Hazard/Safety Labels for Chemical Containers

All chemical containers must be labeled with the appropriate labeling system as follows:

• Commercial compounds in original containers are properly labeled.
• If a commercial compound is repackaged or the original label is damaged beyond recognition, the container must be labeled with its contents and associated hazards using the hazard labeling system shown below. A list of chemicals with their hazard symbols is posted on the web. If there is a chemical for which you need a hazard rating, please contact Ken Simolo at
• All compounds for which the hazards are unknown will be considered to be labeled with the "Universal Label" which is no label indicating hazards. All vials, etc. which are not labeled with a hazard label shall be considered to be labeled with the "Universal Label". This "Universal Label" (which is no label) indicates a hazard rating of 3 in all hazard categories as described below and these vials, etc. must be handled with the Universal Precautions.
• All corridor doors to labs containing hazardous chemicals should have a large label describing the hazard labeling system (Door Label)

Description of Hazard Categories and Rating Scale

Below is picture showing the Hazard Category Color System used for our hazard labels. This system is based on the NFPA system. In each category square will appear a number ranging from 0 ( for low level of risk) to 4 (for high level of risk). This rating system is based on the J.T. Baker Saf-T-Data © System.

The Health Category refers to the capability of the chemical compound to cause personal injury due to inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, or ingestion. A rating of 0 means there is little or no risk to one's health from contact likely to occur in a laboratory environment. A rating of 1 means that the compound can cause significant irritation while a rating of 2 implies that the compound can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. A rating of 3 means that the compound is capable of causing serious or permanent injury. A rating of 4 means that, without taking appropriate precautions, the compound can be lethal.

The Flammability Category refers to the compounds ability to create or sustain a fire. A rating of 0 implies that the compound will not burn under normal fire conditions. Ratings of 1 are for compounds that require significant sources of heat in order to burn while a rating of 2 means that the compound only requires moderate preheating to burn. A rating of 3 is used for liquids and solids that can be ignited under most ambient temperature conditions and a rating of 4 refers to flammable gases and materials that are rapidly vaporized at normal pressures and temperatures and can burn readily.

The Reactivity Category refers to how reactive the compound is under normal laboratory conditions. Compounds that are likely to explode or react violently with air, water, or other common substances would be given a rating of 4 while extremely inert substances would be given a rating of 0.

The Contact Category refers to how dangerous physical contact with the compound is under normal laboratory conditions. Compounds that are likely to cause severe damage or death when in contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes have a contact hazard rating of 4.

Keep in mind the above descriptions are for general conditions and do not cover all possibilities. Take water as an example. Water has a health rating of zero and a contact rating of zero. However, one can kill themselves by drowning and boiling water or steam can be very dangerous with respect to physical contact. Therefore, under certain circumstances, water is deadly. Similar analogies are possible for every chemical. This just emphasizes that a certain level of professional understanding and common sense is required when handling chemicals.

If there are any questions or problems regarding this page this page, please contact Ken Simolo at