1910.1200(f)(6): Labeling containers in the workplace
Each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace must be labeled, tagged or marked with either the full shipped-container label information, or the product identifier plus words, pictures, symbols or a combination that gives at least general hazard information, which together with the rest of the hazard communication program tells employees the specific physical and health hazards.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1200(f)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 2,464 times in the last 3 years, in 2,452 inspections, with $3,182,592 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (393), VA (143), OR (138).
- Related part: 1910.1200(f) Labels and other forms of warning (2,653 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6) is one requirement inside 1910.1200 Hazard communication, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 2 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
(6) Workplace labeling. Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(7) and (f)(8) of this section, the employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with either: 2,464 citations
(i) The information specified under paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (v) of this section for labels on shipped containers; or, Open (f)(6)(i) 196 citations
(ii) Product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under the hazard communication program, will provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical. Open (f)(6)(ii) 1,516 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1200.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1200(f)(6).
At 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 2024, an employee working as a mechanic/welder foran automotive shop was using a a plasma cutter to cut the top off a 55-gallon metal drum. The employee was unaware the drum contained flammable liquids. The instant the plasma cutter…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 188 |
| 2024 | 888 |
| 2025 | 837 |
| 2026 | 551 |
Top states: TN (393), VA (143), OR (138), MI (135), NC (131)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DAEHAN SOLUTION NEVADA, LLC. | FERNLEY, NV | $1,369,056 |
| SV LABS PRESCOTT CORPORATION | PRESCOTT, WI | $85,122 |
| NEXTRISE USA INC. | SEALY, TX | $21,000 |
| MODWASH, LLC | MECHANICSBURG, PA | $16,550 |
| NEW HORIZONS BAKING COMPANY | COLUMBUS, OH | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1200(f)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Transmitting bulk shipment labels by technological or other means (2022-11-09)
- HCS Labeling requirements regarding intra-plant and intercompany shipping (2018-12-03)
- Hazard Communication Standard – SDS responsible party and hazards not otherwise classified (2018-09-18)
- Labeling of Secondary Containers (2017-06-20)
- Labeling outer containers of chemical cleaning products while in storage. (2017-05-05)
- HCS 2012 labeling of refrigerant containers (2016-08-22)
- HCS labeling of imports and exports (2015-09-10)
- Labeling of small containers in the laboratory (2015-09-03)
- Hazard communication 2012-compliant labels and safety data sheets on shipped containers of hazardous chemicals (2015-07-28)
- Labeling Provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard (1991-07-25)
- Applicability of the Hazard Communication standard to pesticides. (1986-05-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1200(f) Labels and other forms of warning 2,653 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(6)(ii) 1,516 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(6)(i) 196 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(10) 112 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(7) 25 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(8) 18 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(1) Labels on shipped containers 13 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(5) Transportation 12 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(9) 6 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(1)(iv) 2 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(1)(vi) 2 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(5)(ii) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can we use our own labeling system in-house?
Yes. Workplace containers may use the product identifier plus words, pictures or symbols giving general hazard information, as long as the rest of the HazCom program provides the specific hazard information.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, in paragraphs (f)(7) and (f)(8), such as signs for stationary process containers and portable containers for an employee's own immediate use.
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 2026-10-20
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.