School Right-To-Know (RTK) Labeling
School 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 (and students) the right to know the hazards of chemicals to which they may be exposed in the workplace. Right to know labeling also serves to quickly inform emergency responders who may have to enter your facility.

Under the OSHA rule the chemicals a school produces or purchases must be labeled to communicated the hazards of those chemicals to employees, and to downstream users. 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.