HMIS and NFPA Coding Systems

There are two hazard coding systems that you might come in contact with while handling hazardous materials. Both the HMIS labeling system and the NFPA diamond system are similar in structure, but deviate slightly from each other. Understanding these labels, as well as their similarities and differences, will help you handle materials safely.

The Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) is a bar system. It was developed by the American Coatings Association. These four bars are color coded for the type of hazard incurred, along with a scale rating from 0 to 4 indicating the level of the hazard. The bars are blue for health, red for flammability, yellow or orange for physical or reactivity hazards, and white for personal protective equipment.

The NFPA has a very similar system to that of the ACA HMIS. Instead of a bar system, the NFPA uses a diamond system. Like HMIS, the NFPA also rates on a severity scale of 0 to 4. The four diamonds are left side blue for health, upper red diamond for flammability, right side yellow for stability, and bottom white diamond for special precautions.

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