Hazard Symbols
For recognition purposes, the hazard symbols in the catalog are from Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), part 172 (DOT), yet the criteria used for assigning hazard symbols is primarily from the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z129.1 for Hazardous Industrial Chemicals Precautionary Labeling. The hazard
symbols in the catalog are provided only as a guide for quick recognition of the acute hazards associated with our
chemicals. They are not to be used in lieu of reading the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) nor do they necessarily
reflect correct DOT markings. Please refer to 49CFR for correct DOT markings.
Corrosive: These substances destroy living tissue and equipment upon contact.
Caution! Do not breathe vapors; avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Radioactive: This symbol designates those substances which have measurable radioactivity.
Caution! Avoid exposure.
Flammable: Designates those items which are:
a. Flammable Liquids - Caution! Flash point below 141F (60.5C).
b. Flammable Solids - Caution! Keep away from open fires, sources of heat and sparks.
c. Combustible Material - Caution! Flash point greater than 141F but less than 200F (or greater
than 60.5C but less than 90C).
Keep away from open flames, sources of heat and sparks.
Note: Most combustible materials sold by Spectrum are not subject to DOT Hazardous
Materials Regulations per 29CFR 173.150.
Poisonous Substances: Very hazardous to health when inhaled, swallowed or when they
come in contact with the skin. May even lead to death.
Danger! Avoid contact with the human body and immediately contact a physician in case of
contact.
Keep Away From Food: Store away from foodstuffs. Toxic or poisonous materials which are
hazardous to health when inhaled, swallowed or when they come in contact with the skin. May
even lead to death.
Danger! Avoid contact with the human body and immediately consult a physician in case of
contact.
Oxidizer: Oxidizing substances can ignite flammable and combustible material or worsen
existing fire and thus make fire fighting more difficult.
Caution! Keep away from flammable, combustible and spontaneously combustible materials.
HMIS Information
The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) was developed by the National Paint and Coating Association
to be a visual system using colors and numbers to communicate risk information. It was designed to be as compatible
as possible with hazard communication systems such as ANSI, NIOSH and others used by industry. The information
is communicated through a numerical rating for Health, Flammability and Reactivity. The numerical ratings range
from 0 to 4: a rating of "0" represents little or no hazard potential, while a "4" rating indicates an extremely high
degree of hazard potential. Where possible, we have made every effort to include the HMIS values for each catalog
entry and we believe them to be accurate at the time of printing. For more details regarding the HMIS, please contact
the NPCA. We also offer a Hazard Identification System wall chart.
Spill Cleanup Kit Icons
A principal element of good laboratory safety practice is to have spill kits close at hand for the cleanup of hazardous
materials. To make ordering the appropriate spill kits easier, we have included icons to identify which spill kits are
appropriate for specific chemicals.
Acid Spill Kit: For neutralizing and absorbing laboratory spills of acids.
Mercury Spill Kit: A special kit for the cleanup of mercury spills.
Caustic Spill Kit: For neutralizing and absorbing laboratory spills of caustics.
Solvent Spill Kit: For the safer cleanup of solvents, pesticides, herbicides and flammables.
Key to National Fire Protection Association 704 Ratings
The N.F.P.A. warning diamond is shown for many of the items in this catalog. This widely used information system
clearly defines Health, Fire and Reactivity hazards as well as some specific product hazards. Numbers in the
diamond range designate (from 4 for the greatest to 0 for the least) degree of hazard. The letter "U" indicates
unknown danger. We chose to indicate only the water reactive (W) special hazard because it supplements the hazard
information already identified.
IMPORTANT: The absence of an NFPA number or warning should not be interpreted as an indication of safety.
NFPA information is not available for many items in this catalog!
HEALTH HAZARD
FLAMMABILITY
REACTIVITY
Type of possible injury
Color Code: BLUE
Susceptibility of Materials to Burning
Color Code: RED
Susceptibility
Color Code: Y
4
Materials which on very short exposure
could cause death or major residual
injury even though prompt medical
treatment was given.
3
Materials which on short exposure
could cause serious temporary or
residual injury even through prompt
medical treatment was given.
2
Materials which on intense or
continued exposure could cause
serious temporary incapacitation or
possible residual injury unless prompt
medical treatment was given.
1
Materials which on exposure could
cause serious temporary incapacitation
or possible residual injury even if
medical treatment is given.
0
Materials which on exposure under fire
conditions would offer no hazard
beyond that of ordinary combustible
material.
4
3
2
Materials which will rapidly or
completely vaporize at atmospheric
pressure and normal ambient
temperature, or which are readily
dispersed in air and which will burn
readily.
Liquids and solids that can be ignited
under almost all ambient temperature
conditions.
Materials that must be moderately
heated or exposed to relatively high
ambient temperatures before ignition
can occur.
4
3
Materials wh
capable of d
reaction but
source or wh
confinement
react explosi
2
Materials wh
normally uns
violent chem
detonate. Als
react violentl
form potentia
water.
1
Materials wh
normally stab
unstable at e
pressures or
water with so
not violently.
Materials that must be preheated
before ignition can occur.
1
Materials that will not burn.
0
Materials wh
readily capab
explosive de
normal temp
0
Materials wh
normally stab
exposure co
reactive with