1910.1200(f)(7): Alternative Labels for Stationary Containers
Employers may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures or similar written materials instead of labels on individual stationary process containers, as long as they identify the containers covered and give the label information required by (f)(6). The materials must be readily accessible to employees in their work area throughout each work shift.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1200(f)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 25 times in the last 3 years, in 25 inspections, with $54,418 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: GA (3), MI (3), TN (3).
- 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)(7) is one requirement inside 1910.1200 Hazard communication, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). 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
(7) The employer may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures, or other such written materials in lieu of affixing labels to individual stationary process containers, as long as the alternative method identifies the containers to which it is applicable and conveys the information required by paragraph (f)(6) of this section to be on a label. The employer shall ensure the written materials are readily accessible to the employees in their work area throughout each work shift. 25 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1200.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1200(f)(7).
At 10:20 a.m. on August 1, 2024, an employee was working inside a transformer. The employee entered a permitted confined space filled with nitrogen and asphyxiated due to overexposure to nitrogen. The employee was killed.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: GA (3), MI (3), TN (3), NJ (3), UT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY | BILLINGS, MT | $14,518 |
| THATCHER COMPANY, INC. | SALT LAKE CITY, UT | $7,000 |
| BURLINGTON CITY WATER TREATMENT PLANT | BURLINGTON CITY, NJ | $7,000 |
| PEMBERTON TOWNSHIP MUA | PEMBERTON, NJ | $6,300 |
| HIGHTSTOWN WATER TREATMENT PLANT | HIGHTSTOWN, NJ | $4,900 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1200(f)(7), 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)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1200(f) Labels and other forms of warning 2,653 citations
- 1910.1200(f)(6) 2,464 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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a sign replace a label on a tank?
Yes, for stationary process containers, if it identifies the containers and conveys the required label information.
What other materials can be used?
Placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures or other such written materials.
Where must they be kept?
Readily accessible to employees in their work area throughout each work shift.
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.