The NFPA 704 diamond, often called the fire diamond, is a standardized hazard rating system used to communicate risks of hazardous materials quickly to emergency responders. Although no image was provided in your query, it typically features four color-coded sections (blue, red, yellow, white) arranged in a diamond shape, with numbers from 0 (minimal hazard) to 4 (severe hazard) or special symbols indicating the level of risk in each category.

Sections Overview

Each section represents a distinct hazard type, positioned like a clock for easy recognition: blue at 9 o'clock, red at 12 o'clock, yellow at 3 o'clock, and white at 6 o'clock. This system, developed by the National Fire Protection Association, helps firefighters assess dangers at a glance during emergencies.

Blue Section (Health)

  • Located on the left side (9 o'clock position).
  • Indicates health hazards from exposure, such as toxicity, irritation, or corrosiveness to skin/eyes.
  • Ratings: 0 = normal material; 4 = deadly even with brief exposure (e.g., requires full protective gear).

Red Section (Flammability)

  • Positioned at the top (12 o'clock).
  • Shows how easily the material ignites and burns, critical for fire response.
  • Ratings: 0 = will not burn; 4 = ignites easily at normal temperatures (e.g., gases like acetylene).

Yellow Section (Reactivity/Instability)

  • Found on the right (3 o'clock).
  • Measures chemical reactivity, instability, or explosion risk under fire/water/shock.
  • Ratings: 0 = stable; 4 = severe risk of explosion even at room temperature (e.g., nitroglycerin).

White Section (Special Hazards)

  • At the bottom (6 o'clock).
  • Covers unique risks not fitting other categories, using letters or symbols like W (water reactive), OX (oxidizer), or ACID/ALK (corrosive).
  • No numeric scale; symbols alert to specifics like oxidizers that fuel fires or materials harmed by water.

Quick Rating Guide

Rating| Meaning| Example Application
---|---|---
0| Minimal/No hazard| Everyday materials
1| Slight hazard| Mild irritants
2| Moderate hazard| Protective gear needed
3| Serious hazard| Short-term exposure limits
4| Severe/Extreme hazard| Life-threatening

TL;DR Bottom: NFPA diamond sections are Blue=Health, Red=Flammability, Yellow=Reactivity, White=Special—numbers 0-4 rate severity for rapid safety decisions. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.