How Do You Read A NFPA Label?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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NFPA 704 warning labels

Hazard ratings range from 0 to 4 , with 4 being the most hazardous. These are used for 3 categories: health (blue), flammability (red), and instability (yellow). For example, if the substance has a low risk for flammability, a “1” may appear in the Flammability section.

What is a NFPA label?

NFPA 704 is a labeling system used to identify hazardous materials . It is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). ... NFPA diamond labels can be used on any type of chemical container to alert people to the specific hazards present.

What does the NFPA label mean?

The National Fire Association (NFPA) has developed a color-coded number system called NFPA 704. The system uses a color-coded diamond with four quadrants in which numbers are used in the upper three quadrants to signal the degree of health hazard (blue), flammability hazard (red), and reactivity hazard (yellow).

What do the NFPA ratings mean?

The NFPA hazard rating system refers to, in part, a safety standard put forth by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). ... Each color code (blue, red, and yellow) of the hazard rating system corresponds to a hazard: health, fire, and instability (denotation or chemical change).

What does a white NFPA label mean?

White/ Personal Protection . This is by far the largest area of difference between the NFPA and HMIS systems. In the NFPA system, the white area is used to convey special hazards whereas HMIS uses the white section to indicate what personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used when working with the material.

Are NFPA labels required?

NFPA 704 labels are required when another Federal, state or local regulation or code requires their use . NFPA 704 does not specify when a container, tank or facility must label with the 704 diamond.

What is a HMIS label?

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) is a hazard rating system that uses color bar labels to identify and provide information about chemical hazards . It was developed by, and is proprietary to the National Paint Coatings Association (NPCA), now known as the American Coatings Association (ACA).

What are the 6 GHS label requirements?

All labels are required to have pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification .

How do you read a hazard code?

  1. Each code begins with the Letter “H” for Hazard Statement.
  2. The first number designates the type of hazard the hazard statement is assigned. 2 = physical hazard. 3 = health hazard. 4 = environmental hazard.

What is the alternative label called?

Alternate Workplace Labeling

Consists of labels that list the chemical name , synonym or common name, hazard information, Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number, precautionary measures and first aid procedures.

What does NFPA mean?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization, established in 1896, devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.

What do the numbers mean on the HMIS and NFPA Labels?

The familiar NFPA “hazard diamond” indicates health, flammability, and instability . ... Numbers in the three colored sections range from 0 (least severe hazard) to 4 (most severe hazard). The fourth (white) section is left blank and is used only to denote special fire fighting measures/hazards.

What is the NFPA rating for health?

Chemical substances are rated for degree of HEALTH RISK (blue diamond), FLAMMABILITY (red diamond), REACTIVITY (yellow diamond), on a scale of 0 to 4 . The white diamond is used to indicate the presence of large quantities of chemicals possessing unusual water reactivity (W) or oxidative capability (oxy).

What does white represent on the NFPA diamond?

The white diamond, appearing at the bottom of the label, conveys Special Hazard information . This information is conveyed by use of symbols that represent the special hazard.

What is a hazard code?

Hazard statements are assigned a unique numerical code which can be used as a handy reference when translating labels and Safety Data Sheets written in other languages.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.