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A Comparison of Chemical Labeling Systems

OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard (Haz Com), also known as the “Right to Know” law, was first enacted on November 25, 1983 by OSHA.

The intention of the standard is to protect workers from the chemicals they work with in their workplace. This standard requires training and conveying safety information to workers regarding the chemicals they come into contact with on a daily basis.

Items that are required to be on a label include:
Identity of the hazardous chemical(s), appropriate hazard warnings, and name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party. (29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(i)) Chemical manufacturers or distributors must provide this information on chemicals that leave their facility.

The employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the following information: Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein and appropriate hazard warning. (29 CFR 1010.1200(f)(5))

The Haz Com standard sets only general guidelines. However it does specify all labels must be in English. There are several labeling systems out in the workforce today, which include:
RTK—Right to Know
NFPA 704/NFR National Fire Rating
HMIG—Hazardous Material Identification Guide
HMIS—Hazardous Material Identification System
WHMIS—Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (a Canadian chemical identification labeling system)
This document will discuss the different systems.

All of the labeling systems are acceptable according to OSHA. Once a system has been chosen OSHA prefers to see consistency and that all chemicals are labeled according to the system that has been chosen by the workplace. Also it is required that all employees must be trained and understand the system that is being used by the facility.

The RTK labeling system consists of labels that list the chemical name, synonym or common name, hazard information, CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) number and precautionary measures and first aid procedures. (See below)

NFPA 704/NFR Standard is the National Fire Protection Association labeling system. It uses a hazard color-coded rating guide in a diamond shape. Health is blue, Flammability is red and Instability is yellow in the presence of fire. The numbers are assigned according to level of hazard 0-4, 0 being no hazard and 4 is the greatest hazard. This system has books, charts and wallet cards to help explain the system. In the event of a fire these signs also alert the fire department what types of hazard are present. (See below.)

The HMIG labeling system has a color format label and it is rectangular in shape. The numbers that are used for this system are based on the acute and chronic hazards present in normal day to day operations in the workplace. There are also charts, labels and wallet cards for this system. (See below)

The numbers for the labeling systems can be obtained from MSDS sheets and reference books such as The Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous and the National Fire Rating Guide.

These three systems are offered through Lab Safety Supply.

There is also another common system called HMIS. It is similar to the HMIG system that Lab Safety Supply sells. It looks similar to the HMIG labeling system using the color bar format and rectangular shape. HMIS refers to the health, flammability & reactivity of a product.

The HMIS system has recently been revised. The most significant change to the label has been the physical hazard section of the label. Along with the assigned number there is also an icon present: compressed gas, explosive, oxidizers, etc. So when an employee looks at a label they immediately know the hazard that is present. (See below)

WHMIS is the Canadian version of the right to know labeling system. The WHMIS label is required on all controlled products. A controlled product is a material or product, which is imported or sold in Canada that meet the guidelines of the hazardous material classification. With this system the employer is required to educate and train their workers that are exposed to hazardous materials in their workplace. (See below)

Commonly Asked Questions

Sources for More Information

OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard
National Fire Protection Association
EZ FACTS Documents
150 The Hazard Communication Standard
157 WHMIS-Canadian Right to Know System
178 NFPA 704 Standard System for the Identification of Hazardous Materials
200 Labeling for Hazard Communication

OSHA

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