Proper labeling ensures that hazards in a laboratory or work location are communicated and easily identifiable to anyone who works in or visits that area.
Requirements:
- Door signs for laboratories will be labeled with all hazards stored in the lab that are above threshold levels (see below).
- Shelves will be organized and labeled by hazard class or DDC.
- GHS pictogram labels will be placed on applicable secondary containers or secondary containment.
- Refrigerators will be labeled with appropriate hazards.
- Labels are required on experimental setups, pipes, and other containers that will contain chemicals for longer than one work shift, or will be left unattended.
Label Links, Downloads, and References:
Container, Cabinet, and Shelving Labels
Use the pictogram from the original container, unless the reagent was created or modified in a way that changes the hazard of the chemical. For information about each of the pictograms, see OSHA's quick reference guide.
Pre-printed labels for purchase:
- https://www.labelmaster.com/shop/labels/ghs-hazcom-and-nfpa-labels/ghs-labels/ghs-pictogram-labels
- https://www.mysafetylabels.com/ghs-labels
- https://www.xosafety.com/products/ghs-secondary-container-labels
Download blank labels to print:
- Blank Address Label-Sized GHS Labels (very small containers)
- Blank 10/sheet Sized GHS Labels with Contents
- Blank 2/sheet Fridge Contents Label
- Blank 2/sheet Storage Cabinet Contents Label
- 10/Sheet Peroxide Forming Chemical Labels
Design your own labels:
For any questions or issues regarding container labeling, contact the EHSO.
Door Signs
Door Labeling Requirements
Door Sign Procedure, Instructions, and Templates can be found on the DEHS website.
- Label the outside of laboratory doors so that emergency responders, facilities staff, and visitors are provided with information regarding the laboratory hazards and 24- hour contact information.
- All laboratories, support rooms and laboratory storage areas containing hazardous materials, hazardous equipment or other hazards shall be posted with standard hazard warning signage.
- It is recognized that minimum levels of hazardous materials do not represent a hazard to first responders. Therefore thresholds for concentration, activity and volume have been set for each category (see table below).
Hazard Class |
Threshold |
| Corrosive Liquids (pH < 3.5 or > 10.5) | 4 L |
| Flammable Liquids | 4 L |
| Flammable Solids | any amount |
| Flammable Gases | any amount |
| Oxidizers (liquid/solid) | 4 L/ 1 kg |
| Organic Peroxides | 1 kg |
| Water-reactive Chemicals | any amount |
| Pyrophoric (air-reactive) Chemicals | any amount |
| Radioactive Materials | any amount |
| Biosafety Level 1-2 Materials | any amount |
| Self-Reactive, Shock-, or Heat-sensitive Materials | any amount |
| Carcinogenic or Mutagenic Agents | 100 g |
| Highly Toxic Materials | 100 g |
| Gases Under Pressure (excluding aerosol cans) | any amount |
| Lasers (excluding completely enclosed and consumer) | Any class IIIb and IV laser |