Chemical Container Labels

Labels on chemicals/products shipped from the manufacturer must be consistent with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) as required by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-901-140.

• The label on an original chemical container must be legible and written in English.
• The label must include the chemical/product name (as shown on the SDS) and the manufacturer's name and address.
• Do not accept materials if the label is illegible or missing required information. (Refer to the sample original label below).

The Washington Administrative Code requires six elements on original labels:

1. Product name
2. Manufacturer's name and contact information
3. Signal word (e.g., "danger" or "warning")
4. Hazard statement(s) (e.g., "toxic if inhaled" or "combustible liquid")
5. GHS pictogram(s)
6. Precautionary statements (e.g., "Keep container tightly closed")

Avoid damaging the original container’s label, if possible. If a container label becomes damaged or is no longer readable, a new label must be prepared that includes the six required WAC elements to comply with GHS rules.

If you transfer a hazardous chemical into a secondary container, the secondary container must be correctly labeled to ensure workers are readily aware of the contents and understand the hazards.

The Hazard Communication Standard requires secondary chemical container labels contain at least the following information:

• Identity of the contents (spell out chemical names)
• Signal word, if known or suspected (e.g., “danger”, “warning”)
• Hazards, if known or suspected (e.g., “flammable”, “corrosive”, “irritant”)

Words, symbols, pictures, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) pictograms, or a combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the chemical’s physical and health hazards can be used on the secondary container label. 

It is best practice to label the working solution with the name of the person preparing the solution and the date of preparation. Information about the signal word, hazards and the precautionary statements from the label, can be obtained from the SDS, but dilutions and reactions may change the hazards and their severity.

The label can include additional information, such as the composition of chemicals and percent concentration in the container, the date the chemical was received, the date a container was opened (if the chemical could degrade or react over time), the name of the person who prepared the chemical, or any other information useful for safe and efficient use.

Employees in the workplace must be able to readily understand the chemical and hazard information on a secondary container label. Abbreviations or acronyms should not be used on the labels.

Secondary container labels are not required if both of the following apply:

1. The reagent, stock solution and chemicals mixed for use are under the direct control of the person who transferred or prepared it, and
2. The container will be emptied during that person’s work shift.

Secondary Container Label A (PDF)

• Fillable PDF or print blank
• Formatted for printing on Avery 5163 labels (2” x 4” label, 8 labels/ 8 ½” x 11” page)

Label A shows:

• Chemical/product name
• Hazard check boxes
• Name of preparer and date

Secondary Container Label C (Word)

• Fillable Word format or print blank
• Formatted for printing on Avery 5163 labels
• Select and delete pictograms not relevant

Label C shows:

• Chemical/product name
• Chemical composition
• GHS hazard pictograms
• Name of preparer and date