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

The primary purpose of the NFPA 704 labeling system is to inform about health and safety hazards associated with hazardous materials. This system uses a color-coded diamond to convey important safety information, including the degree of health hazard, flammability, reactivity, and specific hazards.

The blue section of the diamond represents health risks, the red section indicates flammability hazards, the yellow denotes reactivity hazards, and additional symbols may indicate specific hazards like radiation or corrosiveness. This quick visual reference helps workers, emergency responders, and others quickly assess the dangers posed by materials they may encounter, ensuring they can take appropriate precautions and actions when dealing with hazardous substances.

Understanding this labeling is crucial for safe handling, thus serving a key role in occupational safety and health practices at facilities where hazardous materials are present.