Know about the NFPA 704 Standard - Identification of the Hazards of Materials

 

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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Compressed Gas-Safe Handling and Use

Compressed gases are dangerous must be handled and used only by trained employees. Employers must inform employees about chemical hazards through a hazard communication program, labels, and other forms of warnings. Always consult the gas manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for specific information.

 

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• Ensure that compressed gas cylinders are clearly identified. Labels must not be defaced or removed. Do not accept or use containers whose content labels are not legible. Instead, separate the containers and return them to the supplier. Do not use the container’s color to identify the cylinder’s content and do not repaint the container. All gas lines leading from a compressed gas supply must be clearly labeled or identified in compliance with the standard requirements.

 

• Leave valve protection caps in place (if provided) until cylinders are secured and connected for use. Some types of gas cylinders have valve outlet caps and plugs that form a gas-tight seal. Keep the device on the valve outlet except when containers are secured and connected.

 

• Keep cylinder valves closed except when the cylinder is being used. Closing the valve isolates the cylinder’s contents from the surrounding atmosphere and prevents corrosion and contamination of the valve. When opening a cylinder valve, stand so that the valve outlet is pointed away from yourself and all other employees. Open valves slowly.

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• Never tamper with or alter cylinders, valves, or safety-relief devices. Do not tighten connections or leaking fittings or attempt other repairs while the system is under pressure.

 

• Do not subject cylinders to artificially low temperatures or temperatures above 125 F. Do not place them next to heat sources or allow a flame to contact any part of the cylinder.

 

• Do not place cylinders where they become part of an electric circuit or use them as a ground during electric welding.

 

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• Transferring compressed gases from one cylinder to another should be performed only by the gas supplier or by personnel familiar with the hazards. They must be trained and qualified to use the proper trans fill equipment and must have detailed written operating procedures that include equipment inspections and maintenance procedures. Non-refillable cylinders cannot be refilled.

 

• Avoid dragging or sliding cylinders. Do not lift cylinders by the caps. Firmly secure the cylinder and move with a suitable hand truck, lift truck, with a cradle or platform. Do not use lifting magnets. Slings, ropes, or chains are acceptable if the cylinder is equipped by the manufacturer with lifting attachments. Never drop cylinders or strike them against one another or other surfaces.

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WORK SAFELY IN EXCAVATIONS AND TRENCHES

Excavating or trenching work is one of the highly dangerous work in the construction industry and it may lead to death or severe injuries if not carried out safely.  The various hazards presented by this work include burial, falls from height or being struck by objects falling into the excavation, drowning, striking underground services (e.g. gas, electricity and water), as well as asphyxiation or poisoning caused by fumes entering the excavation.

To reduce these risks, adequate precaution measures should be taken to include:

• Checking for underground services before work commences with proper preplanning of the excavation work

• Shoring of the excavation sides or ensuring they are at a suitable angle to prevent the sides collapsing or material falling onto workers in the excavation or trench. Shoring to be done as per the standard requirements.

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Measures to prevent persons, materials or objects falling into the excavation or trench or the inrush of water into the excavation / trench.

• Maintaining an atmosphere fit for respiration

• Measures to enable workers to leave the excavation or trench safely. Ensure employees are trained on the emergency preparedness and required resources in place.

• Avoiding vehicular traffic near the excavations or trenches or ensuring it is kept to a minimum. Provide the hard barricading in the area, ensure safe traffic management.

The sides of the excavation or trench should be supported by timbering or other suitable means or sloped and battered back to a safe angle of repose to prevent a collapse. The type of support necessary and angle of repose will depend upon the type of excavation, the nature of the ground and the groundwater conditions.

To avoid the risk of workers falling into the excavation or trench, suitable barriers (double guard rails) should be erected to prevent falls. Place required signage to alert the workers for the hazards exist.

ATTENTION: Shoring or other means of supporting excavations and trenches should be conducted under the supervision of a competent person. The removal of any supporting mechanisms should also be conducted under the supervision of a competent person.

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Before beginning an excavation:

• All work should be planned and the method of excavation and the appropriate type of support identified. Risk assessment to be done with the team and all team members should aware of the hazards and control measures to be implemented.

• The stability of the ground should be verified by a competent person

• A competent person should check that the excavation will not affect adjoining buildings, structures or roadways.

• The position of all the public utilities such as underground sewers, gas pipes, water pipes and overhead electrical powerline conductors should be verified

• If necessary, the gas, water, electrical and other public utilities should be disconnected or rerouted. The workplace general arrangement drawing to be checked and verified with the workplace.

• If underground pipes, cable conductors, etc., cannot be rerouted or disconnected, they should be fenced, supported and adequately marked or otherwise protected. The checking to be done with the required tools to ensure the safe condition.

• If necessary, land should be cleared of trees, boulders and other obstructions

• An analysis of possible contamination of the land by harmful chemicals or gases, or by any hazardous waste material such as asbestos should be made

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The collapse of the sides can result from:

• An angle of inclination greater than the natural angle of slope

• An increase in weight due to overloads in the areas bordering the ridges of the slope

• Infiltration of water

• Vibrations due to machinery or vehicles

• Existence of overloads in neighboring areas

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To avoid the collapse preventive measures should be taken:

• Change (decrease) the slope of the sides of the excavation

• Prevent water from infiltrating (drainage systems)

• Install blankets to protect the embankment structures (mortar / concrete)

• Avoid vibration and overloads

• Regularly inspect the slope and the surrounding areas

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