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hazcom labels include the following element

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Understanding Hazard Communication Standard Labels (HazCom)

Hazard Communication Standard labels—often called hazcom labels—are a core requirement of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. Their purpose is straightforward: ensure employees can quickly identify chemical hazards, understand basic protective measures, and know where to find more detailed information (like the Safety Data Sheet).

When people search “hazcom labels include the following element,” they’re usually trying to confirm which pieces of information must appear on a chemical container label. OSHA’s HazCom aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which standardizes hazard classification and labeling so workers receive consistent hazard information across workplaces.

If you manage chemicals across multiple departments, shifts, or sites, keeping labels accurate and consistent can be challenging—especially when products change or secondary containers are used. Tools like SwiftSDS help by centralizing SDS access, supporting GHS labeling requirements, and keeping chemical inventory details organized so labeling and SDS information stay aligned.

HazCom Labels Include the Following Element: OSHA/GHS Label Requirements

Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), shipped containers must be labeled by the manufacturer/importer/distributor with specific information. In practice, the required hazcom standard labels elements are the GHS label elements. If you’re asking which information is included on a chemical label, start with these six items.

1) Product Identifier

The product identifier is the chemical name, code, or batch number that connects the container to the corresponding SDS.

  • Must match the identifier used on the Safety Data Sheet
  • Helps employees and responders locate the correct SDS quickly

2) Signal Word

A signal word indicates the relative severity of the hazard:

  • Danger: more severe hazards
  • Warning: less severe hazards

Only one signal word appears on a label, even if multiple hazards exist.

3) Hazard Statement(s)

Hazard statements describe the nature of the hazard and (where applicable) the degree of hazard. They are standardized phrases tied to hazard classes and categories.

Examples include:

  • “Highly flammable liquid and vapor”
  • “Causes serious eye damage”

4) Pictogram(s)

Pictograms are standardized symbols in a red diamond border that quickly communicate hazard types.

Common pictograms include:

  • Flame (flammables)
  • Skull and crossbones (acute toxicity)
  • Corrosion (skin corrosion/eye damage, corrosive to metals)

Pictograms are especially useful when workers face language barriers or need rapid recognition.

5) Precautionary Statement(s)

Precautionary statements describe recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects. They typically cover:

  • Prevention (e.g., wear gloves, keep away from heat)
  • Response (e.g., first aid, spill response)
  • Storage (e.g., store locked up, keep container tightly closed)
  • Disposal (e.g., dispose of contents in accordance with regulations)

6) Name, Address, and Telephone Number of the Responsible Party

The label must include the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party’s contact information.

  • Enables follow-up questions
  • Supports emergency response needs

Important: OSHA’s HazCom labeling requirements are found in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), and they work together with SDS requirements in 29 CFR 1910.1200(g). Labels provide quick hazard cues; SDSs provide detailed controls and emergency procedures.

Workplace Labels vs. Shipped Labels: What OSHA Allows

Many labeling problems happen after a chemical arrives onsite—when it’s poured into a smaller bottle, spray container, or process vessel. OSHA addresses this with workplace labeling provisions under 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6).

When a Secondary Container Needs a Label

In general, if a chemical is transferred to a container that will be used beyond immediate use by the person who performed the transfer, it should be labeled.

Acceptable Workplace Label Options

OSHA allows flexible workplace labeling approaches as long as employees can understand the hazards and the information is consistent with HazCom.

Common compliant options include:

  • Replicating the shipped container label (best practice)
  • Using product identifier + words/pictures/symbols that provide at least general hazard information
  • Using NFPA/HMIS-style systems if employees are trained and the system conveys hazard information effectively

The key is that employees must have immediate access to the hazard information and be trained on what the labeling system means.

How HazCom Labels Tie Into the SDS and Training Requirements

HazCom compliance is a system—not a single label. Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(h), employers must train employees on hazardous chemicals, including how to read labels and SDSs.

To build a reliable program, ensure:

  1. Your labels match the SDS product identifier
  2. Hazards on labels align with SDS Section 2 (Hazard(s) Identification)
  3. Employees can access SDSs during their work shift without barriers
  4. Training covers pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements

This is where centralized SDS management matters. If workers can’t quickly find the correct SDS, even a perfect label may not provide enough information for safe handling.

Common Labeling Mistakes That Trigger Citations

Even well-intentioned workplaces can drift out of compliance. Here are frequent issues OSHA compliance teams see in the field:

  • Missing labels on secondary containers (especially spray bottles and small process containers)
  • Handwritten labels that include only a chemical name without hazards
  • Labels that don’t match the current SDS (old formula, new hazards, outdated supplier info)
  • Illegible or damaged labels from chemical exposure or wear
  • Inconsistent labeling systems across departments or sites, confusing employees

A strong inventory and SDS process reduces these risks by keeping chemical identity, hazards, and storage locations consistent.

How SwiftSDS Helps You Maintain HazCom Label Accuracy

Managing hazard communication standard labels becomes significantly easier when your SDS library and chemical inventory are organized and accessible.

SwiftSDS supports HazCom programs by helping you:

  • Maintain a centralized SDS library so employees can quickly find the right SDS tied to the product identifier
  • Improve OSHA compliance with better control over SDS availability under 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)
  • Support GHS classification and labeling consistency across your organization
  • Track chemicals by location, quantity, and expiration date, which reduces the chance of “mystery containers” and outdated products
  • Provide mobile access, allowing employees to pull SDS information from any device when labels raise questions

When label and SDS information are managed together, it’s easier to standardize workplace labeling practices, reduce errors, and demonstrate a more defensible HazCom program during inspections.

Practical Checklist: Which Information Is Included on a Chemical Label?

Use this quick checklist to confirm whether your shipped container label meets the core HazCom/GHS expectations:

  1. Product identifier
  2. Signal word
  3. Hazard statement(s)
  4. Pictogram(s)
  5. Precautionary statement(s)
  6. Responsible party name, address, and telephone number

For workplace/secondary containers, verify that your internal label system clearly communicates the chemical identity and hazards, and that employees are trained on it in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200(h).

Best practice: Standardize how secondary containers are labeled across the facility, and periodically audit labels against the current SDS to prevent drift.

Next Steps: Strengthen Your HazCom Labeling Program

HazCom labels are more than a sticker—they’re a frontline control for chemical safety and a documented part of OSHA compliance under 29 CFR 1910.1200. When you know that hazcom labels include the following element—product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, and supplier contact info—you can build a consistent labeling approach that protects employees and supports regulatory readiness.

If your organization is struggling with SDS retrieval, inconsistent labeling, or chemical inventory confusion, SwiftSDS can help you centralize your SDS library, align hazards across labels and SDSs, and give employees fast mobile access to the information they need.

Ready to simplify HazCom compliance? Explore SwiftSDS SDS Management or request a demo to see how SwiftSDS can strengthen your labeling and SDS program end to end.