Chemical Labeling

Three kinds of chemical labels are in general use at the University of Missouri:

The University of Missouri also uses special labels for Universal Waste.

HWL Changes

The University of Missouri Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is implementing an updated hazardous waste labeling system, effective February 28, to comply with the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hazardous Waste Generator Improvement rule changes (HWGIR) . These changes will enhance safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve waste tracking across campus laboratories and facilities.

Key Changes:

  • New Label Format: The updated labels will replace the word "Hazardous Material" with the word "Hazardous Waste" to satisfy regulatory requirements.  We have changed the color of the HWL from yellow to neon green to easily identify new/old style labels.
  • Enhanced Hazard Communication: Labels must now clearly specify the primary hazards associated with the waste (e.g., flammable, corrosive, toxic).

What You Need to Do:

  • Use the New Labels: Starting February 28th, all hazardous waste containers must be affixed with the new labels. EHS staff will deliver the updated HWL labels when servicing your lab space. You can also request these labels using the EHSA supply request form.  When applying the new green HWL label to an existing waste container, use the original start date from the yellow label—do not restart the accumulation date.
  • Properly Identify Waste: Ensure all required fields are completed accurately to maintain compliance.

HWL Instructions

Containers of hazardous waste must be labeled with a Hazardous Waste Labels (HWL) provided by EHS. The HWL must not be used for any other purpose without specific instructions from EHS. The instructions for the proper use of the HWL for Hazardous Waste and the HWL-R for Unwanted Radioactive Materials may be downloaded below. Additionally, there is a Hazardous Waste Continuation Label (HWL-C) which can be used if additional space is needed on either the HWL or HWL-R. The HWL-C must never be used by itself. There is also a special HWL for Temporary Containers that are emptied daily into other containers; that label is called the HWL-T.

Manufacturers' Labels

Chemical manufacturers generally place a great deal of information on their labels to communicate the hazards associated with their products, and it is a good idea to leave as much of the original label unobscured as possible.

HMIS Labels

To maintain a basic level of safety, the University of Missouri requires that all chemicals in hazardous material areas be clearly labeled. This even applies to commonplace materials (e.g., water) when they are used in hazardous materials areas. The labeling should include the original manufacturer's label when possible. Labels on containers of all chemicals must have the chemical name. Labels on containers of hazardous chemicals must also show the hazard warnings (flammable, corrosive, oxidizer, water reactive, etc.)

The following links will help you label hazardous materials that have been transferred to new containers and understand the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hazard rating system used on Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) labels.

Below you will also find links to pages with Avery Labels, complete with the NFPA diamond, in Word format. These may be downloaded, filled in, and printed out at your convenience. The properly complete HMIS label will provide all personnel with the necessary hazard warnings and meet the University's requirements for labeling hazardous unused materials.

If you have questions regarding completing any label, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at (573) 882-3736.

Universal Waste

At the University of Missouri, "universal waste" almost always refers to used fluorescent lamps or batteries. Instructions for Universal Waste can be found below:

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