TOOLBOX TALK

Topic: HAZARD COMMUNICATION

What does the NFPA hazard rating system mean?

The NFPA hazard rating system refers to, in part, a safety standard put forth by the National
Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). This standard, NFPA 704, outlines a hazard rating system for
emergency personnel.
The NFPA 704 standard also defines the necessary signage and information that needs to be
displayed to alert personnel of the type of hazardous materials that are present. This NFPA hazard
rating system includes three color codes and five intensity levels.
Each color code (blue, red, and yellow) of the hazard rating system corresponds to a hazard:
health, fire, and instability (denotation or chemical change). Within each colored section, a
numerical rating is given to the hazard. The ratings range from 0 to 4. A rating of 4 is the highest. If
a 4 is in the red section of the hazard rating system, then the material should be considered highly
flammable and therefore dangerous.
Within the NFPA hazard rating system, there is also a white colored section. This section
is often left blank, but if a hazardous material presents a special hazard, such as a material that
reacts explosively to water, then this section would be used.
 TOOLBOX TALK
Topic: HAZARD COMMUNICATION
There are only two symbols that are officially part of the NFPA hazard rating system for
use in the special hazard section, with one additional symbol for simple asphyxiant gases
that is recognized. Other additional symbols can be added by the end-user, and placed
outside the NFPA diamond.