National Fire Protection Association warning labels

On US labels, you may find the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond-shaped label, with four divisions which give a concise warning of the hazards associated with a particular material. Clockwise from the top they are flamma-bihty reactivity special and health. The figures indicate degree of risk and range from 0 - insignificant to 4 - extreme. A star indicates a chronic health hazard. The US National Paint and Coating Association s HMIS is similar but contains a PPE code. 

Alternative labeling systems such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 Hazard Rating and the Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) are permitted for workplace containers. However, the information supplied on these labels must be consistent with the HazCom standard (e.g., no conflicting hazard warnings or pictograms.)... 

For employee awareness in labeling. The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) utilizes color-coded bars to identify the hazard focus. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) uses a diamond system for the same purpose. Figure 14-1 identifies the two forms of warning labels. 

The current standard provides employers with flexibility regarding the type of system to be used in their workplaces and OSHA has retained that flexibility in the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Employers may choose to label workplace containers either with the same label that would be on shipped containers for the chemical under the revised rule, or with label alternatives that meet the requirements for the standard. Alternative labehng systems such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 Hazard Rating and the Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) are permitted for workplace containers. However, the information supplied on these labels must be consistent with the revised HCS, e.g., no conflicting hazard warnings or pictograms. 

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