NFPA labeling system

Scope

NFPA has a hazard identification marking system that it developed in 1961. The system was intended to provide basic information to emergency personnel so they can evaluate what fire fighting techniques to employ when they enter a scene where hazardous materials are present. The system does not provide any detailed hazard information, but it has been adopted as an in-plant hazard communication labeling system as long as training regarding the system is provided.

There are three categories of hazards identified by the NFPA system:

• Health
• Flammability
• Instability

Five divisions ranging from zero (no hazard) to four (severe hazard) indicate the degree of severity for each hazard numerically.

The square-on-point label contains four colored squares with a number appearing in each square. The blue square indicates health hazard, the red square represents flammability, and the yellow square indicates instability. The fourth square represents a special hazard, such as unusual reactivity with water. The usual symbol for alerting fire fighting personnel to the possible hazard of using water is the letter W with a line through it.

Regulatory citations

• None, but an NFPA labeling system could be used as an in-house labeling option under the Hazard Communication Standard at 1910.1200(f)(6).

Key definitions

• NFPA (formerly known as National Fire Protection Association): An international, nonprofit (tax-exempt), membership organization recognized throughout the world as the leading authoritative source of technical background, data, and consumer advice on fire protection and prevention.

Summary of requirements

• An NFPA labeling system could be used as an in-house labeling option under the Hazard Communication Standard at 1910.1200(f)(6).
• Warnings for emergency personnel. Emergency personnel benefit from this hazardous identification marking system because they can tell from a distance what caution to use in approaching a container, or handling a fire. When an employer receives a package or freight container of hazardous materials, OSHA requires at 1910.1201 that the appropriate DOT markings be retained on the packaging or freight container until the hazardous materials, vapors, or residue are sufficiently removed to prevent any potential hazards. For non-bulk packages which will not be reshipped, the requirements of this section are met if a label or other acceptable marking remains on the package according to the Hazard Communication standard at 1910.1200. Retaining NFPA and DOT labels provides emergency personnel with valuable, often life-saving, information about the unknown contents of packages and containers.
• Rating summary
  • Health (Blue)
    • 4 Danger: May be fatal on short exposure. Specialized protective equipment required
    • 3 Warning: Corrosive or toxic. Avoid skin contact or inhalation
    • 2 Warning: May be harmful if inhaled or absorbed
    • 1 Caution: May be irritating
    • 0: No unusual hazard
  • Flammability (Red)
    • 4 Danger: Flammable gas or extremely flammable liquid
    • 3 Warning: Flammable liquid flash point below 100° F
    • 2 Caution: Combustible liquid flash point of 100° to 200° F
    • 1: Combustible if heated
    • 0: Not combustible
  • Instability (Yellow)
    • 4 Danger: Explosive material at room temperature
    • 3 Danger: May be explosive if shocked, heated under confinement or mixed with water
    • 2 Warning: Unstable or may react violently if mixed with water
    • 1 Caution: May react if heated or mixed with water but not violently
    • 0 Stable: Not reactive when mixed with water
  • Special Notice Key (White)
    • W: Water Reactive
    • OX: Oxidizing Agent