Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Understanding the NFPA diamond label

The following NFPA example for Triethylene Glycol is used to explain the standards and codes used on Type 704 diamond labeling. Century Graphics & Sign designs and prints NFPA labels for virtually any application, specializing in oilfield applications.


BLUE - Health Hazard Level

Deadly (4): Very short exposure could cause death or serious residual injury, even if prompt medical attention is given.

Extreme Danger (3): Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury even if prompt medical attention is given.

Hazardous (2): Intense continued exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury unless prompt medical attention is given.

Slightly Hazardous (1): Exposure could cause irritation but only minor residual injury even if no treatment is given.

Normal Material (0): Exposure under fire conditions would offer no hazard beyond that of normal combustible materials.


RED - Flammability

Flash point below 73°(F) (4): Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal temperatures and pressures, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily.

Flash point below 100°(F) (3): Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient conditions.

Flash point below 200°(F) (2): Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high temperatures before ignition can occur.

Flash point above 200°(F) (1): Must be preheated before ignition can occur.

Will not burn (0): Materials that will not burn.


YELLOW - Reactivity

May Detonate (4): Readily capable of detonation, explosive decomposition, or reaction at normal temperatures and pressures.

Shock and Heat May Detonate (3): Capable of detonation, explosive decomposition, or reaction at normal temperatures and pressures, but requires a strong initiation source or must be heated under confinement before initiation, or reacts explosively with water.

Violent Chemical Change (2): Normally unstable and regularly undergoes violent decomposition but does not detonate. Also may react violently with water, or may form potentially explosive mixtures with water.

Unstable if Heated (1): Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures, or may react with water with some release of energy, but not violently. Will not burn.

Normally Stable (0): Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and not reactive with water.


WHITE - Special Hazards

We manufacture in-house and service all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to call us at 1-800-228-4467, or email us at sales@centurygs.com.