OSHA Label Regulations

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for workplace safety in most workplaces and industries. OSHA develops regulations that often include labeling for hazardous materials and environments. Situations that pose chemical, electrical or biological hazards are commonly regulated.

Chemical Labeling

• OSHA requires labeling of hazardous chemicals under international standards that include a numbering system that defines the hazard and the hazard level. The labeling must indicate the nature of the hazardous chemical, gas, liquid or solid. It also must indicate the nature of the hazard, including explosive, flammable, poisonous, or corrosive.

Electrical Labeling

• Areas with high voltage or risk of fatal shock must be clearly labeled. In addition, areas with high risk of arc, electrocution, or flash must be clearly labeled to discourage access by untrained employees.

Bloodborne Pathogens

• Containers–including buildings, refrigerators, or freezers housing controlled bloodborne pathogens–must be clearly labeled with a red, red-orange, or fluorescent orange label containing the international symbol for biohazard and the word "biohazard." Vehicles and containers used to transport material potentially infected with bloodborne pathogens must also be labeled. Blood cleared and released for transfusion or medical use are exempt. But the rules apply to syringes, bedding, towels or other material that may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens.