Each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace must be labeled appropriately. When a chemical has several potential hazards, all of them need to be listed. Labels may use symbols or pictures in conjunction with words to present their message. Portable containers into which hazardous chemicals are transferred from labeled containers are not required to be labeled if they are intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performs the transfer. NFPA labels use a colored diamond code for ranking the health, flammability and reactivity of hazardous chemicals in the presence of fire.
HMIS labels list hazard warnings in a series of rectangular color bars.
It includes twelve icons for personal protective equipment. Both systems rank hazards on a scale of 0 to 4 with 0 denoting a minimal hazard and 4 a severe hazard. An MSDS is a technical bulletin detailing information about a hazardous chemical. Every chemical manufacturer or importer must provide an MSDS for each hazardous chemical it supplies. You are entitled to receive from your supplier an MSDS which includes all of the information required under the Hazard Communication Standard.