OSHA Voluntary Protection Program

A new web site discusses the various aspects of labeling for those who are applying for or participating in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

Labeling is an important component of VPP. Labels and signs are the most common method of communicating safety related information at the point of need. This not only includes warning signs and labels, but also labels that identify locations and equipment; labels that provide operating or maintenance instructions; and labels that identify processes, pipe and tank contents, and the direction of flow.

For example, it is important that emergency response personnel be able to quickly know the contents of pipes, tanks and storage contains, and the hazard they represent. It's also important to know the direction f flow through pipes and tubing, so that the appropriate valve (downstream) can be quickly identified and closed. In general, you should be able to stand at any location in your facility and be able to identify--based on labels and signs--the contents of every pipe, tank and container you can see.