Q. What do the numbers and symbols on an NFPA fire diamond mean?A. Under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, chemical containers are required “to communicate” the specific hazards of the chemical to the employee. Interpretation of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamonds: Blue = Health Hazard; Red = Flammability; Yellow = Instability; White = Special Hazards. Numbers in the three colored sections range from 0 (least severe hazard) to 4 (most severe hazard). The fourth (white) section is left blank and is used only to denote special fire fighting measures/hazards. For example, the “3” in the blue diamond communicates that short exposure of the chemical could cause serious temporary or residual injury even though prompt medical attention was given. For a specific chemical, one should consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to determine the appropriate hazard ratings which go into each of the diamonds.
The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires dental offices to: have a written plan (e.g. comprehensive manual); properly labeled chemicals; Material Safety Data Sheets readily available; and training provided to all employees who handle hazardous chemicals in the office.
Please contact Dynamic Dental Safety for all of your Hazard Communication needs: (888) 669 – 8846 ext. 701.
