HMIS vs NFPA 704
HMIS (Hazardous Materials Identification System) is a workplace label that rates health, flammability and physical hazard from 0 to 4 in colored bars and adds a letter for the protective equipment to use. NFPA 704 is a diamond built for emergency responders. HMIS speaks to the employee using the product; NFPA 704 speaks to the fire fighter responding to an incident.
What an HMIS label looks like
Example only. The colors are blue (health), red (flammability), orange (physical hazard) and white (personal protective equipment).
- Health: 0 to 4, with an asterisk (*) when the material may cause a chronic health effect from repeated exposure.
- Flammability: 0 to 4, based on how readily the material ignites.
- Physical hazard: 0 to 4 for reactivity-type hazards such as instability, water reactivity and oxidizing properties.
- PPE: a letter that stands for the recommended protective equipment, with X meaning the user should consult the supervisor or SDS for special handling. The letters correspond to defined sets of gloves, eye protection, respirators and clothing.
As with the NFPA diamond, 4 is the most severe. The system is published by the American Coatings Association (formerly the National Paint and Coatings Association), and the current version is HMIS III.
HMIS and NFPA 704 compared
| HMIS III | NFPA 704 | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Employees who handle the chemical | Emergency responders |
| Format | Colored bars on a label | Diamond with four boxes |
| Scale | 0 to 4 (4 most severe) | 0 to 4 (4 most severe) |
| Fourth item | PPE letter code | Special hazards (OX, W, SA) |
| Chronic health effects | Flagged by an asterisk | Not covered |
| Third color | Orange: physical hazard | Yellow: instability |
| Typical use | In-plant containers, paints and coatings | Buildings, tanks, storage areas |
The same product may be shown as 2-3-0 on an NFPA diamond and with different HMIS numbers, because the criteria and purposes differ. Do not assume the numbers match.
HMIS, NFPA 704 and GHS
Neither HMIS nor NFPA 704 replaces the GHS label that OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires from the supplier. In the workplace, an employer may use HMIS or NFPA 704 on in-house containers as long as the information is consistent with HazCom and workers are trained to understand it. Note the opposite directions: in GHS Category 1 is the most severe, while in HMIS and NFPA 704 a 4 is the most severe. See NFPA 704 versus GHS.
Where HMIS ratings appear on an SDS
Suppliers who use HMIS usually put the ratings in Section 16: Other information. They are optional and are a supplier's assessment, not a regulatory classification. The regulated hazard classification is in Section 2.
Related reading
NFPA 704 explained · GHS pictograms · Chemical SDS index
Frequently asked questions
What is HMIS?
HMIS (Hazardous Materials Identification System) is a workplace labeling system that shows health, flammability and physical hazard on a scale of 0 to 4 in colored bars, plus a letter code for the personal protective equipment to use.
What is the difference between HMIS and NFPA 704?
NFPA 704 is a diamond designed for emergency responders and describes hazards in a fire or spill, while HMIS is a set of bars designed for employees who handle the product, and adds a PPE code. Their numbers should not be assumed to match.
Do HMIS ratings replace GHS labels?
No. Under OSHA HazCom, shipped containers must carry GHS labels. In the workplace, an employer may use systems such as HMIS or NFPA 704 on in-house containers only if the information is consistent with HazCom and does not conflict with the GHS elements.
What does the asterisk next to the HMIS health number mean?
An asterisk (*) on the health bar signals that the material may cause a chronic health effect from repeated exposure, such as cancer or organ damage.
General reference only. Always follow the supplier's SDS and your employer's hazard communication program.