What is the primary purpose of the NFPA 704m labeling system?

• A. Bulk storage of chemicals
• B. Air quality monitoring and sampling
• C. Indicating hazard properties (toxicity, flammability, reactivity)
• D. Determining PPE requirements

Answer: (C)

It communicates the hazard properties of a chemical so people can quickly assess risk. NFPA 704 uses a diamond with blue for health hazards, red for flammability, and yellow for reactivity, each shown as a number from 0 (no hazard) to 4 (severe hazard). The white section covers special hazards. This system lets emergency responders and workers grasp the key dangers at a glance and decide on immediate precautions and actions during handling, storage, or incidents. It’s not about bulk storage practices, air quality monitoring, or determining PPE by itself, though the hazard information it conveys does help guide PPE decisions.