Final answer:
When a chemical container has a torn or illegible label, it must be replaced with another supplier label to ensure safety and compliance with regulations like WHMIS and OSHA. This label gives important information on the chemical's hazards and handling. The replacement is the responsibility of the person in charge, according to the safety data sheet.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with chemicals, whether in a laboratory, classroom, or industrial setting, the labels on chemical containers are a critical element for safety. If you find yourself with a container that has a torn or illegible label, it is essential to replace it with another supplier label. Supplier labels provide important information such as the chemical identity, hazard warnings, and the supplier's identification, which are all crucial for handling and storing chemicals properly. Without such labels, there can be significant safety hazards. The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, for example, have specific regulations requiring that all chemical containers have proper and readable labels. It is not only a safety requirement, but it also helps prevent misuse of the chemical material. If the original label is unreadable, it is the responsibility of the person in charge to ensure a replacement label is obtained either from the chemical supplier or by creating an appropriate label with all the necessary information, according to the safety data sheet (SDS) for that chemical. Ignoring a missing or illegible label and not replacing it can have serious health and safety implications.