Chemical Hygiene Plan and Safety Manual - LP3003.6 Section III: General Chemical Safety

2 2 The NFPA 704 system for classifying chemical hazards was used prior to the adoption of GHS In the event NFPA labels are present, the system is described here An AFPA label includes four color coded squares with numbers corresponding to the severity of the hazard:

2 2 1 Flammability (red): Depending on how easily something will burn or ignite, the NFPA has a 0-4 rating system, with 4 being the most severe

0: Will not burn

1: Must be heated for ignition to occur; flash point over 93°C

2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38°C and 93°C.

3: Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient conditions. Liquids have a flash point below 23°C and have a boiling point at or above 38°C, or have a flash point between 23°C and 38°C.

4: Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily. Flash point below 23°C.

2.2.2 Health (blue): Depending on severity of adverse health effects, the NFPA has a 0-4 rating system, with 4 being the most severe.

0: Poses no health hazard, no precautions necessary.

1: Exposure would cause irritation with only minor residual injury.

2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury

3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or moderate residual injury

4: Very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury

2 2 3 Reactivity (yellow): Depending on how easily a substance will react, the NFPA has a 0-4 rating system, with 4 being the most severe

0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water

1: Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures

2 2 4 Special (white): This category includes substances that require special care when using or handling

OX: Oxidizer

W: Reacts with water in an unusual or dangerous manner

SA: Simple asphyxiant gas.

Nitrogen Helium Neon Argon Krypton Xenon