{"id":7708,"date":"2024-02-23T14:18:06","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T19:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/?p=7708"},"modified":"2026-02-05T16:13:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T21:13:11","slug":"how-to-read-an-hmis-label-like-an-expert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/how-to-read-an-hmis-label-like-an-expert\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Read an HMIS Label Like an Expert"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Hazardous Materials Identification System<\/u><\/strong><\/a> is used to communicate in-plant hazard information by using color-bar labels to identify chemical hazards and how to handle them. The National Paint Coatings Association (now known as the American Coatings Association) developed this proprietary hazard rating system, which is primarily used in-house by chemical manufacturers. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about reading an HMIS label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are HMIS Labels Required by OSHA?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No. Some manufacturers include HMIS information on their Safety Data Sheets, but OSHA does not require HMIS labelling. OSHA confirmed in an interpretation letter that HMIS (and NFPA) ratings can be included in Section 2 of Safety Data Sheets “so long as the ratings in the HMIS label do not contradict or cast doubt on the validity of label information required by HCS 2012 (C.3.1) or impede the user’s ability to identify the information required by HCS 2012 (C.3.2)”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When OSHA adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) as part of the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200<\/u><\/strong><\/a>) in 2012, container labeling requirements changed to include specific elements including: pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements and a signal word. As a result, the HMIS system is primarily used internally by manufacturers and chemical users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a business uses HMIS labelling, or if HMIS labels appear on their Safety Data Sheets, workers need to understand the system – and how it differs from other chemical labelling systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HMIS Labels Use Numerical Classifications To Identify Hazards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These labels are unique depending on the age of the label and the ratings of the hazardous material. All labels feature four colored and clearly labeled rectangular stripes. The stickers show the hazard type and the level of danger using a number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop HMIS Labels:<\/h3>\n\n
\"Chemical<\/a><\/td>\"HMIS<\/a><\/td>\"4-color<\/a><\/td>\"HMIS<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
\n Hazards & PPE<\/u><\/a>\n <\/td> \n Wallet Card<\/u><\/a>\n <\/td> \n Ratings Roll Label<\/u><\/a>\n <\/td> \n ID Label<\/u><\/a>\n <\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n


Numeric Classifications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An HMIS label relies on a numeric classification system to indicate levels of danger. There is an ascending progression, with the lowest danger level starting at zero and the highest danger level using the number four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OSHA advises companies to avoid mixing numerical classification systems when one system uses ascending progression and the other relies on descending order. This can cause confusion as the numbers seem to contradict one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison With the NFPA Fire Diamond<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The HMIS system looks very similar to the NFPA 704 identification system, but these labels have different purposes. The NFPA Fire Diamond is used to inform emergency personnel about the flammability of hazardous materials and the type of safety equipment necessary when responding to an emergency. The HMIS system is used to identify hazards and PPE requirements for people working with specific chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HMIS Labeling Has 5 Common Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A standard label will include the following elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. The name of the hazardous material<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Blue stripe labeled \u201cHEALTH\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Red stripe marked “FLAMMABILITY”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Orange stripe marked “PHYXICAL HAZARD”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. White stripe indicating “PPE”<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    A label could include more fields for listing additional information, such as the manufacturer of the hazardous material. Within each of these categories, you may get other information about the hazard and the way to handle it through another code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Blue Stripe: Health Hazards<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The top blue stripe features two squares, with one showing the hazard level and the other distinguishing between chronic or acute-only health hazards. There are five hazard levels, ranging from no significant health risk to the potential for life-threatening or permanent damage from exposure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n