Combining hazard-label precautionary statements

September 11, 2019

Mr. Travis Willard

Product Steward

Ascend Performance Materials

[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Mr. Willard:

Thank you for your letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Directorate of Enforcement Programs. You requested clarification on precautionary statements required by the Hazard Communication standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200. This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation only of the requirements herein, and may not be applicable to any questions not delineated within your original correspondence. Your paraphrased questions and our responses are below.

Question 1: When the precautionary statements, “Immediately call a poison center/doctor” and “Call a poison center/doctor/…./if you feel unwell,” appears on a label, is it acceptable to only use the more protective statement, “Immediately call a poison center/doctor” per Appendix C.2.4.7?

Response: Yes, where a chemical is classified for a number of hazards, and the precautionary statements are similar, the most stringent must be included on the label. See Appendix C, C.2.4.7 of the HCS. For more information on the use of precautionary statements, please refer to the Hazard communication directive, Inspection Procedures for the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012), dated July 9, 2015, found at https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL_02-02-079.PDF

Question 2: When precautionary statements are similarly worded, is it permissible to omit irrelevant word(s) or rearrange and reword?

Response: Yes, precautionary statements may be arranged to create an order of preference, or combined to save space and improve readability. However, all precautionary statements must be listed except as otherwise noted in Appendix C, C.2.4.5, C.2.4.6, and C.2.4.8.

Question 3. Is it permissible to use a precautionary statement that essentially combines the precautionary statements from the C.4.1, Acute Toxicity-Oral precautionary statements, with C.4.4., Skin Corrosion/Irritation, precautionary statements?

Response: Please see response to question 2.

Question 4. Where exposure by multiple routes requires the precautionary statement, “If exposed: Immediately call a poison center or doctor. Get medical attention immediately,” is it acceptable, on both the label and SDS, to state this precautionary statement only once, and then follow it with each of the individual exposure route precaution statements?

Response: Please see response to question 2.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health, we hope you find this information helpful. OSHA’s requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirements but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances. This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation of the requirements discussed. From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the interpretation. To assure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Health Enforcement at (202) 693-2190.

Sincerely,

Patrick J. Kapust, Acting Director

Directorate of Enforcement Programs