pictograms.
GHS
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, or GHS, requires that where a substance or mixture is covered by the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, the UN proper shipping name should also be used on the package.
The GHS requires that the label for a substance should include the chemical identity of the substance. For mixtures or alloys, the label should include the chemical identities of all ingredients or alloying elements that contribute to acute toxicity, skin corrosion or serious eye damage, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, skin or respiratory sensitization, or Target Organ Systemic Toxicity (TOST), when these hazards appear on the label. Alternatively, the Competent Authority may require the inclusion of all ingredients or alloying elements that contribute to the hazard of the mixture or alloy.
The GHS has identified nine pictograms: flame, flame over circle, exploding bomb, corrosion, gas cylinder, skull and crossbones, exclamation point, environment, health hazard.
Pictograms prescribed by the GHS but not the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, should have a black symbol on a white background with a red frame sufficiently wide to be clearly visible. However, when such a pictogram appears on a label for a package which will not be exported, the Competent Authority may choose to give suppliers and employers discretion to use a black border. In addition, Competent Authorities may allow the use of UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations pictograms in other use settings where the package is not covered by the Model Regulations.
Pictograms prescribed by the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, will use a background and symbol color as specified by those regulations.
A precautionary statement means a phrase (and/or pictogram) that describes recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product, or improper storage or handling of a hazardous product. While the GHS recommends the use of the precautionary statements, their use is not mandatory.