Does your job find you routinely near potentially hazardous materials? Maybe you are one of the many people in Minnesota who actually must handle chemicals that may pose risks to you or those around you if appropriate safety guidelines are not followed. In situations like these, it is essential that you not only are aware that laws exist to keep you safe but what those laws are. One thing in place and monitored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the requirements for labels that appear on the packages of any hazardous item.
Of the six different elements that must appear on every hazardous material label, one is a statement that describes the nature of the danger associated with the item. An example would be a statement that indicates damage to the lungs may result if a chemical is breathed in. Along with this should appear a description of how such a danger may be avoided or what should be done in the event that a problem occurs. Storage and disposal recommendations should also be given.
Either the word “warning” or “danger” should appear and also a visual icon that illustrates the risk must be present. Finally, the full name, address and phone number of either the manufacturer or other responsible company must be clearly shown.
If you would like to learn more about OSHA’s labelling requirement for hazardous chemicals or other materials in the workplace, please feel free to visit the jobsite safety and prevention page of our Minnesota workers’ compensation website.
