In HMIS, which color is used for health hazards?

In the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS), the color blue represents health hazards. This color coding is part of a system designed to provide a quick visual reference for the level and type of hazards associated with materials. The blue section indicates the health risk a material poses to individuals, utilizing a numerical scale from 0 to 4, where 0 indicates minimal or no hazard and 4 indicates a severe hazard that may lead to significant health issues or even death.

Understanding the color coding in HMIS is crucial for workers handling hazardous materials as it allows for immediate awareness of potential health risks, leading to better safety precautions and emergency preparedness. The other colors serve different purposes: red indicates flammability, yellow denotes reactivity, and orange typically represents specific hazards. This systematic approach enhances workplace safety by ensuring that hazards are easily identifiable at a glance.