PPE Symbols used by the HMIG

In both the HMIG and HMIS systems, the fourth, white bar is used to indicate what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be used in order to handle the material safely. A letter, often supplemented by icons or pictograms, is used to indicate what set of PPE should be used.

The University of Oregon introductory chemistry labs use a hybrid system to label materials. An NFPA diamond is used, but the white field is filled with a letter from the HMIG system. Posters placed at various points around the lab give a full description of the PPE symbols used.

Symbol	Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required
A	Safety Glasses
B	Safety Glasses Gloves
C	Safety Glasses Gloves Apron
D	Face Shield Gloves Apron
E	Safety Glasses Gloves Dust Respirator
F	Safety Glasses Gloves Apron Dust Respirator
G	Safety Glasses Gloves Vapor Respirator
H	Splash Goggles Gloves Apron Vapor Respirator
I	Safety Glasses Gloves Dust and Vapor Respirator
J	Splash Goggles Gloves Apron Dust and Vapor Respirator
K	Air Line Hood or Mask Gloves Full Suit Boots
X	Ask supervisor or safety specialist for handling instructions.

    Symbol  PPE Required         Symbol  PPE Required
    ------------------------     ------------------------
      A     Safety Glasses         G     Safety Glasses
                                         Gloves
                                         Vapor Respirator
                                        
      B     Safety Glasses         H     Splash Goggles
            Gloves                       Gloves
                                         Apron
                                         Vapor Respirator
                                         
      C     Safety Glasses         I     Safety Goggles
            Gloves                       Gloves
            Apron                        Dust and Vapor Respirator
            
      D     Face Shield            J     Splash Goggles
            Gloves                       Gloves
            Apron                        Apron
                                         Dust and Vapor Respirator
                                        
      E     Safety Glasses         K     Air-line Hood or Mask
            Gloves                       Gloves
            Dust Respirator              Full Suit
                                         Boots
       
      F     Safety Glasses         X     Ask supervisor or safety
            Gloves                       specialist for handling
            Apron                        instructions.
            Dust Respirator