Decoding HMIS and OSHA Signs: Creating Safety in Hazardous Environments

In hazardous environments, understanding the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) and OSHA signs is crucial for ensuring safety. HMIS, developed by the National Paint Coatings Association (NPCA), now known as the American Coatings Association (ACA), employs color bar labels to signify and convey information about chemical hazards. Complementing HMIS, OSHA signs play a pivotal role in alerting individuals to potential dangers and safety protocols within workplaces. Let's delve into these systems to better grasp their significance in safeguarding workers and environments.

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) is a hazard rating system that uses color bar labels to identify and provide information about chemical hazards. HMIS was developed by the National Paint Coatings Association (NPCA), now known as the American Coatings Association (ACA).

HMIS labels are similar to NFPA diamond RTK labels, and many workplaces use the same rating systems for both.

In addition to official HMIS labels, other color bar style RTK labels are available through suppliers such as DuraLabel. Although not officially HMIS labels, DuraLabel color bar labels communicate the same information as HMIS labels and meet OSHA labeling requirements.

Comparing The NFPA Diamond and HMIS RTK Labels

NFPA diamond labels, HMIS labels, and color bar RTK labels provide the same information, but in different ways. The most significant example of their differences is the NFPA diamond, which is used to rate the instability (or reactivity) of the material. The yellow diamond has been replaced with an orange bar to rate the level of the physical hazard on the HMIS label, and is also used in the same way to create RTK labels. These OSHA labels enhance workplace safety by providing clear and standardized information, complementing OSHA signs. Together, these labeling systems ensure comprehensive hazard communication and promote a safer work environment.

HMIS Blue Bar: Health Hazards

For blue, the NFPA and HMIS rating systems are the same. The health section of an HMIS label conveys the health hazards of the material.

This material presents no health hazard. No precautions are needed.

Exposure to the material will cause an irritation and result in minor residual injuries.

Material may be harmful if inhaled or absorbed. Intense or continued exposure might cause temporary incapacitation. There may be a residual injury even with treatment.

These materials are corrosive or toxic. Avoid skin contact or inhalation. Short exposure may cause serious temporary or moderate residual injury even with prompt medical treatment.

Personal protective gear (PPE) is required These chemicals can penetrate ordinary rubber protective gear. Short exposure may result in death.

In addition to the numerical rating, the HMIS allows for an asterisk to be used in a separate box in the blue bar to indicate that long-term exposure may cause health problems.

HMIS Red Bar - Flammability

There are three HMIS standards that have been issued by NPCA. For the HMIS I and II standards, the criteria for the numerical values in the red bar are the same as for the NFPA diamond. For HMIS III the criteria are the OSHA label standards.  

Here are the two standards:

Not combustible. The material will not burn in air when exposed to a temperature of 1,500 (F) for five minutes.

Combustible when exposed to a temperature of 1,500 (F) for less than five minutes or with a flash point above 200 (F).

Under normal ambient conditions, this material does not form a hazardous atmosphere. Under high ambient temperatures or moderate heating, it will produce a hazardous atmosphere. These substances may be solids that readily give off hazardous gases or liquids with a flash point above 100 (F) and below 200 (F).

These are solids and liquids that can be ignited under ambient conditions. Liquids with this rating have a flash point below 100 (F). This rating also includes combustible dusts, fibrous solids and materials that have self-contained oxygen.

Flammable gas or extremely flammable liquids. Materials that form explosive mixtures with air.

HMIS III

Material that will not burn

Materials that have a flash point above 200F

Materials that have a flash point at or above 100 F (38 C) but below 200 F (93 C)

OSHA Class IB materials which are liquids having flashpoints below 73 F (22.8 C) and having a boiling point at or above 100 F (37.8 C)

OSHA Class IA materials include liquids having flashpoints below 73 F (22.8 C) and having a boiling point below 100 F (37.8 C)

HMIS Orange Bar - Physical Hazard

The HMIS physical hazard level ratings are:

Materials that do not react with most materials, and pose no physical hazard.

Materials that are stable at normal temperatures and pressures, but may become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Materials that may have violent reactions at normal temperatures and pressures.

Materials that may create explosive mixtures at normal temperatures and pressures.

Materials that may explode at normal temperatures and pressures.

HMIS White Bar - Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

In the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) the white bar is used to show the level of personal protective equipment that needs to be used. An alphabetical system is used, with letters indicating the level of protection:

safety glasses

safety glasses and gloves

safety glasses, gloves, and an apron

face shield, gloves, and an apron

safety glasses, gloves, and a dust respirator

safety glasses, gloves, apron, and a dust respirator

safety glasses, a vapor respirator

splash goggles, gloves, apron and a vapor respirator

safety glasses, gloves, and a dust/vapor respirator

splash goggles, gloves, apron, and a dust/vapor respirator

- hood or mask, gloves, full suit and boots

custom PPE specified by the employer

While HMIS labels are propriety to the NPCA (ACA) and are only available through a single source, Color Bar labels are available in a wide range of sizes. With the DuraLabel Kodiak Max Industrial Sign and Label Print System, you can access RTK labels in various sizes, including unique extra-large label sizes that aren't available from any other label supplier and meet OSHA labeling requirements. The Kodiak Max also comes with RTK database software that makes tracking and printing GHS compliant labels quick and easy.

Whether you need safety signs, pipe markers, or equipment labels—DuraLabel's industrial printers are ready to transport anywhere you are. Get help crafting a system that will provide the safety communication you need. Call 1-888-788-9386 and one of our experts will guide you through the process. 

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