Chemicals can be divided into several different hazard classes, which provides information to help determine how a chemical can be safely stored and handled. Each chemical container, whether supplied by a chemical manufacturer or produced in the laboratory, must have a label that clearly identifies the chemical constituents. In addition to a specific chemical label, more comprehensive hazard information can be found by referencing the chemical’s safety data sheet (SDS). The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines a hazardous chemical as any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds which is a physical or health hazard. This definition of a hazardous chemical and the GHS primary classes of chemicals are briefly discussed below. Note: Additional details regarding some of these hazards are included in Chapter 7.
2. Recognizing Hazards