D. Labelling, Storage, And Disposal

D1. Labelling.

Manufacturers are required to label all hazardous materials with the following items: name and address of the responsible party, identity of the hazardous chemicals, and appropriate hazard warnings. Departments can use existing labels on incoming containers provided that the labels are complete and accurate. MSDSs will be used to verify label information. Labels will not be removed or defaced as long as the container still holds material. Repacking to smaller containers will not be done unless the new containers are properly labelled. Department supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all containers are properly labelled. The minimum information necessary on any chemical container is the complete identity of the substance as it appears on the MSDS and a list of appropriate hazard and precautionary warnings. Additional information on labeling systems can be found in Appendix F.

D2. Storage.

Chemicals must be stored according to their classifications in order to keep incompatible materials separated. Flammables, oxidizers, corrosives, and toxics should be stored in separate locations. MSDSs contain information on specific chemicals compatibilities and segregation requirements; for instance acids and bases are both corrosive but react violently when mixed together. Flammable and combustible materials should be stored in approved flammable storage cabinets.

D3. Disposal.

Materials classified as hazardous chemicals are not suitable for sink or regular trash disposal and must be managed as hazardous wastes. Consult the MSDS, Appendix G, or the Hazard Communication Coordinator for further information on the disposal of specific materials.

Last modified: April 16, 1998