11/10/2014 - Clarification on combining hazard statements on labels under the hazard communication standard

MSDS Topics	Free Sites	FAQ's	Regulations	Glossary	Software	Suppliers
MSDS Topics	Books	Forum	Poll	Fun stuff	Quiz	Store
MSDS and safety supplies				Search ALL our MSDS info

Title: 11/10/2014 - Clarification on combining hazard statements on labels under the hazard communication standard
Record Type: Interpretation	Standard Number: 1910.1200; 1910.1200 Appendix C

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov

November 10, 2014

Mr. Robert D. Colau
North America Regulatory Manager
SAP America, Inc.
3999 West Chester Pike
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073

Dear Mr. Colau,

Thank you for your letter dated September 19, 2014, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA), Directorate of Enforcement Programs. You requested clarification on combining hazard statements pertaining to skin corrosion and eye damage with regards to OSHA's Hazard Communication standard (HCS 2012), 29 CFR 1910.1200. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to issues not delineated within your original correspondence. Your paraphrased question and our response are below.

Question: When the hazard statement, “Causes severe skin burns and eye damage,” appears on a label, is it acceptable to omit the hazard statement, “Causes serious eye damage” per Appendix C.2.2.1 of HCS 2012?

If your workplace uses corrosive materials, OSHA requires an ANSI-compliant eyewash like this one from Safety Emporium.

Response: Yes. HCS 2012 allows chemical manufacturers and importers to combine hazard statements where the information is related and the combination can shorten the text required on the label. Appendix C.2.2.1 states, Hazard statements may be combined where appropriate to reduce the information on the label and improve readability, as long as all of the hazards are conveyed as required. Since the hazard statement, Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, includes eye damage, it is acceptable to omit the second hazard statement.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Health Enforcement at (202) 693-2190.

Sincerely,

Thomas Galassi, Director
Directorate of Enforcement Programs

Entry last updated: Tuesday, July 12, 2016. This hypermarked and content-enhanced page is copyright 2001-2024 by ILPI, all rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited. For questions, comments and concerns, please contact us at our MSDS email address.

The official, public domain, OSHA version of this document is available at http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=29498&p_text_version=FALSE