Chemical Container Labels

Updated 12/19/23

Chemical container labeling is one of the most effective and efficient ways to communicate hazard information to your coworkers and prevent accidents and injuries.

Clear and consistent labeling that follows the Hazard Communication Standard is required in all University of Washington facilities including laboratories, shops, clinics, and other locations where personnel use, store, and transport chemicals.

Chemical manufacturers are required to follow labeling requirements on the original container labels, and the downstream users of these chemicals are also required to follow labeling requirements when they transfer chemicals to secondary containers, or label chemical waste, UW-synthesized chemicals, and peroxide-forming chemicals.

The basic requirements for labeling chemicals are described in the sections below.

    Original manufacturer labels

    Secondary chemical container labels

    Many University workplaces, including laboratories, sample secondary container labelshops, and other facilities, purchase hazardous chemicals or products in large quantities, concentrates, or for mixing with other chemicals.

    To use the chemical/product it may need to be transferred to a smaller or different “secondary” container (e.g., vials, flasks or bottles) for dilution, mixing, or general use.

    Additional labeling instructions