Know about the NFPA 704 Standard - Identification of Hazards of Material
Know
about the NFPA 704 Standard - Identification of the Hazards of Materials
What
is NFPA 704?
NFPA
704 provides a simple, readily recognized, easily understood system for identifying the specific hazards of a
material and the severity of the hazard that would occur during an emergency
response. The system addresses the health, flammability, instability, and
special hazards presented from short term, acute exposures that could occur as
a result of a fire, spill, or similar emergency.
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Why
should I use the NFPA 704 rating system?
NFPA
704 labels provide an appropriate signal or alert for the protection of emergency
response personnel, assist in planning for effective fire and emergency control
operations, including cleanup. It can also assist all designated personnel,
engineers, plant, and safety personnel in taking inventory and evaluating the
relative hazards of materials in their facility.
What
information on the SDS do I use to rate my hazardous materials?
The
ratings can be determined by using the information found on a HazCom 2012
compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and comparing it to the criteria provided in
NFPA 704. The following sections of the SDSs should be reviewed when determining
the ratings:
Health
– Sections 2, 4, 8, 9, 11
Flammability
– Sections 2, 3, 9
Instability
– Sections 5, 7, 10
Special
Hazards – Sections 5, 9, 10, 11
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How
is the rating displayed?
The
system is characterized by the "diamond" that is actually a
"square-on-point" shape. It identifies the hazards of a material and
the degree of severity of the health, flammability, and instability hazards.
Hazard severity is indicated by a numerical rating that ranges from zero (0)
indicating a minimal hazard, to four
(4) indicating a severe hazard. The hazards are arranged spatially as follows:
health at nine o'clock position, flammability at twelve o'clock position, and
instability at three o'clock position. In addition to the spatial orientation that
can be used to distinguish the hazards, they are also color coded as follows:
blue for health, red for flammability, and yellow for instability. The shades of
red, blue and yellow are not regulated, but should be contrasting colors. The hazard
ratings may have colored backgrounds with contrasting-colored numerals or
colored numerals with a white background.
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Where
should I post the NFPA 704 placards at my facility and how many placards should
I use?
It
is important to note that the placard is meant to provide quick hazard information
for emergency responders. It should be
visible in case of an emergency where the responders are likely to enter. If
there are numerous areas where the responders could enter the facility, there
should be numerous placards. The placement and quantity should be decided using
a facility’s best judgment coupled with the advice from your Authority Having
Jurisdiction. At a minimum the placard should be posted on the two exterior
walls of a facility or building, each access to a room or area, or each
principal means of access to an exterior storage area. Section 4.3 of NFPA 704 provides guidance on locations
for posting.
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