NFPA - White Diamond

The bottom diamond is white. This designation is where the NFPA labeling system differs from the HMIS label in color coding. The NFPA uses this diamond to convey special precautions as well as particular hazards. The NFPA has three official symbols that are permitted here, but there are a few others that are commonly used as well. The three symbols the NFPA uses are:

• OX - This symbol alerts the worker that the chemical is an oxidizer, greatly increasing the risk of combustion.
• W - This symbol denotes that the chemical has an unusual reactivity with water. This would be especially important knowledge in the instance of a fire fighting scenario.
• SA - This symbol indicates that the chemical is a simple asphyxiate gas and will displace the oxygen in the atmosphere.

The non-standard symbols often used in the white diamond include the following:

• COR, ACID, ALK - Corrosive chemicals, strongly acidic or alkaline
• Bio or &##9763; - Biological hazard
• POI - Poisonous chemicals
• RA, RAD or &##9762; - Radioactive wastes
• CRY or CRYO - Cryogenic materials

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