Ann,

Are you talking about NFPA or HMIG codes? Neither of these are
mandatory.
Some more up-to-date MSDS contain this information, but it would take an
incredible amount of time to check on this. There is one text that I can
think of that gives much information: "Chemical Guide to the OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard". 8th edit, Roytech Publications, Bethesda, 1994.
ISBN 0-945024-17-7. I'm sure there must be others thouogh.
"Hazardous Materials in the Histopathology Laboratory" by Dapson &
Dapson from Anatech is a MUST for any Histology lab.
There is one difficult area, and that is where you make up your own
stains and reagents. When there are many different "cocktails" what
information do you transcribe to the label? You may have one extremely
dangerous chemical, but it is only present in say a 0.01% concentration.
I have had many protracted discussions with our Safety Committee, and
with many different OSHA, CAP and JCHAO inspectors and they all have
different interpretations depending on who you talk to. 
The bottom line is that I am not making myself liable by interpreting
MSDS that do not give the specific NFPA codes, and the same goes for
stain cocktails.  
What I do use though, are the Target Organ labels, which give the Route
of Entry,, Health Hazards, Physical Hazards, Target Organs and Affects.
These are available from Lab Safety Supply.
This has more than satisfied all regulatory and inspection agencies.
Ronnie Houston
Cytochemistry & Molecular Pathology
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
2222 Welborn Street
Dallas, TX 75219


> Date: 11 Mar 1999 08:44:25 -0600
> From: ThisisAnn@aol.com
> Subject: hazard warnings
> 
> Can someone please help me!!!  Our safety officer has asked me to document the
> hazard codes for all of the reagents in the histology/cytology dept..  This
> consists of two humonguously thick binders full of MSDS' which are extremely
> outdated!!  When I tried to accomplish this task, I found that I could not
> find the hazard classifications on these old versions of MSDS'.  Any ideas, he
> is awaiting a response on "when"  I will have this done!!!!
> Thanks for any help.......
> Ann
> 
>