OEH&S Chemical Safety Manual Chapter 7

SIGNS AND LABELS

A. LABELING AND MARKING SYSTEM

1. SIGNS AND PLACARDS

Most manufacturers of hazardous materials use the standard National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sign system. The sign is based on a simple color coding and numbering system (0 - 4) on a diamond-shaped placard, and can found be in Appendix E2. The following is a description of the color coding and hazards rating of each segment:

HEALTH (Blue)

4 Deadly:
Even the slightest exposure to this substance could be life threatening. Only specialized protective clothing, for these materials, should be worn.

3 Extreme Danger:
Serious injury would result from exposure to this substance. Do not expose any body surface to these materials. Full protective measures should be taken.

2 Dangerous:
Exposure to this substance would be hazardous to health. Protective measures are indicated.

1 Slight Hazard:
Irritation or minor injury would result from exposure to this substance. Protective measures are indicated.

0 No Hazard:
Exposure to this substance offers no significant risk to health.

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FLAMMABILITY (Red)

4 Flash Point Below 73 degree F:
This substance is very flammable, volatile or explosive depending on its state. Extreme caution should be used in handling or storing these materials.

3 Flash Point Below 100 degree F:
Flammable, volatile or explosive under almost all normal temperature conditions. Exercise great caution in storing or handling these materials.

2 Flash Point Below 200 degree F:
Moderately heated conditions may ignite this substance. Caution procedures should be employed in handling.

1 Flash Point Above 200 degree F:
This substance must be preheated to ignite. Most combustible solids are in this category.

0 Will Not Burn:
Substances that will not burn.

REACTIVITY (Yellow)

4 May Detonate:
Substances that are readily capable of detonation or explosion at normal temperatures and pressures. Evacuate area if material is exposed to heat or fire.

3 Explosive:
Substances that are readily capable of detonation or explosion by a strong initiating source, such as heat, shock or water. Monitor from behind explosion resistant barriers.

2 Unstable:
Violent chemical changes are possible at normal or elevated temperatures and pressures. Potentially violent or explosive reaction may occur when mixed with water. Monitor from a safe distance.

1 Normally Stable:
Substances that may become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures or when mixed with water. Approach with caution.

0 Stable:
Substances will remain stable when exposed to heat, pressure or water.

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Additional Markings (White)

This space is used to place codes or icons to identify additional hazards not covered by the three major categories above. Examples of this might include:

• W with line through its center indicates material reacts violently with water.
• OXY indicates strong oxidizing chemical.
• “Rad” symbol indicates radioactive material.

B. LABELING OF CHEMICALS

Labeling of chemicals is an important factor in the safety protocols. Properly labeled containers inform the users of the content, health and physical hazards, special precautions and other pertinent information. Although currently there are no uniform labeling requirements, more and more manufacturers are using the standardized NFPA signs and symbols on their chemical containers.

The labeling requirements can be divided into two areas of responsibility:

1. MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY

The manufacturer must provide the following information on all chemical containers:

1. Name and address of manufacturer.
2. Identity of hazardous components (e.g. name, synonym, etc.).
3. Appropriate hazard warnings (NFPA signs are the most common ones).

2. USER'S RESPONSIBILITY

1. Identity of hazardous components (if not included on the label).
2. Appropriate hazard warnings (if not provided by manufacturer).
3. Assure that manufacturer's label is not defaced or removed.

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C. SIGNAGE AND POSTING

The NFPA system is also used for posting buildings and storage areas, including cabinets. Laboratory labels should:

1. Be posted at the entrance to provide adequate warning for personnel entering room. This is particularly important for emergency response personnel who need to have a knowledge of what is stored in the room.
2. Indicate the basic PPE requirements.

D. OTHER POSTING REQUIREMENTS

1. Refrigerators must have a label indicating whether they are approved for the storage of flammable materials.
2. Location of fire extinguisher must be clearly posted.
3. Exit door must have a clear exit sign (with emergency power supply).

NOTE:
There are specific code requirements for posting. Please consult Building Managers and OEH&S.

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