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hazard phrases

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Hazard Phrases in the Hazard Communication Standard: What They Mean and Why They Matter

In the context of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), “hazard phrases” commonly refers to the standardized wording used to describe chemical hazards and how to prevent harm. Under HazCom 2012 (aligned with the Globally Harmonized System, or GHS), these phrases appear primarily as GHS hazard statements and GHS precautionary statements on container labels and in Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

OSHA requires employers to ensure workers have effective access to hazard information for chemicals in the workplace, including labeling, SDS availability, and training. The governing regulation is 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication), which sets the expectations for hazard classification, labeling, and SDS content.

What “Hazard Phrases” Means Under GHS and OSHA HazCom

In everyday safety conversations, you may hear “hazard statement,” “hazard phrase,” and even “warning phrase” used interchangeably. Under GHS-aligned HazCom, the correct terms are:

  • Hazard statement (GHS hazard statements): Standard phrases that describe the nature of the hazard (and sometimes the degree of hazard).
  • Precautionary statements (GHS precautionary statements): Standard phrases that describe recommended measures to prevent or minimize adverse effects.

OSHA HazCom requires these standardized phrases to appear on shipped container labels, along with pictograms, a signal word, and supplier information. See 29 CFR 1910.1200(f) for labeling requirements.

Why OSHA Standardized Hazard Wording

Standardized hazard phrases reduce confusion across suppliers, languages, and industries. When a hazard statement is consistent from one SDS/label to another, employees can recognize hazards faster and apply the right controls.

GHS Hazard Statements: The “What Can Harm You” Phrases

GHS hazard statements communicate the type of hazard a chemical presents. They are assigned based on hazard classification (e.g., flammability category, acute toxicity category). Under OSHA HazCom, these statements appear on:

  • Shipped container labels (29 CFR 1910.1200(f))
  • SDSs, typically in Section 2: Hazard(s) identification (Appendix D)

Examples of Common Hazard Statements

You’ll often see hazard statement language such as:

  • “Highly flammable liquid and vapor.”
  • “Causes serious eye irritation.”
  • “May cause cancer.”
  • “Toxic if inhaled.”
  • “Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.”

These phrases are not marketing copy or optional warnings—they are part of a standardized system used to communicate hazards clearly and consistently.

How Hazard Statements Fit into the HazCom Program

Employers must have a written HazCom program describing labeling, SDS management, and training. OSHA requires that employees understand how to read and use label elements and SDS information (29 CFR 1910.1200(h)). The hazard statement is a key label element that workers should be trained to interpret.

Important: A hazard statement describes the hazard. It does not describe how to work safely by itself. That’s the role of precautionary statements and your workplace controls.

GHS Precautionary Statements: The “How to Prevent Harm” Phrases

Precautionary statements tell workers what actions to take to reduce risk. These appear on shipped container labels and in SDS Section 2 alongside hazard statements. Under GHS, precautionary statements are typically grouped into categories such as:

  • Prevention (how to avoid exposure)
  • Response (what to do in an incident)
  • Storage (how to store safely)
  • Disposal (how to dispose properly)

Examples of Precautionary Statements

Common ghs precautionary statements include wording such as:

  • “Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking.”
  • “Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection.”
  • “IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.”
  • “Store locked up.”
  • “Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.”

These precautionary statements provide actionable safety direction—often aligned with PPE, ventilation, spill response, and storage compatibility practices.

Hazard Statement vs. Precautionary Statements: A Practical Comparison

Understanding the difference helps with training and day-to-day decisions.

Key Differences

  • Hazard statement: Describes the intrinsic hazard of the chemical.
  • Precautionary statements: Describe risk-reducing measures.

How Workers Use Them Together

  1. Read the hazard statement to understand what could happen (fire, corrosion, toxicity, sensitization).
  2. Read precautionary statements to understand how to prevent exposure and what to do if something goes wrong.
  3. Confirm details in the SDS (especially Sections 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 13) before beginning work.

Where You’ll Find Hazard Phrases on Labels and SDSs

OSHA’s HazCom rule requires consistent communication on both labels and Safety Data Sheets.

Container Labels (29 CFR 1910.1200(f))

Shipped container labels must include:

  • Product identifier
  • Signal word (Danger/Warning)
  • Hazard statement(s)
  • Precautionary statement(s)
  • Pictogram(s)
  • Name, address, telephone number of the responsible party

Safety Data Sheets (29 CFR 1910.1200(g); Appendix D)

SDSs must follow a 16-section format. Hazard statements and precautionary statements generally appear in Section 2. Employers must maintain SDSs for each hazardous chemical and ensure they are readily accessible to employees in their work area during each work shift.

Training Implications Under HazCom

OSHA requires employers to provide effective information and training at the time of initial assignment and when a new chemical hazard is introduced (29 CFR 1910.1200(h)). Training should cover:

  • How to read and interpret label elements (including hazard statements and precautionary statements)
  • How to locate SDS information quickly
  • The measures employees can take to protect themselves (PPE, engineering controls, safe work practices)
  • How your facility’s HazCom program is implemented

A common compliance gap is assuming employees “know what the phrases mean.” The better approach is to train workers on how to translate hazard phrases into concrete actions—what PPE to wear, what not to mix, where to find first aid steps, and how to respond to spills.

Common SDS and Label Challenges (and How to Reduce Them)

Even with standardized GHS wording, organizations still struggle with practical SDS management:

  • Outdated SDS revisions still in circulation
  • SDSs stored in multiple binders or shared drives
  • Workers unable to access SDSs quickly on the shop floor
  • Inconsistent chemical inventories (chemicals on-site without corresponding SDSs)

This is where SwiftSDS helps. With a centralized, cloud-based SDS library and mobile access, SwiftSDS makes it easier to keep hazard statements and precautionary statements available when and where employees need them. The platform also supports chemical inventory management—helping you match chemicals to SDSs, track locations, and improve readiness for inspections tied to 29 CFR 1910.1200.

Best Practices for Using Hazard Phrases to Improve Safety

Use these practices to turn hazard phrases into safer daily operations:

  1. Verify labels at receiving. Confirm hazard statements and pictograms match what you expect for the product.
  2. Standardize access to SDSs. Ensure employees can retrieve SDSs during every shift without barriers.
  3. Train to “translate” hazard statements. Connect “causes burns” to required PPE and emergency eyewash/shower procedures.
  4. Reinforce storage and incompatibility controls. Precautionary statements often signal segregation needs.
  5. Audit inventory vs. SDS library. Every hazardous chemical should have a current SDS and be included in the HazCom program.

Conclusion: Hazard Phrases Are the Language of HazCom

Hazard phrases—especially GHS hazard statements and precautionary statements—are foundational to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. They help employees recognize chemical hazards and act appropriately, but only if the information is accessible, current, and supported by training.

If your team can’t quickly find the SDS and understand the hazard statement and precautionary statements, the HazCom system breaks down—especially during spills, exposures, or inspections.

Call to Action

If you want to simplify SDS access, strengthen HazCom compliance, and make hazard information easier for employees to use, explore how SwiftSDS can help you centralize your SDS library, support GHS labeling alignment, and manage your chemical inventory. Visit SwiftSDS SDS Management to see how you can modernize your hazard communication program.