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606 Hazard Communication for the Employee
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Alternative Labeling Methods

Employers may use alternative workplace-labeling systems, such as the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) system, when the labels meet HCS workplace-label requirements and employees understand how to use them.

Sample HMIS Label

These systems use colors, numbers, and other information to communicate chemical hazards.

The key to evaluating the effectiveness of any alternative labeling method is to determine whether employees can connect the visual warning on the workplace container with the applicable chemical and its hazard information. The alternative labeling system must also be readily accessible to all employees in their work area throughout each work shift.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-7. The key to evaluating the effectiveness of an alternative labeling method is to determine whether employees can connect the container label with _____.