Comparison of Chemical Label Systems

At this point it would be useful to tie all this label information together so that you can see how these different systems alert the user to hazards when rating the same material. The following two examples look first at nitric acid and then benzene.

Nitric Acid

	DOT		Corrosive
	
	NFPA		Health = 3    Fire = 0   Reactivity = 0   Other = Oxy
	
	HMIS		Health = 3    Fire = 0   Reactivity = 0
	
	SAF-T-DATA      Health = 3    Fire = 0   Reactivity = 0   Contact = 4

In the first example, DOT lists the primary hazard of the material, i.e., corrosivity, from a shipper's point of view, while the other systems are agreeable about the health, fire and reactivity hazard rating. In addition, the NFPA alerts the user (or firefighter) to the strong oxidizing properties of nitric acid, and SAF-T-DATA indicates that the acid is a severe contact hazard. Note: neither the NFPA nor the HMIS system would alert the user to the immediate danger this material presents if there is skin contact!

Benzene

	DOT		Flammable Liquid
	
	NFPA		Health = 2     Fire = 3   Reactivity = 0	  
	
	HMIS		Health = 2^*    Fire = 3   Reactivity = 0
	
	SAF-T-DATA      Health = 4     Fire = 3	 Reactivity = 0   Contact = 1

In this example, the DOT identifies the primary hazard as flammability. The other three systems are in agreement with regards to the flammability and reactivity rating. However, they differ significantly in how they rate the health effects. The NFPA, since it is concerned primarily with indicating the health risk in a fire situation (i.e., acute effects), rates the hazard as only moderate. The HMIS, with its "*" notation alerts the user to the carcinogenic nature of the material. The SAF-T-DATA system is concerned with effects of exposure, acute or chronic, on the laboratory worker, and thus rates benzene as a "4" based on cancer studies. In addition, SAF-T-DATA lists benzene as a slight contact hazard.

In summary, each of these systems presents valuable information in slightly different formats, for diverse groups. It is important that all lab personnel have a working understanding of the dangers inherent in the materials they are using in the lab. Becoming familiar with each of these systems provides a good start to obtaining this understanding. But keep in mind - the chemical label provides a thumbsnail sketch of the chemcial properties and hazards. To get the whole story, all lab personnel must be equally familiar with the material safety data sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials used in the lab.

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