Under HazCom, a compressed gas is defined as what, and must be labeled accordingly?

Under HazCom, a compressed gas is defined as what, and must be labeled accordingly?

• A. A physical hazard; must be labeled
• B. A chemical hazard; labeling optional
• C. Not hazardous; labeling not required
• D. A hazard not requiring labeling

Answer: (A)

HazCom distinguishes hazards as physical or health-related. A compressed gas is a physical hazard because the risk comes from the pressure inside the container—pressure can cause a cylinder to rupture, a rapid release of gas, or an explosion—independent of any toxic effects. Because of this physical hazard, it must be labeled under HazCom. The label should clearly indicate the hazard class Gas under pressure and include the standard pictogram of a gas cylinder, along with a hazard statement like “Contains gas under pressure” or “Gas under pressure; may explode if heated,” plus any relevant precautionary statements. This labeling applies to all compressed gases, since the hazard arises from the physical property of pressure, not solely from chemical toxicity.

HazCom distinguishes hazards as physical or health-related. A compressed gas is a physical hazard because the risk comes from the pressure inside the container—pressure can cause a cylinder to rupture, a rapid release of gas, or an explosion—independent of any toxic effects. Because of this physical hazard, it must be labeled under HazCom. The label should clearly indicate the hazard class Gas under pressure and include the standard pictogram of a gas cylinder, along with a hazard statement like “Contains gas under pressure” or “Gas under pressure; may explode if heated,” plus any relevant precautionary statements. This labeling applies to all compressed gases, since the hazard arises from the physical property of pressure, not solely from chemical toxicity.