HazMat General Information
Color Coding
There are fixed facilities in almost every county, which use, produce and/or store hazardous chemicals. The LEPC/TERC needs to be aware of all the facilities in their district, and especially the ones handling EHS. These facilities may be privately or government owned and they all may be subject to some provisions of the law. Federal facilities also must comply with the provisions of the EPCRA.
Hazardous materials have one or more of the following characteristics:
Hazardous materials have one or more of the following characteristics:
Hazardous materials are color coded as well with a visual reference. In addition, each color is labeled "0" to "4" to indicate the increased level of harm it can cause, with the higher number each reaching a higher risk level.
Under most circumstances, these materials are handled safely. However, when improperly handled, disposed of, or released, these substances can become hazardous to people and the environment necessitating coordinated planning for emergencies.
- Blue - Identification of Health Hazard, Type of Possible Injury
- Red - Identification of Flammability, Susceptibility of Materials to Burning
- Yellow - Identification of Reactivity Stability, Susceptibility to Release of Energy
- White - Identification of Special Hazards Not Covered by Other Categories
Under most circumstances, these materials are handled safely. However, when improperly handled, disposed of, or released, these substances can become hazardous to people and the environment necessitating coordinated planning for emergencies.
