1910.1450(h): Lab Hazard Identification
Laboratory employers must keep labels on incoming chemical containers intact and keep received safety data sheets readily accessible. For chemicals made in the lab, they must determine if known substances are hazardous, treat unknown byproducts as hazardous, and follow the Hazard Communication Standard for chemicals made for outside users.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1450(h) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $7,566 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: CT (6), TN (1), TX (1).
- Related part: 1910.1450(h)(1) (10 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1450(h) ("Hazard identification") is one requirement inside 1910.1450 Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 7 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
(h) Hazard identification. 10 citations
(1) With respect to labels and safety data sheets: Open (h)(1) 10 citations
(i) Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced. Open (h)(1)(i) 1 citations
(ii) Employers shall maintain any safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of hazardous chemicals, and ensure that they are readily accessible to laboratory employees. 9 citations
(2) The following provisions shall apply to chemical substances developed in the laboratory:
(i) If the composition of the chemical substance which is produced exclusively for the laboratory's use is known, the employer shall determine if it is a hazardous chemical as defined in paragraph (b) of this section. If the chemical is determined to be hazardous, the employer shall provide appropriate training as required under paragraph (f) of this section.
(ii) If the chemical produced is a byproduct whose composition is not known, the employer shall assume that the substance is hazardous and shall implement paragraph (e) of this section.
(iii) If the chemical substance is produced for another user outside of the laboratory, the employer shall comply with the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) including the requirements for preparation of safety data sheets and labeling.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1450.
Export the list: 10 inspections cited 1910.1450(h) 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 1910.1450(h).
At 4:00 a.m. on September 14, 2024, Employee #1 was performing routine janitorial duties, including cleaning bathrooms, removing trash, and cleaning floors. The employee began the shift feeling unwell with a headache and upset stomach. As the day progressed, the symptoms worsened, and the employee…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: CT (6), TN (1), TX (1), NM (1), AZ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RFX2026XLB058X0011 - ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY | TEMPE, AZ | $7,566 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE LLC | MOUNT JULIET, TN | $0 |
| MANLEY GAS TESTING INC | ODESSA, TX | $0 |
| NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY | LAS VEGAS, NM | $0 |
| TOWN OF WINCHESTER | WINSTED, CT | $0 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1450(h), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1450(h).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1450(h)(1) 10 citations
- 1910.1450(h)(1)(i) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can labels be removed from incoming containers?
No. Labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals must not be removed or defaced.
What about an unknown lab byproduct?
The employer must assume it is hazardous and implement paragraph (e) of the section.
What if the lab makes chemicals for others?
The employer must follow the Hazard Communication Standard, including safety data sheets and labeling.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1450 (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 2026-11-06
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.