Most chemicals utilized at the University will be in the original container with the manufacturer’s label intact. However, when a chemical is transferred from one container to another, the following color coded label must be affixed to the container. The chemical product number, name, and manufacturer must be listed on the label.

A color index is used to identify the hazard type:

Health Hazard (Blue Bar) Flammability (Red Bar)Reactivity(Yellow Bar)



A sequential numbering system identifying the degree of hazard associated with each category must be placed in the appropriate square or circle. Each color coded bar is assigned a numerical rating.



Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Department is responsible for assigning the hazard rating for chemical labeling purposes, or you may find it listed on the MSDS sheet for the chemical. Using the Chemical Inventory form, please list all chemicals that are transferred out of their original container. Please send a copy of the completed Chemical Inventory form to the Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Department. It is the responsibility of the employee who is transferring a chemical from one container to another to properly label it.



The Personal Protection section is assigned an alphabetical rating based on the Personal Protection Index and necessary Personal Protective Equipment. These personal protection items must be worn when working with chemicals which possess these ratings on the label. The following alphabetical codes will be assigned to most chemicals used at the University.

Goggles Only
Gloves and Goggles