Portable Container Labeling
Portable containers are used to transfer chemicals from labeled containers, and need not be labeled if immediately used by the employee who transferred the chemical.
Drugs which are dispensed by a pharmacy to a health care provider for direct administration to a patient are exempted from labeling.
It's important to know that portable containers must be under the positive control of the employee using it. Let's say an employee is cleaning some parts with solvent he has placed in a plastic container. As long as the employee is using it for immediate use and can prevent another employee from exposure, labeling is not required. But what if he walks away from the workstation to go on a break (or for any reason), and loses control of the chemical?
If the employee loses positive control of the container, the container must be reclassified as a secondary container and labeled. OSHA inspectors routinely find unlabeled or improperly labeled containers in the workplace. As a safety person, make sure you're always on the hunt for unlabeled secondary containers!
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-5. Which type of label is required on containers used to transfer hazardous chemicals from labeled containers to containers intended for immediate use?
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