What type of hazards does the NFPA 704 system focus on?

The NFPA 704 system is specifically designed to provide a clear, easily recognizable way to identify hazards associated with materials, focusing on three primary categories: health, flammability, and reactivity.

Health hazards are indicated by blue numbers on the diamond, which rank the degree of risk to human health posed by exposure to the substance. Flammability hazards are represented by red numbers, showing how easily a material can ignite. Reactivity hazards are represented by yellow numbers and indicate the stability of the substance under various conditions, including whether it may react with water or air.

This system is essential for first responders and workers handling hazardous materials, as it allows them to quickly assess the risks and act accordingly. The clarity and simplicity of this color-coded system are crucial in emergency situations, enabling effective and speedy hazard communication.

In contrast, other options like environmental impact, transport risks, and storage safety are not the primary focus of the NFPA 704 system, even though they may be relevant in the broader context of hazardous materials management. However, the primary aim of NFPA 704 is to succinctly highlight immediate health, fire, and reactive risks associated with hazardous materials.