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The NFPA Diamond

The NFPA Diamond

The NFPA diamond is designed to give general hazard information for chemicals. Click on the hazards/colors for the specific hazards represented by the numbers.

Red: Fire Hazard

0 - Will not burn
1 - Must be preheated for ignition; flashpoint above 200°F (93°C)
2 - Must be moderately heated for ignition, flashpoint above 100°F (38°C)
3 - Ignition may occur under most ambient conditions, flashpoint below 100°F (38°C)
4 - Extremely flammable and will readily disperse through air under standard conditions, flashpoint below 73°F (23°C)

Blue: Health Hazard

0 - Hazard no greater than ordinary material
1 - May cause irritation; minimal residual injury
2 - Intense or prolonged exposure may cause incapacitation; residual injury may occur if not treated
3 - Exposure could cause serious injury even if treated
4 - Exposure may cause death

Yellow: Reactivity Hazard

0 - Stable
1 - May become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures, may be mildly water reactive
2 - Unstable; may undergo violent decomposition, but will not detonate. May form explosive mixtures with water
3 - Detonates with strong ignition source
4 - Readily detonates

White: Special Hazard

OX - Strong Oxidizer
W - Water Reactive
SA - Simple asphyxiant gas

Other Symbols Commonly Seen (these are not official NFPA symbols)

ACID - Indicates an acid
ALK - Indicates an alkali or base
COR - Indicates the chemical is corrosive

Radioactive

Radioactive

Corrosive

Corrosive

Poison

Poison

Flammable solid

Flammable solid

Oxidizer

Oxidizer

Biohazard

Biohazard

Irritant

Irritant

Flammable gas or liquid

Flammable gas or liquid

Dangerous when wet

Dangerous when wet