0

Chemical Panels

When a small label isn't an effective way of designating chemical hazards, try one of our chemical panels. Emedco's chemical panels are designed to provide OSHA-required information on tanks, cabinets and storage areas. They are available in reflective and non-reflective material to ensure visibility in any condition. Our chemical panels come in two formats: the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) format or the Color Bar Identification System format.

7 Item(s)

Filter By Sort By

Grid

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is another regulatory body that produces a ratings system to define and alert workers about the chemical hazards they face on job. Use the standardized NFPA ratings to alert employees to potential hazards of the chemicals and materials they handle. If you wish to customize a sign, purchase a NFPA Diamond Panel that complies with NFPA No. 704.

How to Read the NFPA Diamond

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 requires employers to have all containers of hazardous chemicals in the workplace labeled, tagged, or marked with the appropriate hazard warnings. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Diamond is the most recognized labeling system available. The iconic standardized symbol found on NFPA signs and NFPA labels quickly identifies and describes the hazards that can be expected from certain substances.


 

The industry-accepted symbol for hazardous material fire safety.

 

The chart can be confusing if you haven’t been trained on the meanings of the numbers and colors. Here’s a quick and helpful guide to reading an NFPA chart.

 

In accordance with National Fire Code (NFC) section 704, the NFPA Diamond is designed as a color-coded array of four numbers or letters arranged in a diamond shape. You’ll see such diamonds on trucks, chemical bottles and tanks, and other places where potentially hazardous chemicals are present. Each section color corresponds to a type of danger, and each number or letter denotes the scale of the danger.


 

Chemical labels often allow you to write in the data manually.

 

Red Section: Flammability


The red-colored section of the NFPA Diamond is located at the top or twelve o’clock position of the symbol and denotes a material’s flammability and susceptibility to catching fire when exposed to heat. Flammability is graded on a 0 to 4 scale, and a lower rating is safer. For example, water will not burn and rates a 0, while propane gas burns readily, and rates a 4.


Yellow Section: Instability


The yellow section located on the right side (three o’clock) of the NFPA Diamond refers to a material’s instability, or its reactivity when exposed to water or unusual conditions such as temperature and pressure. Instability is rated on a 0 to 4 scale. Normally stable materials like liquid nitrogen rate a zero, while live explosives such as TNT rate a 4.mple: TNT)


Blue Section: Health Hazards


The Blue section located on the left side of the NFPA Diamond refers to a material’s potential health hazard, highlighting the health risks posed by contact with a worker. Health Hazards are rated on a 0 to 4 scale, with normally harmless items like peanut oil meriting a 0 while extremely toxic or deadly materials (such as hydrogen cyanide) get a 4.


White Section: Special Precautions


The white section at the bottom of the NFPA Diamond does not use a number rating, but rather refers to any special conditions imposed by a material that may necessitate special actions or protective equipment when handling the labeled material.


There are two NFPA-approved special ratings:


  • [Letter W slashed with horizontal bar] = Material reacts unusually with water
  • OX = Material is oxidant/possesses oxidizing properties

 

Bilingual NFPA Chemical Hazard Sign


It’s best to have legends accompanying your NFPA Diamond.


Some institutions use additional ratings to indicate specific qualities or procedures. Check with your organization’s hazard communication policies for additional information and explanations.


The NFPA sign is available in different sizes and materials to suit your specific needs. You can also opt for a special overlaminate, such as Emedco’s Duroshield Topcoat, to allow your signs to stand the test of time and harsh environments.


And no matter what, always be sure that potentially hazardous material is properly labeled according to NFPA recommendations. Apply the NFPA Diamond wherever it can best disseminate information!