NFPA - Diamond System

The NFPA has a very similar system to that of the ACA HMIS that we just discussed. As you can encounter both systems of labeling, we will break down the NFPA diamond system here, as well as point out the major differences in these labeling systems.

Instead of a bar system, the NFPA uses a diamond system. Like HMIS, the NFPA also rates on a severity scale of 0 to 4.

The left diamond is blue, and indicates health hazards. Numbers 0 through 4 are broken down as follows:

0 - No health hazards are posed.

1 - Exposure to these materials would cause irritation or a minor injury.

2 - Exposure to these materials over an extended period of time, or a very intense period of time, could cause temporary injuries or irritations.

3 - Short exposure can cause temporary or moderate residual injury.

4 - Short or limited exposure can cause serious, life-threatening injuries or even death.

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