Hazard Communication Program

Labeling

The need for adequate labeling extends far beyond the immediate requirements of the individual user, since the individual user may not be present in case of fire or explosion when containers are broken or spilled. The individual user may not be around years later when the containers have deteriorated or otherwise lost their value. Therefore, do not use wax pencil markings, abbreviations, formulas only, code names, or numbers. All labeling will be in conformance with Michigan Right-to-Know legislation and the following:

• The immediate supervisor/faculty member for each work area or unit will be responsible for ensuring that all containers received or shipped are properly labeled.
  
  
• Labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals may not be removed or defaced unless the container is immediately marked with all of the required information.
  
  
• The labels on all containers will include:
  
  
  • The identity of the hazardous chemical(s); and

• Appropriate hazard warnings or combination of words, pictures, and symbols that provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under the hazard communication program, will provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards.
  
  The hazard warnings and information must also be in accordance with the labeling requirements of any substance-specific standards applicable to the chemical.

• Supervisors and faculty members will be responsible for ensuring that all portable containers used in their work areas are labeled with identity and hazard warning unless the chemical is used by the person who made the transfer and is present only during the shift the transfer was made.
  
  
• The faculty member supervising students or other employees who transport or ship laboratory preparations outside the laboratory or University shall ensure that the container is labeled in accordance with this document.
  
  
• Building utility pipes will be labeled with the common name of their contents, for example, natural gas, steam, hot water, etc.