An OSHA label is any written, printed, or graphic material displayed on or affixed to equipment; a container; regulated waste, scrap, or debris; or other item. Labels are intended to warn, inform, instruct, and/or prohibit employees. However, labels are not intended to be either the sole, or the most complete, source of information regarding the nature or identity of the item.
Note: When the name of the contents of a pipe is identified on the pipe, it is said to be marked, not labeled. We do not cover pipe marking in this EZ explanation for labeling. See our ezExplanation for Signs, tags, and marking.
Scope
OSHA does not have a comprehensive regulation for labeling. Instead, label requirements are found in a number of 29 CFR 1910 regulations (see a list below). Whether the labeling requirements apply to you depends if you fall under the scope and applicability of the specific regulation and the labeling requirement(s) itself.
Key definitions
- Container: Any bag, barrel, bottle, box, can, cylinder, drum, reaction vessel, storage tank, or the like that contains a hazardous chemical. For purposes of federal OSHA 1910.1200, pipes or piping systems, and engines, fuel tanks, or other operating systems in a vehicle, are not considered to be containers.
- Hazard communication label: An appropriate group of written, printed, or graphic information elements concerning a hazardous chemical that is affixed to, printed on, or attached to the immediate container of a hazardous chemical, or to the outside packaging.
- Hazard communication label elements: The specified pictogram, hazard statement, signal word and precautionary statement for each hazard class and category of the hazardous chemical.
- Label: Any written, printed, or graphic material displayed on or affixed to equipment; a container; regulated waste, scrap, or debris; or other item. Labels are not intended to be either the sole, or the most complete, source of information regarding the nature or identity of the item.
Summary of requirements
- For two- and four-point suspended working platforms, ensure an emergency electric operating device is provided on roof powered platforms. Also ensure the emergency electric operating device is mounted in a secured compartment that is labeled with instructions for use. See 1910.66.
- Label vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms in accordance with ANSI A92.2-1969, Standard for Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms. See 1910.67.
- Label compressed gas cylinders in accordance with both 1910.1200 and, under certain conditions, also label them in accordance with Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Pamphlet C-7, Guide to the Preparation of Precautionary Labeling and Marking of Compressed Gas Containers. CGA Pamphlet C-7 is referenced by CGA Pamphlet P-1-1965, Safe Handling of Compressed Gases, which is referenced by 1910.101.
- Label acetylene cylinders in accordance with 1910.1200 and CGA Pamphlet G-1-2009, Acetylene. See 1910.102.
- Label flammable liquid storage cabinets, “Flammable—Keep Fire Away.” See 1910.106.
- With some exceptions, label all liquefied petroleum gas inlet and outlet connections to designate whether they communicate with vapor or liquid space, in accordance with 1910.110. Labels may be on valves.
- For systems utilizing portable Department of Transportation (DOT) containers, label anhydrous ammonia cylinders in accordance with DOT 49 CFR Chapter I and 1910.253(b)(1)(ii). See 1910.111.
- With some exceptions, label all anhydrous ammonia inlet and outlet connections to designate whether they communicate with vapor or liquid space, in accordance with 1910.111.
- Consider unlabeled drums and containers to contain hazardous substances and handle them accordingly until the contents are positively identified and labeled, under 1910.120.
- Ensure that all filters, cartridges, and canisters used in the workplace are labeled and color coded with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approval label and that the label is not removed and remains legible. See 1910.134.
- Certify a respirator by documenting the date the inspection was performed, the name (or signature) of the person who made the inspection, the findings, required remedial action, and a serial number or other means of identifying the inspected respirator. Provide this information on a tag or label that is attached to the storage compartment for the respirator, is kept with the respirator, or is included in inspection reports stored as paper or electronic files. This information must be maintained until replaced following a subsequent certification. See 1910.134.
- Ensure that approved powered industrial trucks bear a label or some other identifying mark indicating approval by the testing laboratory. See 1910.178.
- For overhead and gantry cranes, keep function labels legible on pendant control stations. See 1910.179.
- Conspicuously mark the direction of the saw rotation on the hood of a radial saw. In addition, a permanent label not less than 1 1⁄2 inches by 3⁄4 inch must be affixed to the rear of the guard at approximately the level of the arbor, reading as follows: “Danger: Do Not Rip or Plough From This End.” See 1910.213.
- On a mechanical power press equipped with a presence sensing device, affix a label to the presence sensing device noting the instructions for use of the test rod. See 1910.217.
- On a mechanical power press, affix a label to the press as part of: each installation certification/validation and the most recent recertification/revalidation. See 1910.217.
- Include in your hazard communication program the potentially hazardous materials employed in fluxes, coatings, coverings, and filler metals, all of which are potentially used in welding and cutting, or are released to the atmosphere during welding and cutting. Ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of such materials. Potentially hazardous materials include, but are not be limited to, the materials itemized in 1910.252(c)(5) through (c)(12).
- For welding, cutting, and brazing, ensure that the proper notice appears on all filler metals, fusible granular materials, and brazing and gas welding fluxes. See 1910.252.
- For oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting, ensure that compressed gas cylinders are legibly marked for the purpose of identifying the gas content, with either the chemical or the trade name of the gas. Such marking must be by means of stenciling, stamping, or labeling, and must not be readily removable. Whenever practical, the marking must be located on the shoulder of the cylinder.
- Do not use electric equipment unless the following markings have been placed on the equipment: (i) the manufacturer’s name, trademark, or other descriptive marking by which the organization responsible for the product may be identified; and (ii) other markings giving voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary. See 1910.303.
- Follow any other marking requirements in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S, Electrical, as applicable.
- Use labels to communicate bloodborne pathogens hazards. Warning labels must be affixed to containers of regulated waste; containers of contaminated reusable sharps; refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM); other containers used to store, transport, or ship blood or OPIM; contaminated equipment that is being shipped or serviced; and bags or containers of contaminated laundry, except as provided in 1910.1030. Facilities may use red bags or red containers instead of labels. See 1910.1030.
- Communicate chemical hazard information to employees through proper labels. See 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, including, but not limited to, 1910.1200, for requirements. For substance-specific regulations in Subpart Z, OSHA gives the legend text that must be used.
- Do not remove or deface existing labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals, unless the container is immediately marked with the required information. See 1910.1200.
- Ensure that in-house workplace labels or other forms of warning on hazardous chemicals are legible, in English, and prominently displayed on the container, or readily available in the work area throughout each work shift. If you have employees who speak other languages, you may add the information in their language to the material presented, as long as the information is presented in English as well. See 1910.1200.
- Train employees in any in-house workplace labeling system you use, such as the NFPA 704 or HMIS III labeling systems, and give an explanation of the labels received on shipped containers. See 1910.1200.
- Do not place any statements on or near a required toxic or hazardous substance label that contradicts or detracts from the effect of any required warning, information, or instruction. See 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z.
- Replace any soiled, unreadable, or missing labels.
- Ensure labels are readily visible and legible. See 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z.
- Ensure containers for chemical-contaminated clothing and equipment are labeled in accordance with the substance-specific regulations. See 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z.
- Ensure chemical-contaminated waste and debris are labeled in accordance with the substance-specific regulations. See 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z.
- If you receive a package of hazardous material which is required to be marked, labeled, or placarded in accordance with the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 171 through 180), retain those markings, labels and placards on the package until the packaging is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential hazards, in accordance with 1910.1201. Markings, placards, and labels must be maintained in a manner that ensures that they are readily visible. However, for non-bulk packages that will not be reshipped, the provisions of 1910.1201are met if a label or other acceptable marking is affixed in accordance with the Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200).
- For laboratories, ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced. If the chemical substance is produced for another user outside of the laboratory, comply with the Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200) including the requirements for preparation of labeling. See 1910.1450.
