If you’ve been following along, you know that we have been deep diving into hazardous material labeling. While we’ve talked about GHS labels, today we’re going to explore another label you need to know – NFPA labels.
When you keep hazardous materials or hazardous chemicals in your workplace, it is important to have a system in place for identifying and communicating potential hazards, especially when it comes to fire. This is where NFPA labels come into play.
What is an NFPA Label?
An NFPA label is a standardized label used to communicate the hazards of a material or substance. The NFPA stands for National Fire Protection Association, an organization that creates and maintains codes and standards related to fire safety. This label is also called an NFPA704 label; 704 refers to the specific standard that deals with identifying and communicating hazards of materials.
NFPA labels are used to provide key information about a hazardous material, such as its
- Flammability
- Reactivity
- Health hazards
This information is communicated through a numerical rating system and color-coded diamonds.
NFPA labels are used to ensure the safety of those handling and working around hazardous materials.
By providing clear and concise information about potential hazards, NFPA labels help workers make informed decisions when it comes to handling or storing these materials. This can prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.
NFPA labels also play a critical role in emergency situations. In the event of a fire, first responders can quickly and easily identify potential hazards based on the NFPA labels, allowing them to take appropriate actions to contain the situation.
What Does an NFPA Label Look Like?
An NFPA label is made up of four distinct sections, each with its own symbol and corresponding number. These symbols and numbers represent specific hazards associated with the material.
NFPA labels consist of a diamond-shaped image, known as the NFPA diamond, divided into four sections, each with a specific color and a number from 0-4. The numbers in each section of the NFPA diamonds represent the severity level of a particular hazard, and the colors indicate the type of hazard.
Health Hazard (Blue)
The blue diamond, located in the left section (or 9 o’clock position) of the NFPA label, indicates the level of health hazards associated with the material. This can include potential effects on skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
0 – No significant hazard.
1 – Irritation or minor injury possible.
2 – Temporary discomfort or residual injury possible.
3 – Serious temporary or moderate injury possible.
4 – Life-threatening or permanent injury.
Flammability Hazard (Red)
The red diamond, located at the top (or twelve o’clock position) of the diamond communicates a flammability hazard. This section considers how easily a material will catch fire and at what temperatures.
0 – Material will not burn.
1 – Materials that require preheating before they will ignite.
2 – Materials that may cause an immediate or delayed explosion when exposed to heat or flame.
3 – Materials that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperatures (this includes liquids and solids).
4 – Extremely flammable materials that will rapidly vaporize at normal temperatures and atmospheric pressures.
Instability Hazard (Yellow)
The yellow diamond, located in the right section of the label (or 3 o’clock position), indicates the level of potential reactivity or instability hazards. This includes materials that may react with other chemicals or conditions such as heat, shock, or pressure. First responders will use this number to determine whether special handling or evacuation is necessary.
0 – Stable material, not reactive with water.
1 – Normally stable but can become unstable at high temperatures and pressures.
2 – Violent chemical change possible at elevated temperatures and pressures.
3 – Shock and heat may cause violent reactions.
4 – May detonate at normal temperatures and pressures.
Special Hazard (White)
The white diamond, located in the bottom (or six o’clock position) of the label, indicates any special hazards associated with the material. This may include information about radioactive, corrosive, or biohazardous materials.
OX – Oxidizer: Materials that may cause a fire when they come into contact with organic substances.
W – Water reactivity: Materials that will react with water, producing toxic gases or flammable vapors.
SA – Simple Asphyxiant: Gasses that displace oxygen in the air, leading to suffocation.
What Products Use NFPA Labels?
NFPA labels are commonly seen on products that are used in industrial or commercial settings, such as chemical containers, cleaning supplies, and hazardous materials. Some examples are:
- Cleaning products used in industrial or commercial settings
- Paints and solvents
- Pesticides and fertilizers
- Laboratory chemicals and equipment
- Industrial gasses such as oxygen, nitrogen, and helium
- Propane gas tanks and cylinders
- Automotive fluids such as antifreeze, brake fluid, and motor oil
These labels may also be found on transportation vehicles carrying these materials.
It is important to note that NFPA labels do not apply to consumer products found in homes, as they are regulated by a different set of labeling standards.
Employees who handle these materials need to be familiar with the NFPA label system in order to safely and effectively handle any potential hazards.
NFPA labels are essential for maintaining safety in the workplace and emergency situations. If you have questions about NFPA labeling requirements, reach out to the team at Smith Corona for assistance!
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