Labeling hazardous materials correctly isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety, liability prevention, and operational consistency. As we move further into 2025, updates to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (aligned with the Globally Harmonized System, or GHS) are influencing how building materials suppliers, transporters, and storage facilities must handle hazardous material labeling.
Here are the top 10 labeling requirements your business needs to follow this year to stay compliant and protect your workforce.
- Use of Standardized Pictograms
Labels must include GHS-approved pictograms that clearly communicate the hazard classification (e.g., flammable, corrosive, toxic). These are black symbols on a white background with a red diamond border and must not be altered or substituted.
- Signal Words: “Danger” or “Warning”
Only one signal word is allowed per label—either “Danger” (for more severe hazards) or “Warning” (for less severe). The presence of the signal word alerts handlers to the level of risk and cannot be omitted or customized.
- Product Identifier Must Be Clear and Consistent
This can be the chemical name, batch number, or code, but it must match what’s listed on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and used in employee training. Consistency is key across your facility and documentation.
- Supplier Identification
Every hazardous materials label must include the full name, address, and phone number of the manufacturer, importer, or responsible party. This ensures traceability and quick access to additional information in case of emergencies.
- Precautionary Statements
These standardized phrases provide instructions on prevention, response, storage, and disposal. For example: “Wear protective gloves,” “Store in a well-ventilated place,” or “Dispose of contents in accordance with local regulations.”
- Hazard Statements Must Match SDS Classifications
Each hazard class and category (e.g., “Causes severe skin burns and eye damage”) must be included and worded exactly as specified by OSHA and GHS standards. You cannot paraphrase or shorten these statements.
- Labels Must Be Durable and Legible
In warehouses, distribution centers, and transportation environments, labels are exposed to wear and tear. Ensure that your labels are:
Water- and smudge-resistant
Affixed firmly and not easily removed
Legible from a reasonable distance
Faded or damaged labels are considered non-compliant.
- Secondary Container Labels Are Required
If you transfer a hazardous substance from its original packaging into another container, you must label the new container unless it is used immediately by the same person. These secondary labels need to include the product name and hazard information.
- Updated Labels for New Hazard Classifications
OSHA’s updates to align with GHS Revision 7 mean some substances may now fall under new or revised hazard classifications. Review your product SDSs and labels to ensure they reflect current 2025 requirements, especially if you handle solvents, adhesives, sealants, or wood preservatives.
- Employee Training on Label Interpretation
Even the best label is useless if workers don’t know how to read it. OSHA requires that employees be trained to understand each element of a label, including pictograms and precautionary statements. Documentation of this training is required for compliance.
Final Thoughts
Labeling hazardous materials correctly in 2025 is about more than avoiding fines—it’s about fostering a culture of safety, reducing workplace incidents, and ensuring regulatory confidence. With regulations evolving, now is the time to audit your labeling system, update outdated formats, and ensure your team is trained and equipped.
Keeping your labeling practices current isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
