The NFPA Diamond Diagram or NFPA 704 Hazard Identification System

 The NFPA Diamond (officially known as the NFPA 704 Hazard Identification System) is a standardized color-coded label used to communicate the hazards of chemical substances. It is commonly seen on storage tanks, chemical containers, and facility doors in industrial and laboratory settings.

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Structure of the NFPA Diamond

The diamond is divided into four colored sections, each representing a different type of hazard, along with a white special hazards section:

1. 🔴 Red (Top) – Fire Hazard (Flammability)

   • 0: No fire hazard (e.g., water).

   • 1: Requires preheating to burn (flash point > 200°F/93°C).

   • 2: Ignites when moderately heated (flash point 100–200°F/38–93°C).

   • 3: Flammable at normal temperatures (flash point < 100°F/38°C).

   • 4: Extremely flammable (flash point < 73°F/23°C, or explosive gases).

2. 🔵 Blue (Left) – Health Hazard

   • 0: No health risk (e.g. sand).

   • 1: Slight irritation (e.g. acetone).

   • 2: Temporary injury or residual effects (e.g. ammonia).

   • 3: Serious or permanent injury possible (e.g. chlorine).

   • 4: Deadly (e.g., hydrogen cyanide).

3. 🟡 Yellow (Right) – Instability (Reactivity)

   • 0: Stable (e.g., nitrogen).

   • 1: Unstable if heated.

   • 2: Violent chemical change possible (e.g. sodium).

   • 3: May detonate under heat/shock (e.g. ammonium nitrate).

   • 4: May explode at normal conditions (e.g. TNT).

4. ⚪ White (Bottom) – Special Hazards

   • W: Reacts violently with water (e.g. sodium metal).

   • OX: Oxidizer (e.g. hydrogen peroxide).

   • SA: Simple asphyxiant gas (e.g. nitrogen, helium).

   • COR: Corrosive (e.g. sulfuric acid).

   • ☢️: Radioactive (rare usually separate symbols used).

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Example: NFPA Diamond for Gasoline

• 🔴 Red (Flammability): 3 (Highly flammable liquid).

• 🔵 Blue (Health): 1 (Slight irritation).

• 🟡 Yellow (Reactivity): 0 (Stable under normal conditions).

• ⚪ White (Special): None (No unusual reactivity).

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Key Uses of the NFPA Diamond

✔ Emergency responders (firefighters, hazmat teams) quickly assess risks.
✔ Workers identify hazards before handling chemicals.
✔ Facility compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and GHS labeling standards.

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NFPA 704 vs. OSHA GHS Labels

Feature	NFPA 704 Diamond	OSHA GHS Labels
Purpose	Fire/health/reactivity risks for emergencies	General chemical hazards (transport, storage, use)
Format	Color-coded diamond	Pictograms + hazard statements
Audience	Mainly firefighters & workers	Global workforce & transporters
Mandate	Used in fixed facilities	Required on all chemical containers

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Where Is the NFPA Diamond Required?

• Chemical storage areas

• Industrial plants

• Laboratories

• Fire department pre-plans