1910.1200(b)(4): HazCom for Sealed Containers
Where workers only handle chemicals in sealed containers that are not opened in normal use, such as in warehousing or retail, employers must keep labels on incoming containers intact and keep safety data sheets that arrive with shipments. They must get a missing safety data sheet as soon as possible if a worker asks, keep sheets accessible each shift, and train workers enough to protect them during a spill or leak.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1200(b)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 29 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $66,469 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (5), NV (3), AZ (3).
- Related part: 1910.1200(b) Scope and application (44 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1200(b)(4) is one requirement inside 1910.1200 Hazard communication, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(4) In work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed containers which are not opened under normal conditions of use (such as are found in marine cargo handling, warehousing, or retail sales), this section applies to these operations only as follows: 29 citations
(i) Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced; 2 citations
(ii) Employers shall maintain copies of any safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of the sealed containers of hazardous chemicals, shall obtain a safety data sheet as soon as possible for sealed containers of hazardous chemicals received without a safety data sheet if an employee requests the safety data sheet, and shall ensure that the safety data sheets are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s); and, Open (b)(4)(ii) 14 citations
(iii) Employers shall ensure that employees are provided with information and training in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section (except for the location and availability of the written hazard communication program under paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this section), to the extent necessary to protect them in the event of a spill or leak of a hazardous chemical from a sealed container. Open (b)(4)(iii) 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1200.
Export the list: 28 inspections cited 1910.1200(b)(4) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1200(b)(4).
At 9:40 a.m. on November 20, 2024, an employee was operating a forklift outside the cattle pens at the paunch pad area, dumping dry paunch (powder texture) ontothe floor. During this time, a subcontracted employee was operating a front-end loader in close proximity, loading paunch…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: IL (5), NV (3), AZ (3), PR (3), WI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FCX2025XAD245X0051 - JBS TOLLESON, INC. | TOLLESON, AZ | $11,524 |
| XPO | LA SALLE, IL | $9,880 |
| RALEY'S | YERINGTON, NV | $9,795 |
| WAKEFERN FOOD CORPORATION | JAMESBURG, NJ | $7,566 |
| AMAZON MLI1 | DAVENPORT, IA | $7,093 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1200(b)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1200(b) Scope and application 44 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(4)(ii) 14 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(4)(iii) 12 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(3) 9 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(1) 6 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(3)(iv)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)(i)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)(ii)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)(iii)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)(v)
- 1910.1200(b)(6)
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Frequently asked questions
Does hazard communication apply to sealed-container work like warehousing?
Yes, but only in a limited way: labels, safety data sheets and training for spills or leaks.
What if a sealed container arrives without a safety data sheet?
The employer must obtain one as soon as possible if an employee requests it.
What training is required?
Information and training under paragraph (h), except for the location of the written program, to the extent needed to protect workers if a sealed container spills or leaks.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-05
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.