Target-organ hazard warnings on chemical labels

February 9, 1994

Mr. Morton L. Mullins
Vice President-Regulatory Affairs
Chemical Manufactures Association
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Mullins:

Thank you for your letter of December 1, 1993, addressed to Mr. Joseph A. Dear, Assistant Secretary of Labor, regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, labeling provisions. Specifically your letter requested that OSHA review section 5.2 of the draft revision ANSI Z129.1 for consistency with OSHA's position on target organ labeling, as well as consider harmonizing several terms used to characterize flammability.

As you know the HCS requires that a chemical shipping label must contain the identity of the chemical, an appropriate hazard warning, and the name and address of the responsible party. The agency's position stated in the current compliance directive (CPL 2-2.38C) is: "Precautionary statements such as "caution", "danger" or "harmful if inhaled" are not hazard warnings. The definition of hazard warning states that the hazard warning must be included on the label and must specifically convey the hazards of the chemical. OSHA has consistently maintained that this includes target organ effects."

You mentioned the sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the matter of L. Martin v. American Cyanamid which was decided on September 15, 1993. This decision upheld OSHA's long standing interpretation that the agency's HCS requires manufacturers, distributors and importers of hazardous chemicals to list target organ effects on container labels of hazardous substances shipped to downstream users.

In terms of section 5.2 of the draft revision ANSI Z129.1, the target organ labeling instruction in this document is consistent with OSHA's position as stated above and further elaborated in CPL 2-2.38C. However, the use of the phrase "Based on Animal Data" in section 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 is not recommended on the label. Significant scientific and technical expertise is required to evaluate and interpret animal data. The use of this proposed labeling information could diminish the impact of the warning label on employees who typically do not have this expertise to make judgements on animal exposure compared to human exposure.

Regarding the Agency's review of the proposed ANSI Standard as a matter of policy, OSHA does not approve materials developed by the private sector. OSHA staff have informally reviewed a number of materials at the request of the organizations preparing them, and have pointed out to them any inaccuracies or inconsistencies. However, in no case have these informal agency actions served as an endorsement or approval of such materials.

We are aware of the differences in the definition of flammability and combustibility between OSHA and the Department of Transportation. The agency is reviewing this issue and is deciding on our course of action. We appreciate your assistance in further clarifying this issue.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions please contact [the Office of Health Enforcement at (202) 693-2190].

Sincerely,
H. Berrien Zettler, Deputy Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

[Corrected 12/6/2024]