NFPA & HMIS Labels

Because hazardous materials of all types are potentially dangerous, there are strict regulations regarding their transport. In addition to being properly categorized, the Department of Transportation requires that all hazmat shipments be properly placarded and labeled. In most situations, hazmat placards are required on cylinders, trucks and other vehicles used for transport. Hazmat labels, on the other hand, are affixed to or printed on material packaging and overpacks.

There are numerous labels and placards for hazardous materials. Each is designed to quickly convey what type of material a package or transport vehicle contains. They are emblazoned with the hazard classification, and they feature specific designs and colors that are used universally for transporting hazardous goods around the world.

Hazmat placards and labels are extremely important. They inform us of the potentially hazardous materials that are being transported on our roads, and they make us aware of packages that may contain materials that are dangerous. In addition to informing the public, placards and labels ensure that carriers know what they are hauling. They are also extremely important to police, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency responders. When spills or accidents happen, the placards or labels let first responders know what they are dealing with so they can look it up in the “Emergency Guide Handbook”

In addition to helping keep everyone safe, hazmat labels and placards are required by law. There are a few exceptions, but as a shipper, you are responsible for making sure that any hazardous materials you send out are properly categorized and labeled or placarded. Shippers who do not comply may face stiff penalties.

Level of Hazard:

0. Minimal Hazard

1.Slight Hazard

2.Moderate Hazard

3.Serious Hazard

4.Severe Hazard

Special Information

• [White] OXY – Oxidizer

• ACID ALK – Alkali

• TOX – Toxic

• EXP – Explosive

• TOX – Toxic

HAZMAT LABELING SYSTEMS
HMIS

• 4 Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal pressure & temperature, or is readily dispersed in air & will burn readily.
• 3 Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient conditions.
• 2 Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high temperature before ignition can occur.
• 1 Must be preheated before ignition can occur.
• 0 Materials that will not burn.

• 4 Readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures and pressures.
• 3 Capable of detonation or explosive reaction, but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation, or reacts explosively with water.
• 2 Normally unstable and readily undergoes violent decomposition but does not detonate. Also, may react violently with water or may form potentially explosive mixtures with water.
• 1 Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures or may react with water with some release of energy, but not violently. Materials that will not burn.
• 0 Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and are not reactive with water.

• A Safety glasses
• B Safety glasses, gloves
• C Safety glasses, gloves, protective apron
• D Face shield, gloves, protective apron
• E Safety glasses, gloves, dust respirator
• F Safety glasses, gloves, protective apron, dust respirator
• G Safety glasses, gloves, vapor respirator
• H Splash goggles, gloves, protective apron, vapor respirator
• IS afety glasses, gloves, dust and vapor respirator
• J Splash goggles, gloves, protective apron, dust and vapor respirator
• K Air line mask or hood, gloves, full suit, boots
• L – Z Site-specific label. Ask supervisor for handling instructions.