Ask the expert: Hazardous substances in unmarked containers
Q: Our office decontaminates used instruments overnight in an unmarked basin. Is this an OSHA violation?
A: Labels are required on the containers of all hazardous solutions unless there is immediate use by the employee who performs the transfer from the original labeled container. OSHA’s hazard communication standard defines immediate use as the time during which the hazardous chemical is under the control of and in use only by the person transferring it from a labeled container and only within the work shift in which it is transferred.
The example you described is a violation of the hazard communication standard. Review the standard’s requirements with those involved and post a sign as a helpful reminder in areas in which the non-compliant practice occurs.
To download the poster pictured at in this post, go to the Tools page.
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 196 posts.
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