HMIS: Hazard Materials Information System

Our HMIS is based on the National Fire Protection Association-704 codes. Our HMIS labels should have four tags. The first three tags are integers from {low=0,1,2,3,4=high} indicating the hazard in three areas: H "health" (blue), F "flammability" (red), and R "reactivity" (yellow). The fourth code consists of letters for protective equipment (white): (FH "fume hood", C, D)

NFPA 704 Codes

Health

4
Deadly: even the slightest exposure to this substance would be life threatening. Only specialized protective clothing, for these materials, should be worn.
3
Extreme Danger: serious injury would result from exposure to this substance. Do not expose any body surface to these materials. Full protective measures should be taken
2
Dangerous: exposure to this substance would be hazardous to health. Protective measures are indicated.
1
Slight Hazard: Irritation or minor injury would result from ex-posure to this substance. Protective measures are indicated.
0
No Hazard: exposure to this substance offers no significant risk to health.
Note: NFPA is concerned with the accute risks of firefighters; chronic health effects are not included.

Flammability

4
Flash Point Below 73°F and Boiling Point Below 100°F: this substance is very flammable, volatile or explosive depending on its state. Extreme caution should be used in handling or storing of these materials.
3
Flash Point Below 100°F: flammable, volatile or explosive under almost all normal temperature conditions. Exercise great caution in storage or handling of these materials.
2
Flash Point Below 200° F: moderately heated conditions may ignite this substance. Caution procedures should be employed in handling.
1
Flash Point Above 200°F: this substance must be preheated to ignite. Most combustible solids would be in this category.
0
Will Not Burn: substances that will not burn

Reactivity

4
May Detonate: substances that are readily capable of detonation or explosion at normal temperatures and pressures. Evacuate area if exposed to heat or fire.
3
Explosive: substances that are readily capable of detonation or explosion by a strong initiating source, such as heat, shock or water. Monitor from behind explosion resistant barriers.
2
Unstable: violent chemical changes are possible at normal or elevated temperatures and pressures. Potentially violent or explosive reaction may occur when mixed with water. Monitor from a safe distance.
1
Normally stable: substances that may become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures or when mixed with water. Approach with caution.
0
Stable: substances which will remain stable when exposed to heat, pressure or water.

Protective Equipment Codes

A
Safety Glasses
B
Safety Glasses + Gloves
C
Safety Glasses + Gloves + Apron
D
Full Face Shield + Gloves + Apron
E
There should be no Es!
FH
Fume Hood