Hazardous Materials: Strategies for Safety

Part 1: Identifying Common Hazardous Wastes

Part 2: Complying with OSHA's Hazardous Waste Standards

Part 3: Signage and Labeling Hazardous Materials

Part 4: Hazardous Materials: Proper Storage Strategies

Part 5: Managing Compressed-Gas Cylinders

Part 6: Necessary Supplies for Hazmat Emergencies

Part 7: Hazardous Materials: Focus on Flammables

Signage and Labeling Hazardous Materials

By Jeffery C. Camplin - October 2008

Once managers have identified hazardous materials, they need to communicate the hazards they present to those who would come into contact with the materials. Proper labeling on the containers or the products themselves can effectively meet this requirement.

OSHA requires the labeling of hazardous chemicals. But some products, such as cleaning solvents transferred to smaller containers for easier use by employees, might not have labels. Cleaning products mixed for daily use by employees do not necessarily require labeling unless their use extends beyond the work shift or to other employees.

Signs also are mandatory for storage cabinets, chemical-storage rooms, compressed-gas storage, and waste-storage areas. Managers often benefit from using commercially available labeling and signage software, which generates proper labels and signs compliant with regulations.

Managers also should be aware of new symbols now in use for labels and signs that conform to updated international standards. They will need to select software or buy labels and signs that comply with these new international standards.