J. T. Baker SAF-T-DATA Labeling System

The J. T. Baker SAF-T-DATA labeling system makes use of pictures, numbers and colors to identify hazards, describe precautionary measures and recommend storage arrangements. The big difference between this system and the NFPA and HMIS systems is that the Baker system uses a color code to identify the safest storage scheme for a given material. This classification of materials by the manufacturer into various storage classes greatly simplifies separation of materials into a categorical storage arrangement. The color codes are as follows:

   BLUE		     health hazard - store in secure poison area

   RED		     flammable hazard - store in a flammable liquid storage area

   YELLOW	     reactivity hazard - store in an area isolated from flammables 
		     and combustibles

   WHITE	     corrosive hazard - store in corrosion-resistant area

   ORANGE	     no serious hazard - may be stored in general storage

   DIAGONAL STRIPE   incompatible with other materials in that storage group and 
		     should be separated from them

Materials with a striped label must be dealt with on an individual basis, taking into consideration other properties of the material prior to deciding where it should be stored. Examples of materials with diagonally striped labels are:

	flammable liquids have a solid red label, 
	whereas sodium metal has a red-striped label
	
	oxidizing agents have a solid yellow label, 
	whereas reducing agents have a yellow-striped label
	
	strong acids have a solid white label, 
	whereas bases have a white-striped label

The pictorial system includes pictures to recommend proper personal protection equipment (such as gloves, apron, etc.), engineering controls that should be in place (i.e., a fume hood), and health hazard information (poison, corrosive, etc.).

The numerical system is similar to that used by the NFPA and HMIS, with "4" indicating the highest level of danger and "0" indicating minimal or no hazard. Four hazard categories are rated: Health, Flammability, Reactivity, and Contact. The rating is accompanied by a pictogram to alert the user of the potential hazard when the hazard rating is 3 or greater.

The NFPA diamond is also shown on the label if the material has been rated by that organization. In addition, the SAF-T-DATA system includes the EPA Hazardous Waste Disposal Codes and Spill Instructions. This system should be compared to the others (NFPA, HMIS, DOT).

Created and maintained by Nancy Magnussen
last revised 2 Aug 1997
nancy@isc.tamu.edu