HMIS CD-ROM version provides a means of delivering hazard warning labels for use in the storage
area and workplace. These labels can be used when the manufacturer's warning label has been
removed or obliterated. An example of this DoD label is shown in Figure 2-2. The system can
produce either a large or small label on both a preprinted label form or on blank label stock.
Personnel who handle, store, ship, use, or dispose of hazardous materials must have access to the
HMIS at or near storage and shipping facilities. Activities requiring copies of HMIS should contact
their respective service/agency focal point to request distribution. Service focal points are listed in
3. The HMIS provides a means for the identification and classification of hazardous materials
through the assignment and use of the Hazard Characteristic Code (HCC). The definitions for the
HCCs can be found in Appendix B of this publication. The HCC can be assigned to each specific
item when an MSDS is provided prior to purchase. However, an MSDS is not always required for
items regulated by transportation, environmental protection, and other rules. An HCC can be
assigned for any item the service/agency desires to manage as a hazardous material. When the
assigned HCC is entered into HMIS, it becomes a tool in determining storage segregation and
compatibility requirements which are described in Appendix C.
4. To assure that proper MSDS information is received (as required by Title 29 CFR) and
forwarded to the HMIS, specific procedures have been developed within the DoD. For centrally-
managed and local purchase items, the contracting organization places requirements in the solicitation
mandating the submission of an MSDS and use of OSHA compliant hazard warning labels on the
product. Warning labels are important since they are usually the first indication to users and/or
receiving activities that hazards are associated with the products. Upon receipt, the MSDS is
forwarded to the service/agency focal point for review. The focal point is responsible for reviewing
the MSDS for completeness, technical accuracy, and consistency. Following the review, the focal
point will forward the MSDS to DLA for entry into the HMIS. Some local contracting offices are
required to submit the MSDS to their local safety/industrial hygiene/bioenvironmental engineering
office for review. When this is the case, that office is responsible for forwarding the MSDS to the
service/agency focal point following their review.
5. The HMIS is distributed in two versions. The version which contains proprietary data is DoD
6050.5-LR and the version without the proprietary data is DoD 6050.5-L. The decision regarding
which activity is authorized access to the proprietary version is made by the focal point of each
service/agency.
6. The HMIS database is a useful system for maintaining technical information on hazardous
materials; and to the extent possible, operational ADP systems should utilize the data to enhance their
daily operational processing of hazardous materials. File structures for the HMIS files may be
obtained from the DLA focal point for CD-ROM distribution at DGSC-VBB listed in Appendix I.
D. Title 29 CFR, Part 1910, Subpart Z-Toxic and Hazardous Substances, specifies precautionary
labels for OSHA regulated items having substance-specific health hazards. The exact minimum
wording required on these labels is unique for each hazardous material. OSHA considers most of
these to be known or suspected carcinogens. This Subpart also has requirements for warning signs to
be posted in restricted limited access areas where exposure to these chemicals may be excessive.
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