How OSHA labeling applies to your container size
Every in-house container a chemical is transferred into — a spray bottle, a refilled drum, a transfer can — is a workplace (secondary) container. Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6) it must carry the product identifier and the chemical's hazard information. Construction adopts the identical requirement through 29 CFR 1926.59 (adopts 29 CFR 1910.1200).
There is no size cutoff. OSHA gives you two options and never mandates label dimensions. What 1910.1200(f)(10) does require is that the workplace label be legible, in English, and prominently displayed on the container or readily available in the work area throughout each work shift — other languages may be added alongside the English, not instead of it. Durable stock is practical advice, not a rule:
- (f)(6)(i) — full GHS label elements (as on the shipped container).
- (f)(6)(ii) — product identifier + words/pictures/symbols (or combination) that provide AT LEAST general information on the hazards.
The only thing that changes with container size is what physically fits. This tool converts your capacity to milliliters, picks the right Avery template, and tells you whether a full label fits or whether the compact (f)(6)(ii) label is the practical choice.
Container size → Avery template reference
| Container | Avery template | Label size | Practical (f)(6) option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vial / dropper / ampoule (≤ 3 ml) | Avery 5167 | 1/2" × 1 3/4" | Reduced label (f)(6)(ii) |
| Small bottle / sample (≤ 100 ml ≈ 3.4 fl oz) | Avery 5160 | 1" × 2 5/8" | Reduced label (f)(6)(ii) |
| Spray bottle / pint / quart (≤ 1 qt) | Avery 5163 | 2" × 4" | Either option fits |
| Jug (> 1 qt – 2.5 gal) | Avery 5164 | 3 1/3" × 4" | Full GHS label (f)(6)(i) |
| Bucket / pail (> 2.5 – 5 gal) | Avery 5164 | 3 1/3" × 4" (or 4" × 6") | Full GHS label (f)(6)(i) |
| Drum (> 5 – 55 gal) | Avery 8165 | 8 1/2" × 11" (full sheet) | Full GHS label (f)(6)(i) |
| Tote / IBC (> 55 gal) | Avery 8165 | 8 1/2" × 11" (full sheet) | Full GHS label (f)(6)(i) |
Avery SKUs/dimensions verified against avery.com (2026-10-05). The (f)(6) option column is a printing recommendation, not a legal limit — both options are valid at any size.
Common unit conversions
| Unit | Milliliters |
|---|---|
| 1 fl oz (US) | 29.5735 ml |
| 1 quart (US) | 946.353 ml |
| 1 gallon (US) | 3785.412 ml |
| 1 liter | 1,000 ml |
Worked examples
A 16 oz spray bottle of degreaser. 16 fl oz × 29.57 ≈ 473 ml → the “spray bottle / pint / quart” bracket → Avery 5163 (2" × 4"). At ≈ 8 in² a full (f)(6)(i) GHS label fits; the reduced (f)(6)(ii) label is also fine.
A 2 ml reagent vial. 2 ml → the vial bracket → Avery 5167 (1/2" × 1 3/4"). The surface is tiny, so the practical choice is the (f)(6)(ii) label — the product identifier plus a pictogram or a hazard word on a wrap or tie-on tag. It still meets the rule; (f)(6) has no minimum size.
What to do next
- Design the label. Use the Secondary Container Label Maker to build a compliant (f)(6) label sized for the template above.
- Pull the hazard wording from the SDS. Copy hazard statements from Section 2 of the chemical's Safety Data Sheet — they must match the shipped-container label.
- Print legibly and durably. For curved or wet containers, laminate or use a weatherproof label stock; OSHA cares that it stays readable, not the exact dimensions.
A note on the 100 ml / 3 ml small-package rules
The ≤100 ml and ≤3 ml small-packaging accommodations were added by the HCS 2024 final rule in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(12) (added by the HCS 2024 final rule). They apply only to the shipped container labeled by the manufacturer, importer, or distributor — not to the in-house secondary containers this tool covers. Workplace containers always follow (f)(6), which has no volume cutoff.
Frequently asked questions
Which label size for my container?
Select your container size above. Small squeeze bottles (1–2 oz) usually fit Avery 5160 (1" × 2 5/8"). Spray bottles, pints, and quarts typically use 2" × 4" (Avery 5163 or 8163). For 5-gallon buckets, use Avery 5164 (3 1/3" × 4") or a larger format such as 4" × 6".
Does OSHA require a specific label size?
No. 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6) requires workplace secondary containers to bear the product identifier and hazard information, but OSHA does not mandate label dimensions. Under (f)(10) the label has to be legible, in English, and prominently displayed on the container or readily available in the work area throughout the shift — other languages may be added alongside the English, not instead of it. Durable stock is practical advice, not a rule. Choose a size that fits your container and remains readable.
Do the 100 ml / 3 ml small-container rules apply to my secondary containers?
No. The ≤100 ml and ≤3 ml small-container accommodations were added by the HCS 2024 final rule as 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(12), and they apply to the SHIPPED container labeled by the manufacturer, importer, or distributor—not to in-house secondary (workplace) containers. Workplace secondary containers always follow (f)(6), which has no size cutoff.
Can I use the free GHS label generator with these sizes?
Yes. After picking your Avery template above, use our free GHS Label Generator to design a compliant workplace label (product name, pictograms, hazard info) and print on the same sheet.
Sources & verification
- https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1910.1200
- https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200AppC
- https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200AppB
- https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.106
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/20/2024-08568/hazard-communication-standard
Regulatory facts verified 2026-10-05. This tool is a printing recommendation for planning only — it is not legal advice. State-Plan states may add requirements but cannot fall below the federal standard.