Proper Container Labeling

Containers holding hazardous chemicals fall into three categories:

Primary Container - this is the original container from the manufacturer. The manufacturer is responsible for the labeling on his container.

Secondary Container - these are smaller containers used to store and use chemicals. These could be plastic jugs, spray bottles, old coffee cans or drums. Secondary containers must be labeled to identify their contents and the labels must include appropriate hazard warnings. The NFPA diamond is often used on labels for secondary containers.

The purpose of labeling secondary containers is so employees, visitors, contactors and outside emergency response personnel can quickly identify the hazard level of the material in the container. This is particularly important for emergency response personnel as they may need to quickly decide how to approach and deal with a container in an emergency situation. For this reason is is important to use a standard system, such as the NFPA diamond, to mark secondary containers.

Portable Container - these are containers used to transfer hazardous chemicals between labeled containers. They are intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performs the transfer. They may not be left unattended and they must be cleaned after each use. Portable containers are not required to have labeling -- however you may wish to label them so that each portable container has only a specific, designated use.