OSHA Hazard Communication Labels Overview 152

acute reaction

A response to chemical exposure that occurs suddenly or over a short period of time. Acute reactions can sometimes be fatal.

batch number

The number that accompanies a group or quantity of a product. Batch numbers are often used for inventory control.

carcinogenic

A cancer-causing substance. Carcinogens are linked to cancer in humans.

chemical

Any substance or mixture of substances. Chemicals may be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases, and may consist of one element, such as hydrogen, or a combination of elements, such as water.

chronic exposure

Contact that occurs over a long period of time. Chronic exposure to certain chemicals can lead to toxic effects in humans.

compressed gas

Any gas held under pressure in a gas cylinder. Compressed gas poses explosion risk.

corrosive

Capable of irreparably harming living tissues or of damaging material on contact. Corrosive chemicals include acids and certain organic materials.

Department of Transportation

DOT. A department of the U.S. government concerned transportation, with the movement of people and goods from one location to another. The Department of Transportation regulates its own system of hazard communication labels.

disposal statements

One of four types of precautionary statements used in the Hazard Communication Standard. Disposal statements describe how to dispose of contents.

DOT diamond label

A system of labeling hazardous chemicals during transportation. DOT diamond labels must be affixed to shipping containers.

explosive

A substance capable of violently bursting apart and releasing pressure. Explosives may harm bystanders.'

Globally Harmonized System

GHS. An international standard for communicating chemical hazards through signs, labeling, and Safety Data Sheets. The GHS is intended to provide employees with similar hazard communication information worldwide.

Hazard Communication Standard

HCS. An established OSHA policy that sets guidelines for hazard communication. The HCS emphasizes labeling, Safety Data Sheets, and training and is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System.

hazard statements

Words that describe the nature of the hazards of a chemical, including the degree of hazard. Hazard statements are required on HCS labels.

hazardous waste

Disposable matter that poses a risk to human health or the environment. Hazardous waste requires special types of storage and disposal to make it harmless or less dangerous.

HCS

Hazard Communication System. An established OSHA policy that sets guidelines for hazard communication. The HCS emphasizes labeling, Safety Data Sheets, and training, and is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System.

health hazard

Any chemical that can cause an acute reaction, chronic effect, or both. These chemicals may compromise a person's health and safety.

irritant

A chemical that causes inflammation and swelling in human tissue. An irritant usually causes short-term effects.

labels

A printed form of identification that is attached to a container. OSHA requires chemicals to have labels with specific information.

mixture

A non-reactive combination or a solution composed of two or more substances. Salt water is an example of a simple mixture.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. OSHA ensures safe and healthful working conditions through research, information, standards, enforcement, education, and training.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. OSHA ensures safe and healthful working conditions through research, information, standards, enforcement, education, and training.

oxidizer

A chemical that may trigger or promote flammability in another substance. Oxidizers may start fires.

personal protective equipment

PPE. Any of the various articles of clothing or safeguarding devices that are used to prevent injury in the workplace. Common examples of PPE include safety glasses, gloves, masks, gowns, and earplugs.

physical hazard

Any chemical that could cause bodily harm from injuries such as burns. These chemicals may be reactive, to themselves or other substances, in a variety of ways.

pictograms

A graphic symbol used to communicate specific information about the hazards of a chemical. OSHA maintains eight required pictograms and one non-mandatory pictogram.

precautionary statements

Words that describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to the hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling. Precautionary statements are required on HCS labels.

prevention statements

One of four types of precautionary statements used in the Hazard Communication Standard. Prevention statements list how to minimize exposure.

product identifier

Information for how a hazardous chemical is identified, such as a chemical name or batch number. A product identifier is required on HCS labels.

pyrophoric

A chemical that ignites or explodes spontaneously. Pyrophorics often ignite when exposed to air or water.

response statements

One of four types of precautionary statements used in the Hazard Communication Standard. Response statements advise specific emergency response or first aid in case of spillage or exposure.

Safety Data Sheets

SDS. Mandatory information that must accompany almost every chemical in the workplace. An SDS includes details such as the hazards, precautions, and first-aid procedures associated with the chemical.

signal word

A term that indicates the relative level of severity of the hazard and alerts a reader to a potential hazard on a label. "Danger" and "Warning" are the two signal words used on HCS labels.

storage statements

One of four types of precautionary statements used in the Hazard Communication Standard. Storage statements detail proper storage and handling.

substance

A chemical element or compound. Substances may exist in the form of solids, liquids, or gases, and may consist of one element, such as hydrogen, or a combination of elements, such as water.

supplier information

Information that includes the name, address, and telephone number of a chemical manufacturer, importer, or other party responsible for a hazardous chemical. Supplier information is required on HCS labels.

toxic

Shown to cause death in exposed lab rats, either immediately or over time. Toxic substances can be deadly to people when exposure occurs.