Using The ‘Zero’ Green Measurement Stick could breach security by being used as an accelerant or explosive. Many aerosols fall into a “2” or “3” rating, with the latter designating a product that will “ignite under almost all normal temperature conditions.” A “4” rating is the most hazardous and products “may ignite spontaneously with air.” Look carefully at the aerosols in your closet, as some will have a “4” flammability rating. A “0” rating indicates the product will remain “stable even under fire conditions, and … will not react with water.” A “4” rating is designated for materials that are “readily capable of detonation or explo-sive decomposition at normal temperatures and pressures.” Reactivity Rating: Yellow Or Orange The reactivity or physical hazard component indicates the potential of the product to release violent energy under various condi-tions: Fire, contact with water, high tempera-ture, high pressure or proximity of activating substances. Personal Protection Rating: White This category is designated with letters that correspond to appropriate equipment to wear while using the product. If there is a rating, it is most often an “A,” “B” or “X.” “A” indicates use of safety goggles, “B” means use of both goggles and gloves and “X” means consult your supervisor for special directions. If there is no special equipment needed, this bar is left blank. Using HMIS In Purchase Decisions Your goal should be to find products that con-tain as many HMIS “zeros” as possible, yet still deliver the performance you need. You might be surprised with the HMIS rat-ings on some of your current “green” products. As an example, we randomly selected an EcoLogo-certified ready to use (RTU) glass cleaner that is also recognized under the EPA’s DfE program. We were surprised to see its HMIS rating is 1, 2, 0, with a personal protection rating of “B.” Similarly, there is a very popular Green Seal-certified hydrogen peroxide cleaner with a HMIS for the end-user dilution of 1, 0, 1, B. The same manufacturer has a Green Seal-certified glass cleaner with a RTU dilution that has a HMIS of 1, 0, 0, B. Although the criteria for HMIS is pretty clear from a measurement standpoint, one manufacturer of hydrogen peroxide products notes its products are evaluated by an out-side consulting firm. “By using an outside firm to review and establish our HMIS information, we have removed any issues of subjectivity to the process,” notes Patrick Stewart, chief execu-tive officer (CEO) of EnivirOx LLC. He also points out that “there are much broader considerations concerning the ‘green-ness’ of a product, so we would suggest that HMIS be used for safety evaluation only.” 1. Cleans 2. Degreases 3. Disinfects against viruses in 30 seconds 4. Disinfects against bacteria in 45 seconds 5. Sanitizes in 10 seconds 6. Kills fungus in 3 minutes 7. Deodorizes 8. Controls mold & mildew 9. Removes stains For more information visit www.spraynine.com or call your local distributor to order! Permatex and Spray Nine are TMs of Illinois Tool Works Inc. Copyright © 2010. Permatex an ITW company. All rights reserved. 1012-435 Circle Product Information no. 210 on page 32 34 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • January 2011
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