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.

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