Chemical Labels
Labels on chemicals are your first line of defense to know what you are using and what, if any, special precautions or PPE should be used.
Many chemicals and other substances are hazardous if not used properly. You can be safe if you know which are hazardous, what the hazards are, and how to work with them safely. You can detect many of these hazards by reading the labels.
Every container of hazardous material has a label—a good place to start. Label information usually includes:
Many chemicals and other substances are hazardous if not used properly. You can be safe if you know which are hazardous, what the hazards are, and how to work with them safely. You can detect many of these hazards by reading the labels.
Every container of hazardous material has a label—a good place to start. Label information usually includes:
- What’s in the container
- What type of hazard might be present
- Special instructions
- How to protect yourself
- Basic first aid.
Remember the following important guidelines:
- Every container should have a label. DON’T USE IT IF IT DOESN’T!
- Report missing or illegible labels.
- Even portable containers should have labels.
- Read labels before using.
- Always follow the instructions on labels.
- Ask your supervisor if you don’t understand the information.
- Read the label first before starting to work with any chemical.
- Always refer to the MSDS for more detailed information.
- Ask a supervisor if you have any questions.
- Most important: use the information on labels and MSDSs to protect your health and safety.
The label doesn’t tell everything, but it’s a good starting point—read it first!
Chemical Label Colors And Numbers
When your using the various chemicals we use, watch for special symbols—pictures with words, such as flammable, poison, etc.
Labels also have special colors, which represent the following:
The white part of the label can show different types of information such as:
Read the labels first and then consult the MSDS if there are any more questions.
When your using the various chemicals we use, watch for special symbols—pictures with words, such as flammable, poison, etc.
Labels also have special colors, which represent the following:
- Red means fire hazard
- Yellow means reactivity hazard
- Blue means health hazard.
- 0 = means minimal hazard
- 1 = means slight hazard
- 2 = means moderate hazard
- 3 = means serious hazard
- 4 = means severe hazard
The white part of the label can show different types of information such as:
- On National Fire Protection Association labels, white shows special information such as acid, corrosive, radioactive, etc.
- On Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) labels, the white part tells what kind of PPE to use.
Read the labels first and then consult the MSDS if there are any more questions.
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