HMIS label

We might note here that there may be some raw material suppliers who are affixing or pre-printing the HMIS label element to their raw material packages, if so, as discussed later, there are specific ways to deal with this. 

Most companies using a hazardous materials identification system have found that the best way to affix HMIS labels is to assign a person in the receiving department the responsibility for inventorying and affixing the HMIS labels. This can be accomplished in two ways, as described in c and d. 

Illustrated below are the proportions of the basic HMIS label For the 50 lb. bag and 55 gallon drum A = 6 (15.25 cm) and 1/4A = 15 (3.813 cm) Other sizes should be scaled up or down according to these proportions... 

Make sure that you have access to the MSDS, the chemical is labeled as required by your facility, and the container is entered into your facility s hazardous chemical management program. Study the chemical s MSDS and label. Look for information about the chemical s reactivity, stability and hazards. If there is a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond or a Hazard Material Information System (HMIS) label, look for a 2, 3, or 4 in the yellow Instability (formerly Reactivity) section or a W (water reactive) in the white Special Hazards section. 

The HMIS label (see Figure 14-2) is a rectangular label with horizontal color bars indicating the type of hazard (red for flammability, yellow for reactivity, and blue for health hazard), and numbers showing the degree or severity of each hazard as follows ... 

The HMIS label has a white space at the bottom of the label where PPE is specified. 

Another acceptable label is the NFPA s diamond label (see Figure 14-3), which uses the same color code as the HMIS label, but has different and more specific meanings for the numbers in each hazard category. On this label, the number in the red diamond indicates flash point or combustibility and the numbers stand for ... 

Labels on containers of hazardous chemicals provide immediate information about the contents of the container and the hazards associated with the contents. Labels are important for use in determining handling methods and immediate emergency response action. All containers of hazardous chemicals must be appropriately labeled to show the hazards of the contents and other necessary information. The two most common labels are the NFPA and HMIS labels. 

Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) label—A color coded labeling system that warns of the hazards associated with a particular chemical. 

Hazardous material (HAZMAT)-. Effective HMIS (hazardous material identification system) and MSDS (material safety data sheet) programs are both essential elements of a safety program The HMIS system identifies and labels substances that may pose some hazard to those who use them. The MSD sheets, provided by the suppliers of materials deemed to be hazardous, are kept on file to quickly identify all hazards and the appropriate responses in emergency situations. This mandated part of a safety program can be handed off to a subteam that ensures the MSDS database in updated and the HMIS labeling program is audited for compliance. 

Weeki Discuss location of safety lock, tags and procedures Demonstrate correct lifting Inspect tools for damage or worn surfaces Review an HMIS label on a product in your cell... 

Week 4 Audit all equipment in your cell fora lockout procedure Discuss the mechanical lifting devices in your cell and inspect them Think about where to put your hands...and where not to put your hands while working with tools/ machinery Demonstrate how you get a HMIS label for a secondary container... 

In other words, employers may continue to use rating systems such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA ) 704 diamonds or Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS ) III requirements for in-house workplace labels as long as they are consistent with the requirements of the HazCom Standard, and the employees have immediate access to the specific hazard information as discussed above. If you use NFPA or HMIS labeling, you must, through training, ensure that your employees are fully aware of the hazards of the chemicals used. 

If your company will continue using NFPA or HMIS labels for in-house purposes, assure trainees that this practice will continue, but only for in-house labels. Note that trainees will still want to know the new information for containers arriving at or being shipped out of the facility. 

Can an employer use NFPA and HMIS labeling systems for in-house chemicals ... 

How does HazCom/GHS labeling requirements differ from NFPA or HMIS labeling systems ... 

Under HazCom/GHS, hazard categories usually begin at 1 for the most severe and 4 or 5 for the least severe hazards. Some hazard categories are identified by an A , B , or other letter of the alphabet. The number identifying the hazard category will not appear on the label — only on the SDS for the product. This is different from NFPA and HMIS labels. The only numbers appearing on the GHS-style label will be any product identification numbers and the phone number of the chemical manufacturer or importer. 

Place the proper National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) label on any stored chemicals. 

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