01/11/2001 - Labeling requirements under the HAZCOM and Laboratory standards;use of safe needle devices.

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OSHA Hazard Communication Letters of Interpretation

Danette L. Pravidica, Technical Specialist
Laboratory Accreditation Programs
College of American Pathologists
325 Waukegan Road,
Northfield, Illinois 60093-2750

Question 1: Is it necessary to label each bottle of reagent even if it will be used in a timely manner?

Reply: The labeling requirement depends on the OSHA standard which covers your facility. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), at 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5) [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS; now 1910.1200(f)(6)] states "... the employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the work place is labeled, tagged or marked with... (i) Identity of the hazardous chemicals...and (ii) Appropriate hazard warnings, or alternatively, words, pictures, symbols or combination thereof,...to...provide the employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemicals." Paragraph 6 [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS; now 1910.1200(f)(7)] allows an employer to use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operation procedures, or other such written materials in lieu of labels, providing the required information is conveyed.

[ILPI note: At issuance: HCS 1994, pre-GHS archive. Former (f)(6) is now (f)(7) and concerns alternatives for individual stationary process containers, not an unrestricted alternative for every reagent bottle. The portable-container exception is now (f)(8) and retains all immediate-use conditions.]

OSHA's Laboratory Standard, at 29 CFR 1910.1450(h)(1)(i) [ILPI: Original 1990 laboratory-rule notice · Current Laboratory Standard] states that, "Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers...are not removed or defaced." Furthermore, if chemicals are developed in the laboratory, the employer need only provide the appropriate training as outlined in the standard. This standard covers only those facilities meeting the criteria of "laboratory use" and "laboratory scale" as defined therein.

The HCS [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS] requirements apply to all hazardous chemicals, defined as "... any chemical which is a physical or a health hazard." The Laboratory Standard applies to all hazardous chemicals meeting the definition of "laboratory use" and having a potential for employee exposure.

Paragraph (b) of the Laboratory Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450 [ILPI: Original 1990 laboratory-rule notice · Current Laboratory Standard], defines the "laboratory use of hazardous chemicals" to include the handling or use of hazardous chemicals where all of the following conditions are met: multiple chemical procedures or chemicals are used; the procedures involved are not part of a production process, nor in any way simulate a production process; and the chemical manipulations are carried out on a "laboratory scale." The definition of "laboratory scale" specifically excludes those workplaces which function to produce commercial quantities of materials.

Question 2: Are coding systems acceptable in place of writing precautionary information on secondary containers?

Reply: Please see our reply to your first question. Also, 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(7) [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS; now 1910.1200(f)(8)] states, "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 further information on labeling requirements, see OSHA's Compliance Instruction on the HCS, CPL 2-2.38D ILPI note: Original: CPL 2-2.38D (1998). Current: HCS inspection guidance., which will provide further guidance on chemical labeling and other aspects of the HCS. You can search for this document on OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

Question 3: Does this requirement apply only to hazardous chemicals or all chemicals used by the laboratory?

Scenario: "At an on-site inspection, an OSHA compliance Officer (CSHO) notices a laboratory NOT using safe needle devices. The laboratory claims that this is too costly and justifies their practice by stating there has been zero needlestick incidents."

Reply: The fact that the facility has "zero needlestick incidents" and such devices are too costly, does not prevent the issuance of a citation. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, states at (d)(2)(i) that, "Engineering and work practice controls shall be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure...." Citations will be issued to any employer that has not implemented engineering controls where feasible. OSHA's Compliance Instruction on the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is CPL 2-2.44D. This document states: "Where engineering controls will reduce employee exposure either by removing, eliminating or isolating the hazard, they must be used." If the employer is using one engineering control but there are other controls, such as "safe needle devices," available, then OSHA may issue a citation based on specifics of the investigation and the Compliance Safety and Health Officer's review of the exposure control plan. Employers must institute engineering and work practice controls as the primary means of eliminating employee exposure or reducing it to the lowest extent feasible. The key is to prevent potential employee exposure to needlesticks.

Section 17(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (The Act) states, "Any employer who has received a citation for a serious violation... shall be assessed a civil penalty of up to $7000 for each such violation." A serious violation is defined as a workplace condition which can cause death or serious physical harm. Again, for further guidance on this issue, you may wish to consult the Bloodborne Pathogens Compliance Instruction, CPL 2-2.44D which is available at OSHA's Internet Homepage site. Also, for further assistance or in response to other questions you may have, please feel free to contact OSHA's Chicago Regional Bloodborne Pathogens Coordinator at:

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretations of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

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OSHA Hazard Communication Letters of Interpretation