Whether you’re storing adhesives, solvents, treated wood, or other chemical-based construction materials, proper labeling of hazardous materials isn’t just good housekeeping—it’s the law. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and standards like GHS (Globally Harmonized System) require clear, accurate, and consistent labeling to keep workers safe and your operation compliant.
Here’s how to get it right—and keep your facility inspection-ready.
✅ 1. Use OSHA- and GHS-Compliant Label Formats
Why it matters:
Improper or missing labels are one of the most common OSHA violations—and they’re easy to avoid when you use the correct format.
Best Practices:
Include the product identifier, matching the name on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Display the appropriate GHS pictograms (e.g., flame, skull and crossbones, health hazard)
Add a signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”) to indicate severity
List hazard statements (e.g., “Causes skin irritation”) and precautionary statements
Include the supplier/manufacturer contact info
Always make sure secondary containers (not just the original packaging) are labeled correctly.
✅ 2. Train Employees on Reading and Using Labels
Why it matters:
Labels are only useful if employees understand them—and know when and how to use the information.
Best Practices:
Incorporate label training into new-hire onboarding and annual safety refreshers
Review GHS symbols and what they mean for PPE and material handling
Post a “Label Quick Guide” in break rooms, loading zones, and chemical storage areas
Conduct short safety huddles around new or updated materials
Make label comprehension part of your everyday safety culture—not just a training day checkbox.
✅ 3. Label All Secondary Containers
Why it matters:
Transferring materials into unlabeled spray bottles, buckets, or containers is a major violation—and a serious hazard if the material is flammable or reactive.
Best Practices:
Immediately label any container used to store hazardous materials outside the original package
Use pre-printed secondary container labels or write the required information clearly and legibly
Never use abbreviations or codes only understood internally—labels must be universally clear
Include expiration or use-by dates where applicable
This one step can prevent accidents, misapplication, and regulatory penalties.
✅ 4. Perform Regular Label Inspections
Why it matters:
Over time, labels can fade, peel, or become unreadable due to dust, moisture, or wear and tear.
Best Practices:
Include label checks as part of daily or weekly safety inspections
Replace damaged, missing, or outdated labels immediately
Use durable, weather-resistant labels in outdoor or high-humidity areas
Store spare label stock for common materials so replacements are quick and consistent
Document label checks just like equipment or PPE inspections.
✅ 5. Keep Labels and SDS in Sync
Why it matters:
Every hazardous product must have a matching Safety Data Sheet, and the label must reflect the same classification and details.
Best Practices:
Ensure the label’s hazard class, pictograms, and safety precautions match the SDS
Update labels when a product’s formulation or regulatory classification changes
Store SDSs in a central, accessible location—digitally or in binders
Make it easy for workers to find the SDS for any labeled material on site
Your ERP or EHS system can help link SDS records to product SKUs for accuracy and traceability.
✅ 6. Label Disposal and Spill Cleanup Materials Too
Why it matters:
Rags, containers, or tools used with hazardous substances can themselves become hazardous—and must be labeled during use, transport, or disposal.
Best Practices:
Clearly label spill kits, hazardous waste drums, and used material containers
Use “Hazardous Waste” labels with accumulation start dates where required
Follow DOT guidelines for labeling materials in transit
Separate incompatible waste types and label each container individually
This helps prevent cross-contamination, accidental exposure, and regulatory issues during disposal.
✅ 7. Standardize Across All Locations
Why it matters:
If your business has multiple yards or warehouses, inconsistent labeling practices increase risk and make compliance harder to manage.
Best Practices:
Use standardized labeling templates and procedures across all sites
Train all staff on the same system, regardless of location
Centralize label creation and distribution through your safety or compliance team
Periodically audit sites for compliance with company-wide standards
Uniform practices make inspections easier and reduce confusion for shared teams or floating staff.
Final Thought
Hazardous material labeling isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a frontline defense for workplace safety. When done right, it helps your team handle materials with confidence, respond to incidents quickly, and avoid unnecessary risks and fines.
Make labeling part of your daily workflow, supported by training, tools, and accountability—and you’ll build a safer, smarter operation from the ground up.
