Appendix D – Chemical Hazard Material Labeling System
The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research will implement the new Globally Harmonized System
(GHS) hazard number rating and pictograms. The NFPA Hazard Identification rating system (NFPA
diamond) will still be in use within the facility however the concern is that the GHS number rating
system is similar to the NFPA numbering system.
The NFPA diamond is broken into four sections. Numbers in the Blue, Red and Yellow sections
range from 0 (least severe hazard) to 4 (most severe hazard). The fourth (white) section is left blank
and is used only to denote special fire fighting measures/hazards (i.e. W reacts violently with water).
The new GHS number ratings range from 1-4 but it is inverted in respect to how hazardous a
chemical is. The GHS number ratings place 1 as the most severe hazard and then 4 as the least
severe hazard. Below you will find a comparison chart between the NFPA 704 hazard ratings and
the Globally Harmonized System hazard number ratings. Below the NFPA and GHS comparison
chart there is the GHS pictograms and an explanation for the hazards.
*Pay close attention to the number rating for your chemicals and as to
which system it is using.
Page 1 of 3
Comparison of NFPA 704 and HazCom GHS Labels
Purpose
NFPA 704
HazCom Standard GHS
Provides basic information
for emergency personnel
responding to a fire or spill
and those planning for
emergency response.
Informs workers about the hazards of
chemicals in workplace under normal
conditions of use and foreseeable
emergencies.
0-4
Number System:
NFPA Rating and OSHA’s
Classification System
Information Provided on
Label
0-least hazardous
4-most hazardous
• Health-Blue
• Flammability-Red
• Instability-Yellow
• Special Hazards*-White
*OX Oxidizers
W Water Reactives
SA Simple Asphyxiants
Acute (short term) health
hazards ONLY.
Health Hazards on Label
Flammability/
Physical Hazards on Label
Acute hazards are more
typical for emergency
response applications.
Chronic health effects are
not covered by NFPA 704.
NFPA divides flammability
and instability hazards into
two separate numbers on
the label.
Flammability in red section
Instability in yellow section
Website
www.nfpa.org/704
Page 2 of 3
1-4
1-most severe hazard
4-least severe hazard
• The Hazard category numbers are
NOT required to be on labels but are
required on SDSs in Section 2.
• Numbers are used to CLASSIFY
hazards to determine what label
information is required.
• Product Identifier
• Signal Word
• Hazard Statement(s)
• Pictogram(s)
• Precautionary statement(s); and
• Name address and phone number of
responsible party.
Acute and chronic health hazards.
Both acute and chronic health effects
are relevant for employees working
with chemicals day after day. Health
hazards include acute hazards such
as eye irritants, simple asphyxiants
and skin corrosives as well as chronic
hazards such as carcinogens.
A broad range of physical hazard
classes are listed on the label
including explosives, flammables,
oxidizers, reactives, pyrophorics,
combustible dusts and corrosives.
www.osha.gov OR
www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html
GHS Pictograms and Hazards
Health Hazard






Carcinogen
Mutagenicity
Reproductive Toxicity
Respiratory Sensitizer
Target Organ Toxicity
Aspiration Toxicity
Flame






Flammables
Pyrophorics
Self-Heating
Emits Flammable Gas
Self-Reactives
Organic Peroxides
Exclamation Mark






Gas Cylinder

Gases Under Pressure
Corrosion



Flame Over Circle
Skin Corrosion/Burns
Eye Damage
Corrosive to Metals
Environment
Irritant (skin and eye)
Skin Sensitizer
Acute Toxicity
Narcotic Effects
Respiratory Tract
Irritant
Hazardous to Ozone
Layer (Non-Mandatory)
Exploding Bomb



Explosives
Self-Reactives
Organic Peroxides
Skull and Crossbones
(Non-Mandatory)

Oxidizers

Aquatic Toxicity
Page 3 of 3

Acute Toxicity (fatal or
toxic)