Which system is designed primarily for workers and communicates hazards in the workplace?

• A. NFPA 704
• B. HMIS
• C. GHS labeling
• D. DOT packaging

Answer: (B)

HMIS is a workplace hazard communication system built for the people who handle chemicals every day. It presents hazards in a simple at-a-glance format with color bars and a 0–4 scale for health, flammability, and reactivity, plus a space for personal protection recommendations. This setup gives workers quick, practical guidance on what risks they’re facing and what protective actions to take, helping them decide on safe handling, storage, and PPE before and during tasks or in response to exposure. The other systems serve different audiences or settings: NFPA 704 is a fire-rescue diagram mainly used to inform emergency responders about a facility’s hazards; GHS labeling provides global hazard communication on labels and safety data sheets for broad audiences, not just on-site workers; and DOT packaging governs how hazardous materials are packaged for transport, not day-to-day workplace hazard communication.