Sulfuric Acid Chemical Label

NFPA 704 - A Quick Overview

What is NFPA 704?

NFPA 704 is the standard that is intended to provide a simple, readily recognized, and easily understood system of markings. These markings will provide a general idea of the hazards of a material and the severity of these hazards as they relate to emergency response.

In more specific terms the objectives of the system are to:

• To provide an appropriate signal or alert and on-the-spot information to safeguard the lives of both public and private emergency response personnel
• To assist in planning for effective fire and emergency control operations, including cleanup
• To assist all designated personnel, engineers, and plant and safety personnel in evaluating hazards

The system shall also enable fire-fighting, emergency, and other personnel to easily decide whether to evacuate the area or to commence emergency control procedures. It shall also assist those personnel in selecting fire-fighting tactics and emergency procedures.

Where do I need to post NFPA 704 signs?

Signs shall be in locations approved by the authority having jurisdiction and as a minimum shall be posted at the following locations:

• Two exterior walls or enclosures containing a means of access to a building or facility
• Each access to a room or area
• Each principal means of access to an exterior storage area

What do the colors and ratings in each diamond mean?

Blue - Health Hazard Rating

This relates to the capability of a material to cause personal injury due to contact with or entry into the body via inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, or ingestion. All ratings are determined under emergency conditions.

Rating	Description
	Materials that can be lethal
	Materials that can cause serious or permanent injury
	Materials that can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury
	Materials that can cause significant irritation
	Materials that would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible material

Red - Flammability Hazard Rating

This relates to the degree of susceptibility of materials to burning.

Rating	Description
	Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily
	Liquids and solids (including finely divided suspended solids) that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions
	Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur
	Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur
	Materials that will not burn under typical fire conditions

Yellow - Instability Hazard Rating

This relates to the degree of hazard due to reaction with ambient air, light, or both, and the degree of intrinsic susceptibility of materials to release energy by self-reaction or polymerization.

Rating	Description
	Materials that can be lethal
	Materials that can cause serious or permanent injury
	Materials that can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury
	Materials that can cause significant irritation
	Materials that would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible material

White - Special Hazards

This area of the diamond shall address water reactivity and oxidizing properties of the materials that cause special problems or require special fire-fighting techniques.

Rating	Description
OX	Material possesses oxidizing properties
SA	Material is a simple asphyxiant
	Material that reacts violently or explosively with water

Non-Standard Special Hazard Symbols

These special hazard symbols and others are not part of the NFPA 704 standard, but may be used if permitted by the authority having jurisdiction.

Rating	Description
ACID	Material is an acid
ALK	Material is a base (alkali)
COR	Material is corrosive
CRY	Material is cryogenic
POI	Material that is poisonous
	Material is radioactive

For a more detailed look at NFPA 704, please visit our Help Center.

Source: National Fire Protection Association - NFPA 704