We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

705 Hazard Communication Program
Skip to main content

Shipped Container Labeling

Under the Hazard Communication Standard (HSC) 2012, labels on containers shipped from manufacturers or distributors, the container must be labeled, tagged or marked with the following six items:

Sample HCS Label
  1. Product Identifier
    • Product identifier should be used and it should match product identifier used on the SDS. If mixture is covered by UN Model regulations for transport of Dangerous goods, UN proper shipping name should also appear on package.
    • Label for substance should include the chemical identity of the substance. For mixtures and alloys - label should include chemical identities of all ingredients or alloying elements that contribute to acute toxicity, skin corrosion or serious eye damage, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, skin or respiratory sensitization, or specific target organ toxicity (STOT).
    • Where a substance or mixture is supplied exclusively for workplace use, competent authority may choose to give suppliers discretion to include chemical identities on the SDS, in lieu of including them on labels.
    • The competent authority rules for CBI take priority over the rules product identification and ingredients meeting criteria for CBI do not have to be included on the label.
  1. Signal words
    • A word used to quickly indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. Signal words used in GHS are "Danger" and "Warning." Danger is for the more severe hazard categories. Signal words are assigned to each hazard category
  1. Hazard Statements
    • A phrase assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazards of a hazardous product, including when appropriate, the degree of the hazard.
    • Hazard statement and code: Hazard statement codes are intended to be used for reference purposes - they are not part of the text and should not be used to replace it.
  2. Pictograms
    • Pictogram means a graphical composition that may include a symbol plus other elements, such as a border, background pattern or color that conveys specific information.
  3. Precautionary statements
    • Phrase (and/or pictogram) that describes the recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product. GHS label should include appropriate precautionary information, the choice of which belongs to the labeler or competent authority.
    • Precautionary codes are used to uniquely identify precautionary statements and are for reference purposes - they are not part of the precautionary text and should not be used to replace it.
  4. Supplier identification
    • Name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier of the substance or mixture should be provided on the label.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-2. Which Globally Harmonized System (GHS) term is used to quickly indicate the level of severity associated with a material and alert the label reader to the potential hazard?