Labelling of decanted chemicals
There are labelling requirements for decanted chemicals you’ll need to follow at Monash University. Your label will need to include:
- product name and concentration
- name of the owner
- pictogram(s)
- hazard and precautionary statements.
These are the minimum requirements necessary to comply with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). For more information on the use of pictograms see Safe Work Australia’s labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals document (pdf).
Containers used immediately for an experiment and disposed of straight after use do not require labelling.
Example of a chemical label
Small containers
If a container is too small to attach a full label, a reference number should be attached instead. This number must correspond to a reference document in the laboratory that lists the chemical name and concentration, name of the owner, and hazard and precautionary information.
Time-sensitive chemicals
Decanted, time-sensitive chemicals must be labelled with the date decanted and the expiry date.
Stock chemicals must be labelled with the date the container was received.
Generating labels
Chemwatch can be used to generate a GHS-compliant chemical label for decanted chemicals.
Custom labels can be generated using the D-Gen Lab module in Chemwatch (there’s a D-Gen module training package in the eLearning facility in Chemwatch that will show you how to use it).
Labels for custom mixtures containing Hazardous Substances or Dangerous Goods can be generated using the Credo module in Chemwatch.
Need help?
For more information, contact the Health, Safety & Wellbeing team at hsw@monash.edu.