How is the severity of health hazards indicated on the NFPA 704 Diamond?

The severity of health hazards in the NFPA 704 Diamond is indicated by the number in the blue section. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) system uses a diamond shape with four quadrants: blue for health hazards, red for flammability, yellow for instability, and white for special hazards.

In the blue section specifically, the numbers range from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no health hazard and 4 indicating a severe health risk. This numerical scale provides emergency responders with an immediate visual reference to assess the potential health hazards associated with a material. High numbers indicate more severe health effects, while lower numbers indicate lesser hazards.

Understanding this system is crucial for effectively assessing risks in hazardous material situations, allowing for appropriate safety measures to be implemented accordingly.