Right-To-Know
(RTK) Labeling
Industrial Labeling
>Right-To-Know Labeling
What are RTK Labels?
The acronym RTK stands
for "Right-to-Know". In 1983, OSHA instituted Hazard
Communication Standard 1910.1200. This is a rule that gives employees
the right to know the hazards of chemicals to which they may be
exposed in the workplace. Right to know (RTK) labeling also serves
to quickly inform emergency responders, who may have to enter your
facility, about the potential hazards they face.
Under OSHA
rules the chemicals an employer produces or purchases must be
labeled to communicated the hazards of those chemicals to employees,
and to downstream employers who may purchase the chemical. This
is done through labels, material safety data sheets, a written hazard
communication program, and hazard safety training.
 RTK
labels are probably the most important part of your Hazard Communications
program. They provide an easy-to-understand, highly visual warning
of chemical hazards. For this reason, OSHA requires that RTK labels
must be clearly displayed, written legibly in English, and must
contain at least the following information:
- Identity
of the hazardous chemical(s)
- Appropriate
hazard warnings
- Target organ
warning
- Name and
address of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible
party
RTK information
may also be displayed in other languages, as appropriate for your
facility, as long as it is also in English. Some states add to the
OSHA requirements and require additional information on RTK labels.
Check with your state's OSHA department to find out what you need
to do to comply with your state's labeling requirements.
MSDS and RTK Labels
Behind every
Right-to-Know label there is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
An MSDS provides
more detailed information about a chemical and the hazards associated
with it. The MSDS also includes information on first aid and emergency
responses, personal protective equipment, handling instructions,
control measures, primary routes of entry, and other vital information
necessary for the safe use of hazardous chemicals. To learn what
is required on an MSDS, consult OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard
1910.1200 (g).
As with RTK
labels, there are many ways to organize the information of an MSDS.
OSHA recommends the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Z400.1-1993 standard for the preparation of an MSDS. However, it
is ultimately up to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and
employers to determine which format they use.
What Do RTK Labels
Need to List?
According to
OSHA's HCS 1910.1200, an RTK label must contain the chemical name,
appropriate hazard warning, and the name and address of the manufacturer.
It is OSHA's position that an appropriate hazard warning includes
information on the body organs effected by exposure to the chemical
(see OSHA Standards Interpretation and Compliance Letters 02/09/1994
- Labeling Provisions).
You can use
both pictograms and text to list target organ effects on your label.
Printing
RTK Labels
RTK labels are
usually supplied as die-cut labels on rolls, with a color code system,
such as the NFPA Diamond, pre-printed on the label. Most label printers
are able to handle all sizes of labels, unless you need very large
labels. However, when selecting a printer be sure the style and
size labels you want to use are available for that label printer.
Do you need a printer that makes RTK labels, and a whole lot more? Check out the DuraLabel Pro and DuraLabel supplies.
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