Paragraph (f) of the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, is titled "Labels and other forms of warning.”:  http://www.ilpi.com/msds/osha/1910_1200.html#1910.1200(f) For workplace labels (ones that are not being shipped), you are either keeping compliant label that was one the stuff shipped to you or providing the important hazard/risk information that is conveyed on it:

(f)(6)

Workplace labeling. Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(7) and (f)(8) of this section, the employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with either:

(f)(6)(i)

The information specified under paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (v) for labels on shipped containers; or,

(f)(6)(ii)

Product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which 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 of the hazardous chemical.

(f)(7)

The employer may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures, or other such written materials in lieu of affixing labels to individual stationary process containers, as long as the alternative method identifies the containers to which it is applicable and conveys the information required by paragraph (f)(6) of this section to be on a label. The employer shall ensure the written materials are readily accessible to the employees in their work area throughout each work shift.

(f)(8)

The employer is not required to label portable containers into which hazardous chemicals are transferred from labeled containers, and which are intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performs the transfer. For purposes of this section, drugs which are dispensed by a pharmacy to a health care provider for direct administration to a patient are exempted from labeling.

Detailed discussion of workplace labels is found here: http://www.ilpi.com/msds/osha/cpl0202079.html#F.3 

Citation guidelines are found here: http://www.ilpi.com/msds/osha/cpl0202079.html#F.7

The question of how to handle small containers in the laboratory been asked and answered in this OSHA Interpretation: http://www.ilpi.com/msds/osha/I20150923.html  

This Interpretation from the previous version of the HazCom Standard (pre-GHS) titled "Labels on ampoules 5 mL or smaller” has some specific guidance.

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/osha/I20130920.html

I am sure list members will have great suggestions on how they handle small containers!

Rob Toreki

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On Jun 6, 2025, at 1:52 PM, Murphy, Dr. Ruth Ann <000019862d8e7db2-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**lists.princeton.edu> wrote:

Hello,

 

Regarding “Outdated Container Labels,” what must approved labels include? And are secondary containers, such as smaller bottles made available for student use, required to have the same amount of detailed labeling as bulk containers?

 

Many Thanks!

 

Ruth Ann

 

 

Ruth Ann Cook Murphy, Ph.D.

Professor of Chemistry

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

900 College Street

Belton, TX  76513-2599

Phone 254.295.4542

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