Hazard Communication and Chemical Transfers
An Unlabelled Bottle Leaves the Next Person Guessing
The person who fills a container may know what is inside; the next person may not. A familiar colour or smell is not reliable identification, and a missing label can lead to the wrong PPE, storage or emergency response. Preserve chemical identity and hazard information during every transfer. Treat an unidentified container as a problem to isolate and resolve, never as a substance to test by opening, sniffing or using it.
Controls to confirm
- Confirm the product identity and consult its safety data sheet before transfer. Use an approved compatible container, follow the transfer procedure and keep the original supplier label intact.
- Apply the site workplace label so identity and hazard information remain available. Do not assume an immediate-use exemption covers a container left for another person or a later shift; apply the relevant local requirements.
- Stop use of unidentified or incorrectly labelled containers, keep others from using them and report them for controlled identification or disposal. Never guess the contents or mix unknown substances.
Today’s action
Check the portable chemical containers in your work area. Correct a missing or damaged label through the approved process, and isolate any container whose contents cannot be verified.
Source guidance
OSHA — Hazard communication: workplace labels and safety data sheets
Future HSSE email updates
Register interest in HSSE email updates.
Record your interest in future Worksite Safety Hub messages, selected HSSE news and new-resource alerts. Email delivery is not connected yet.
Your experience matters
Share your thoughts on this page
Have a question, a useful experience or a suggestion? Add your input below.
Comments are public. Keep them respectful and relevant. Do not share contact details, confidential information or emergency reports.
Comments on this page
Loading comments…