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HMIS Classifications

Developed by the National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA), Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) is a system of labeling hazardous materials. It was designed to regulate the categorization of hazardous materials and helps employers comply with the Hazard Communication Standards (HCS), which are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

  1. How It Works

    • HMIS measures the level of risk involved with individual hazardous materials by using a simple numeric scale, numbering from 0 to 4, with 0 being the lowest level of risk and 4 being the highest. There are 3 categories of potential hazards that HMIS uses to distinctly separate the type of risk involved with certain hazardous materials.

    Health Hazard Ratings

    • Health hazard ratings are given to every form of hazardous material and are based on the effect that a specific hazardous material may have on your overall health. Breathing problems, skin conditions, loss of eyesight and the development of unforeseen illnesses, such as cancer or pneumonia, are all things that are considered part of your overall health.

    Flammability Ratings

    • Flammability ratings are given to hazardous materials that are possibly flammable and measure the severity of each item's rate of combustion. This includes flammable materials such as gas tanks and lighter fluid, as well as combustible pressurized items such as hair spray.

    Reactivity Ratings

    • Some hazardous materials, when shaken vigorously or when combined with certain elements, such as air or water, can become extremely unstable and dangerous. Reactivity ratings are based on a hazardous materials molecular stability.

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