RTK Labeling, NFPA Diamond and Color Bar Labels Are Available

DuraLabel die-cut RTK labels are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

RTK stands for "Right-to-Know". The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires that workplace personnel are given the right to know the hazards of the chemicals that they may be exposed to while working.

Hazards of chemicals either produced or imported by an employer must be communicated to employees or downstream employers who may purchase the chemical. This is most quickly and directly done through RTK labels, in addition to material safety data sheets.

NFPA Diamond and Color Bar Right-to-Know (RTK) labels are widely used in workplaces to identify hazards. These die-cut hazard labels are available for all DuraLabel printers. Color Bar RTK labels are used for everyday personnel, while NFPA Diamond labels help identify hazards for emergency response personnel. They both utilize a numeric scale from 1-4 to identify the level of health hazard, fire hazard and instability.

The two common styles of RTK labels are the NFPA Diamond and the Color Bar Labels. Deciding which format to use is purely personal preference.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Diamond: Communicates the type and level of hazard associated with a chemical. It uses color codes to identify what the risks are. Blue: health risks, red: Flammability, yellow: Instability, and white: special hazards. Numbers are used to rate the severity of the hazard on a scale of 0 to 4 with 4 representing the most severe and 0 representing minimal or no danger. These labels come in the following sizes:

1" x 3"
2" x 2"
3" x 5"
4" x 6"
6" x 9"
6.8" x 10.5"

Color Bar Labels: Use a large format color bar to also quickly communicate the type and level of hazard associated with a chemical. Instead of arranging the colors and their urgency in a diamond shape, they are in a vertical row. These labels come in the following sizes:

3" x 1.4375"
2" x 2"
4" x 3.5"
8.8" x 8"

Request your copy of the DuraLabel supply catalog!

Call 1-888-326-9244 today!

DuraLabel printers are available in a hand held model up through sign printer desktop models.

RTK labels are probably the most important part of your HazCom program because they serve as an immediate visual warning of chemical hazards. For this reason, 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, and Target organ warning.

RTK information may be displayed in other languages so long as it is presented in English as well. Some states require additional information on RTK labels. Check with your state's OSHA department to find out what you need to do to comply.

There are more types of supplies available for DuraLabel printers than for any other printer. That means that with a DuraLabel printer you'll get the job done, and you'll get it done right.