Search

Small Containers a GHS Challenge for Chemical Industry

Posted on 2/26/2015 by Roger Marks

Get employees the GHS hazard communication training required by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.1200. 

Starting June 1 at workplaces where employees handle hazardous chemicals, compliance with OSHA’s revised hazard communication standard (HCS) is mandatory. The HCS was revised in 2012, when OSHA adopted chemical classification, labeling, and Safety Data Sheet requirements from the Globally Harmonized System for Classifying and Labeling Chemicals (GHS).
 
Under GHS HazCom rules, a standardized label is required for all workplace containers of hazardous chemicals.
 
At a recent Lion Technology GHS webinar, attendees raised a big concern: How can companies fit all the newly required GHS hazard information on a container too small for a traditional label?
 
Labeling Small Containers for GHS Compliance

GHS HazCom Labeling Requirements
 
GHS hazard communication labels must include six critical elements:
  • A product identifier (as used on the SDS);
  • The name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party;
  • A signal word;
  • Pictograms;
  • Hazard statements; and
  • Precautionary statements. [29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(1)]
OSHA has been firm that container size is not an excuse for not using GHS labels. While the revised HazCom Standard lists no minimum size requirement for GHS pictograms or text, HazCom labels must be legible, in English, and prominently displayed on the container. [29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(10)]
 
OSHA Guidance on GHS Labeling for Small Containers  
 
In a series of interpretation letters to industry, OSHA has suggested alternate labeling options for containers too small for traditional glue-on labels. Manufacturers can use pull-out labels, fold-back labels, attached tags, or other methods to make sure the container is labeled in compliance with GHS standards. If the manufacturer can show that the above options are not feasible, OSHA allows for an abbreviated label on a small shipped container, provided the outside packaging displays the elements required by 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(1). Read OSHA’s GHS labeling guidance at the links below:
 
June 4, 2013 Letter to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
September 11, 2013 Letter to Henkel Corporation
September 20, 2013 Letter to the US Pharmacopeial Convention
 

Tags: GHS, HazCom, marks and labels, materials handling, osha

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.