As you walk through a maintenance hangar, you notice an unlabeled container that is not being used by anyone. Curiosity might make you wonder what is inside. Does it belong on a salad, or is it meant for aircraft equipment? More importantly, should you open it and smell its contents to find out?
Without a proper label, the contents are completely unknown and could pose a serious risk of injury or illness to you or anyone nearby.
Applicable OSHA Regulation
Product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide
at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in
conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under the
hazard communication program, will provide employees with the specific information
regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical.
Corrective Actions Required
All containers holding chemicals must be clearly labeled according to the information found on their corresponding Safety Data Sheet. Proper workplace labeling is essential to preventing injuries, illnesses, and dangerous guesswork.
If you see an unlabeled container, stop and report it immediately. Do not use it, do not open it, and do not try to identify it by smell. Your actions protect yourself and everyone in the hangar.