Labeling Laboratory Containers

When chemicals are transferred from primary, labeled containers to portable, secondary containers/vessels (such as a squeeze bottle, beaker, or flask), the New York City Fire Code requires labeling of the portable, secondary container with a chemical name(s). OSHA also requires labeling of portable, secondary containers under certain conditions, however it is good chemical hygiene practice to label all laboratory containers/vessels with a chemical name(s). All laboratory containers, even those containing minimally hazardous materials such as water or buffer solutions, must be labeled.

Writing the name of the material on the container is perfectly acceptable, but if you are interested in a more permanent solution, please consider the following labeling tools that EH&S has put together.

Columbia University’s ChemWatch platform delivers hazardous material safety information, and is the primary source for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) at the University, but it can also print out laboratory container labels with just a few mouse clicks. An example is pictured below, and a complete guide to printing labels through ChemWatch is also available.

If this solution is too rigid for you or you just need more flexibility, EH&S has also prepared a template for printing blank labels that you can fill in on your own. The labels are 1 1/3” x 4” and will print on Avery 5162 Address Labels, available from a typical office supply store. An example is pictured below and shown in the attached link to the printable template.