What Are Lab Safety Labels?
Lab safety labels are visual identifiers that communicate chemical and process hazards in laboratory environments. These labels support the hazard control hierarchy by reinforcing safer handling, storage, and emergency response practices. Common lab safety labels include chemical hazard labels, PPE reminders, and equipment warnings designed to reduce exposure risks and prevent errors.
The sections below explain how lab safety labels support each level of the hazard control hierarchy, where chemical hazard labels should be placed, and what to include for clearer hazard communication:
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How lab safety labels support elimination, substitution, and engineering controls
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When administrative controls rely on chemical hazard labels and signage
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How PPE labels reinforce safe practices and reduce exposure risk
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Common label gaps that lead to confusion or noncompliance
Next, we will walk through the hazard control hierarchy itself, since the best labeling decisions depend on which type of control you are trying to strengthen.
Chemical Hazard Labels for Replacement Containers
The marking on a container entering the workplace must not be removed, altered, or defaced. If it must be replaced, the replacement must include the same information as the original and remain legible. For chemical hazard labels used in laboratory settings, the information should not be obscured or damaged by the material in the container. Clear lab safety labels also support the hazard control hierarchy by reinforcing consistent hazard communication and safe handling practices.
Materials matter. Choose options that resist moisture, temperature extremes, petroleum products, chemicals, and common solvents so the safety information stays readable over time. Duralabel offers a comprehensive line of labeling supplies that resist moisture, temperature extremes, petroleum products, chemicals, and many solvents.
Lab Safety Label Regulations and the Hazard Control Hierarchy
OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (1910.1450) is a series of regulations governing safe practices in laboratories. More commonly referred to as the Laboratory Standard, 1910.1450 limits exposure to hazardous laboratory chemicals in laboratories.
Laboratories are required to develop a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) that addresses every aspect of the Laboratory Standard, to protect laboratory workers from harm due to hazardous chemicals. This includes maintaining lab safety labels and other hazard communication tools that support the hazard control hierarchy, especially administrative controls and safe work practices.
Receiving: 1910.1450 requires that lab safety labels on incoming shipments are properly maintained. Laboratories are responsible for making sure that the original labels are not altered, removed, or defaced in any manner.
Storage: The Laboratory Standard requires that all hazardous chemicals are clearly labeled with the proper signal word and hazard type. Permanent storage must adhere to HazCom 2012, as described in 1910.1200.
Shipping: When a laboratory produces a chemical for another facility or outside use, the laboratory is required to create and maintain labels and safety data sheets as a "chemical producer," under the rules of HazCom 2012.
In general, the Laboratory Standard relies on other regulatory standards for specific chemical, biological, and radiological hazards, which include the following:
How Can Duralabel Help with Lab Safety?
Labeling and signage are key components of successful lab safety. Labels and signs give workers the information required to understand workplace hazards.
DuraLabel industrial label and sign printers by Duralabel can help develop clear, custom visual communication. With a variety of printers and more than 50 specialty supplies, you'll find the right tools to ensure your labels meet OSHA regulations.
These signs and labels can promote employee safety, provide direction around the lab, and alert workers to vital information.
Not sure if your lab is OSHA compliant? Duralabel provides a Compliance Services that identifies potential hazards and ensures your facility is compliant with OSHA regulations.
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