Labeling Requirements for Hazardous Substances

If you store or use hazardous substances, you need to label them. This is required by the NYC Community Right-to-Know Law, New York City Administrative Code, Title 24, Chapter 7.

Labeling rules

Every container with dangerous substances must be labeled, tagged or marked with the following information:

• Chemical name (the proper scientific name) - not the product name (like Drano)
• Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number (a unique number for chemical elements, compounds, polymers, biological sequences, mixtures and alloys)
• Appropriate hazardous warning for the chemical

Reporting amounts

To find the reporting amounts (TRQ), check the Hazardous Substance List and the Hazard Category List. You can find the Hazard Category List in the NYC Community Right-to-Know Laws and Regulations (Page 6709 RCNY 7-31-94).

Trade secrets

If the substance is a trade secret, the label should have the specific code for that substance. Labels must be in clear English and easy to see on the container or in the work area. You can also provide information in other languages, but it must be in English, too.

Reporting exemptions

If the amount of dangerous substances at your place is below the TRQ, you do not need to report them to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). However, you must write a letter to the DEP with:

• Right-to-Know Facility ID Number: DEP assigned number if you have reported hazardous substances before
• The appropriate North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
• The reason why your place does not need to report

• The Community Right-to-Know Program: uses an online reporting system. This system lets you submit your yearly, revised or updated Tier II forms online.

• Download the Community Right-to-Know Hazardous Substances List.
• Compare the amount of dangerous substances stored or used at your facility with the Community Right-to-Know Hazardous Substances List and the Hazard Category List.
• Check if the amount of dangerous substances stored or used at your facility is more than the Threshold Reporting Quantity (TRQ) in the Community Right-to-Know Hazardous Substances List and the Hazard Category List.
• If the amount is more than the TRQ:
  • Follow the steps in The NYC Community Right-to-Know Guidelines for Reporting.
• If the amount is not more than the TRQ:
  • Write a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
• DEP inspectors will visit your place: they will check the information you submitted and decide if your facility is exempt.