Faculty of Science
Chemical Labelling
Procedure
Version
1.0
TRIM file number
11/
Faculty of Science Doc No.
Short description
Procedure for labelling chemicals containers and storage
vessels
Relevant to
All employees, researchers and students
Authority
This Procedure has been approved by [Dean Faculty of
Science] under the Governance (Policy and Procedures) Rule
2005 of the Council and sections 20 and 32 of the CSU Act.
Responsible officer
Manager, University Laboratories
Responsible office
Faculty of Science
Date introduced
31/08/ 2011
Date(s) modified
Next scheduled review date
June, 2013
Related University documents
Chemical Storage Guidelines
Related legislation
NSW OHS Act 2000 & Regulations 2001
Key words
Procedure, chemical, hazardous, dangerous goods, storage,
labelling, substance.
Chemical Labelling Procedure
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1.
PURPOSE
In accordance with the CSU Occupational Health and Safety Policy, the CSU Risk Management
Policy and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, the Faculty of Science (FSc) shall
provide a safe and healthy environment for staff, students, visitors and contractors. Central to
this is staff, students, visitors and contractors understanding their duty of care responsibilities
and the specialised risks associated with FSc Facilities.
This procedure aims to implement controls which minimise risks by ensuring all chemicals are
properly labelled, allowing easy identification, safe use and storage.
2
SCOPE
This procedure applies to all staff, researchers and students of the Faculty of Science.
3
DEFINITIONS
Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail (ADG Code):
means the code prepared by the standing national Advisory Committee on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods. The ADG Code covers the classification, packing, marking and transport of
dangerous goods.
Dangerous goods: means a substance which is either
• specifically listed in the ADG Code; or
• meets the classification criteria of the ADG Code
Hazard: means an agent or process capable of causing harm.
Hazardous substance: means a substance which
• is listed in the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS); or
• fits the criteria for a hazardous substance set out in Approved Criteria for Classifying
Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004)] 3rd Edition
•
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): a document which describes the properties and uses of a
substance.
• Identification (other names, synonyms)
• chemical and physical properties
• health hazard information
• precautions for use
• safe handling
Scheduled Poisons: are substances requiring specific labelling requirements and precautions
for use.
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Poisons are listed in a schedule known as the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs
and Poisons (SUSDP).
Signal Words: Words prominently displayed on labels of hazardous substances to indicate the
relative severity of hazard.
Substance: means any natural or artificial entity, composite material, mixture or formulation
other than an article
4.
PROCEDURE
This procedure is based on the National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace
Substances [NOHSC: 2012 (1994)].
4.1
General Labelling Requirements
4.1.1
All label information should be
• in the English language
• in durable print
• in a font size and style which is easily readable
4.1.2
All labels should
• be firmly secured on an outside face of the container
• be printed in a colour or colours which provide a distinct contrast to the
background colour
• draw to the attention of the person using or handling the substance any
significant hazards involved
4.1.3
Revision of label Information may be required when
• a substance changes or a new ingredient is introduced
• a new health hazard of a substance become known
• the MSDS has been reviewed
4.1.4
Laboratory labels
• All hazardous substances supplied to laboratories must be labelled in
accordance to National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace
Substances [NOHSC: 2012 (1994)]. as outlined in this procedure.
•
Where a hazardous substance is decanted in a laboratory the requirements
for labelling decanted substances must be met. See decanting substances
page 8.
•
Where a hazardous substance is decanted in the laboratory into experimental
equipment, such as test tube, the label may be attached to supporting
apparatus or alternatively a tag may be used to enable to required
information to be provided.
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Table 1: Labelling Requirements for the Packaging of Substances (Chemicals)
Source: Workcover NSW Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances
Capacity of Container
> 500 (ml or g)
≤ 500 (ml or g)
* Very small
container







where required by
the ADG Code

signal word(s) and/or
dangerous goods class and
subsidiary risk label(s) (where
applicable)
product name
chemical name
United Nations (UN) Number
ingredients and formulation
details
where relevant

risk phrase(s)
directions for use
where relevant
safety phrase(s)

first aid procedures

emergency procedures
details of manufacturer or
importer
expiry date


At least the most
significant
At least the most
significant



where relevant
reference to MSDS


 Required
* Note: Where a container is very small, consideration should be given to other methods of
providing additional information, such as outer packaging or leaflets.
4.2
Specific Labelling Requirements
4.2.1
Signal Word(s) and/or Dangerous Goods Class and Subsidiary Risk Label(s)
Signal words are words prominently displayed on labels to indicate the degree of severity of the
hazard. Class labels (dangerous goods diamonds) illustrate the class allocated to dangerous
goods under the ADG Code and indicate the major hazard posed by a substance. Dangerous
goods classes and subsidiary risk labels must always be assigned according to the ADG Code.
'WARNING', 'POISON' and 'DANGEROUS POISON' are the signal words required is a
substance is scheduled by the SUSDP.
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Where a hazardous substance is not a dangerous good and is not scheduled by the SUSDP
then the word 'HAZARDOUS' should be used. The signal word should be at least twice the
height of the general text. Preferably the text should be red on a white background in a
prominent position on the label.
4.2.2 Identification Information
The product name, the chemical name, the UN Number and a list of ingredients determined to
be hazardous, where there is more than one such ingredient in the product, should be included
on the label. This information is necessary for the identification of the hazardous properties of a
product.
4.2.2.1 Product Name
The product name is the name by which the substance is to be known and must be
included on the label. This may be identical to the trade name.
4.2.2.2 Substance Name
For a hazardous substance with only one ingredient, the chemical name should be
assigned in the following order of preference:
(a) the correct shipping name assigned from ADG code (where specifically listed)
(b) use the name as it appears in the SUSDP (for scheduled substances)
(c) where neither of the above are applicable, use the recognised chemical name
as used in readily available scientific or technical handbook
When the chemical name is identical to the product name, there is no need to duplicate.
4.2.2.3 UN Number
Where the substance is defined as a dangerous good in the ADG Code, the UN Number
should be shown on the label.
4.2.2.4 Ingredients and Formulation Details
There should be full disclosure of ingredients determined to be hazardous. However,
under certain conditions, non-disclosure of genuine commercially confidential information
may be permitted.
•
Disclosure will always be required for an ingredient which according to Approved Criteria
for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004)] 3rd Edition
is:
• carcinogenic
• mutagenic
• teratogenic
• a skin or respiratory sensitiser
• very corrosive
• toxic or very toxic
• a harmful substance which can cause irreversible effects after acute exposure
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•
a harmful substance which can cause serious damage to health after repeated
or prolonged exposure
•
has an exposure standard listed in the National Occupational Health and Safety
Commission’s Adopted Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the
Occupational Environment and is present in a quantity which exceeds the lowest
relevant concentration cut-off level specified for the hazard classification in the
Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004)]
3rd Edition
A claim of commercial confidentially cannot be made in relation to any ingredient which
meets the above criteria.
Generic names are not permitted for the above ingredients.
•
Consult the National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous
Substances and the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances
[NOHSC:1008(2004)] 3rd Edition for further information.
4.2.3 Risk Phrases
Risk phrases express a general description of the hazard which supplement the DG class,
subsidiary risk label(s) and/or signal word(s). These phrases highlight the hazards of the
substance eg: ‘Toxic if swallowed’, ‘Irritating to skin’ or ‘Harmful if swallowed’.
The most appropriate risk phrases should be selected from the MSDS with the most significant
being listed first. In general, no more than four phrases should be necessary. The risk
information should also indicate effects of overexposure.
Where a substance has been determined as hazardous the provision of risk phrases are in
accordance with the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances
[NOHSC:1008(2004)] 3rd Edition or the ADG Code.
For detailed information on labelling formulas consult the National Code of Practice for the
Labelling of Workplace Substances [NOHSC:2012(1994)].
4.2.4 Directions for Use
They provide specific directions outlining quantities and procedures for the use of a hazardous
substance. They provide other information when required, such as mixing instructions.
4.2.5 Safety Phrases
Safety phrases provide information on the safe storage, handling and requirement of personal
protection. For example, use:
• 'Keep container dry'
• 'When using do not eat or drink'
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•
'Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves'
The most appropriate safety phrases should be selected from Appendix B. In general, no more
than four phrases should be necessary. Phrases can be grouped together on the label under
the heading SAFETY to improve readability.
When choosing safety phrases, the risks indicated by the risk phrases on the label should be
addressed.
If you are producing formulas consult the National Code of Practice for the Labelling of
Workplace Substances [NOHSC:2012(1994)] for accurate labelling information.
When a safety phrase refers to personal protective equipment, the safety phrase should, where
appropriate, specify the type of protective equipment, for example 'Wear suitable gloves’
should read 'Wear gloves – neoprene’
4.2.6 First Aid Procedures
First aid instructions should be included where contact or exposure to the substance warrants
immediate treatment. The most appropriate first aid phrases should be selected from Appendix
C. First aid instructions should be limited to procedures based on methods and materials
commonly available.
• 'Wash exposed skin with plenty of warm water'
• 'Transfer patient to fresh air'
Phrases can be grouped together on the label under the heading FIRST AID to improve
readability.
4.2.7 Emergency procedures
Instructions for the control of spills, fire or leaks should be provided in simple and brief format on
the label, advising the type of equipment and materials to be used. Where safety phrases for fire
are not sufficient, additional information should be included in fire procedures.
4.2.8 Details of Manufacturer or Importer
The name, address and telephone number (including area code) of the Australian supplier who
is responsible for the hazardous substance should be provided on the label to enable additional
information to be obtained.
4.2.9 Expiry Date
Where relevant, an expiry date for use of the substance should be written on the label.
4.2.10 MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet)
The user should be directed to the MSDS for further information on the substance.
The label should state 'Additional information is listed in the MSDS'.
All hazardous substances and dangerous goods have MSDS’s available.
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They can be accessed in a number of ways.
• Request a copy from the supplier (chemical suppliers and manufacturers list their
MSDS’s on their websites)
• Chemwatch (Chemgold III) provides a database of manufacturer’s MSDS
Note: All MSDS’s are only valid for five years from the date of issue or the date of review.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s MSDS.
4.3
Decanting substances
There are minimum requirements for the labelling of decanted hazardous substances. For
further information consult the National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace
Substances [NOHSC:2012(1994)]
• All decanted hazardous substances must be labelled with the product name.
• Where a decanted substance is not consumed immediately it must be labelled with the
product name and the risk and safety phrases.
• A container must remain correctly labelled until it is cleaned and no longer contains any
hazardous substance.
4.4
Containers with no or incorrect labelling.
If a container containing a substance is not properly labelled or the label has been lost and the
product name is not known;
• the container should be clearly labelled with a warning, for example 'Caution - Do not
use: Unknown substance'.
• the container should be stored in isolation until its contents can be identified and
labelled.
• if the contents cannot be identified, the contents should be disposed of in an acceptable
manner, for example through Chemsal labelled with 'Caution - Unknown substance'.
Further information or assistance may be required by contractor (Chemsal) to ensure an
‘unknown’ is handled appropriately. Advice can be sought from the Chemical Safety
Committee.
Regular auditing of chemical storage areas will ensure unknown chemicals are removed from
facilities.
4.5
Vessels and pipes
Enclosed vessels and pipes should be labelled according to the Australian Standard AS1345
Identification of the Contents of Piping, Conduits and Ducts.
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5
REFERENCES AND UNIVERSITY RELATED DOCUMENTS
AS/NZS 2243.2:2006 Safety in laboratories - Chemical aspects
AS/NZS 2243.10:2004 Safety in laboratories - Storage of chemicals
NOHSC 2012 (1994) National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances
NOHSC 1008 (2004) Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances
NOHSC 1005 (1994) National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous
Substances
NOHSC 10005 Lists of Designated Hazardous Substances
Workcover NSW Code of practice for the labelling of workplace substances
Workcover Guide 2006 Reading Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets
AS1345 Identification of the Contents of Piping, Conduits and Ducts
Road and Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Regulations
The Australian Dangerous Goods Code (7th Edition)
6
APPENDICES
1. Appendix A: Risk Phrases
2. Appendix B: Safety Phrases
3. Appendix C: First Aid Phrases
7
Table of amendments
Version
number
0.2
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
Date
Aug 2009
Oct 2009
May 2010
June2010
Aug 2011
Chemical Labelling Procedure
Version 1.0 Effective 08/2011
Short description of amendment
Draft
Draft change to procedure
Tech staff review
Changes some definitions
Reviewed by LH & KK
Page 9 of 14
APPENDIX A
RISK PHRASES
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
R7
R8
R9
R 10*
R 11*
R 14
R 15
R 16
R 17
R 18
R 19
R 20
R 21
R 22
R 23
R 24
R 25
R 26
R 27
R 28
R 29
R 30
R 31
R 32
R 33
R 34
R 35
R 36
R 37
R 38
R 39
R 40
R 41
R 42
R 43
R 44
R 45
R 46
R 47
R 48
R 49
Explosive when dry.
Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition.
Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition.
Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds.
Heating may cause an explosion.
Explosive with or without contact with air.
May cause fire.
Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
Explosive when mixed with combustible material.
Flammable.
Highly flammable.
Reacts violently with water.
Contact with water liberates highly flammable gases.
Explosive when mixed with oxidising substances.
Spontaneously flammable in air.
In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture.
May form explosive peroxides.
Harmful by inhalation.
Harmful in contact with skin.
Harmful if swallowed.
Toxic by inhalation.
Toxic in contact with skin.
Toxic if swallowed.
Very toxic by inhalation.
Very toxic in contact with skin.
Very toxic if swallowed.
Contact with water liberates toxic gas.
Can become highly flammable in use.
Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.
Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas.
Danger of cumulative effects.
Causes burns.
Causes severe burns.
Irritating to eyes.
Irritating to respiratory system.
Irritating to skin.
Danger of very serious irreversible effects.
Possible risk of irreversible effects.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
May cause sensitisation by inhalation.
May cause sensitisation by skin contact.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.
May cause cancer.
May cause heritable genetic damage.
May cause birth defects.
Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure.
May cause cancer by inhalation.
* These risk phrases may already be included in the dangerous goods class label if the substance is
classified as 'Flammable' under the ADG Code. In these cases it is not necessary to include the risk phrase in
addition to the dangerous goods class label.
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COMBINATIONS OF RISK PHRASES
Where a substance exhibits the same degree of toxicity for different routes of exposure, risk phrases for these routes
of exposure may be combined in a single sentence as shown below.
R 14/15 Reacts violently with water liberating highly flammable gases.
R 15/29
Contact with water liberates toxic, highly flammable gas.
R 20/21 Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin.
R 20/22
Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed.
R 20/21/22
Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
R 21/22 Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed.
R 23/24 Toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin.
R 23/25 Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.
R 23/24/25
Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
R 24/25 Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed.
R 26/27 Very toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin.
R 26/28 Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.
R 26/27/28
Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
R 27/28 Very toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed.
R 36/37 Irritating to eyes and respiratory system.
R 36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin.
R 36/37/38
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
R 37/38 Irritating to respiratory system and skin.
R 42/43 May cause sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact.
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APPENDIX B
SAFETY PHRASES
Sl
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
S7
S8
S9
S 12
S 13
S 14
S 15
S 16
S 17
S 18
S 20
S 21
S 22
S 23
S 24
S 25
S 29
S 30
S 33
S 34
S 35
S 36
S 37
S 38
S 39
S 40
S 41
S 42
S 43
S 47
S 48
S 49
S 50
S 51
S 52
S 53
Keep locked up.
Keep out of reach of children.
Keep in a cool place.
Keep away from living quarters.
Keep contents under ... [appropriate material to be specified by the manufacturer].
Keep under ... [inert gas to be specified by the manufacturer].
Keep container tightly closed.
Keep container dry.
Keep container in a well ventilated place.
Do not keep the container sealed.
Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs.
Keep away from ... [incompatible materials to be specified by the manufacturer].
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.
Keep away from combustible material.
Handle and open container with care.
When using, do not eat or drink.
When using, do not smoke.
Do not breathe dust.
Do not breathe gas/fumes/vapour/spray [appropriate wording to be specified by the manufacturer].
Avoid contact with skin
Avoid contact with eyes
Do not empty into drains.
Never add water to this product.
Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
Avoid shock and friction
This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way.
Wear suitable protective clothing.
Wear suitable gloves.
In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
Wear eye/face protection.
To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material, use ... [material to be specified by the
manufacturer].
In case of fire and/or explosion, do not breathe fumes.
During fumigation/spraying, wear suitable respiratory equipment [appropriate wording to be specified
by the manufacturer].
In case of fire use ... [manufacturer to specify the precise type of firefighting equipment. If water increases
the risk, add - Never use water].
Keep at temperature not exceeding ... °C [to be specified by the manufacturer].
Keep wetted with ... [appropriate material to be specified by the manufacturer].
Keep only in the original container.
Do not mix with ... [incompatible materials to be specified by the manufacturer].
Use only in well ventilated areas
Not recommended for interior use on large surface areas.
Avoid exposure ê obtain special instructions before use.
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COMBINATIONS OF SAFETY PHRASES
Safety phrases may be combined in a single sentence as shown below.
S 1/2
Keep locked up and out of reach of children.
S 3/7/9
Keep container tightly closed in a cool, well ventilated place.
S 3/9
Keep in a cool, well ventilated place.
S 3/9/14
Keep in a cool, well ventilated place away from ... [incompatible materials to be specified by the
manufacturer].
S 3/9/14/49
Keep only in the original container in a cool, well ventilated place away from ... [incompatible
materials to be specified by the manufacturer].
S 3/9/49 Keep only in the original container in a cool, well ventilated place.
S 3/14
Keep in a cool place away from ... [incompatible materials to be specified by the manufacturer].
S 7/8
Keep container tightly closed and dry.
S 7/9
Keep container tightly closed and in a well ventilated place.
S 20/21 When using, do not eat, drink or smoke.
S 24/25 Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
S 36/37 Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves.
S 36/37/39
Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.
S 36/39 Wear suitable protective clothing and eye/face protection.
S 37/39 Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.
S 47/49
Keep only in the original container at temperature not exceeding ... °C [to be specified by the
manufacturer].
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APPENDIX C
FIRST AID PHRASES
S 26
S 27
S 28
S 44
S 45
S 46
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and contact a doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of ... [material to be specified by the
manufacturer].
If you feel unwell, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre (show the label where possible).
In case of accident or if you feel unwell, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre immediately
(show the label where possible).
If swallowed, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre immediately and show this container or
label.
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