What aspect does the NFPA 704 use colors to signify?

The NFPA 704 system, also known as the Fire Diamond, utilizes colors to signify hazard levels of materials, making it a critical tool for emergency responders. The system consists of a diamond shape divided into four quadrants, each representing different types of hazards: health (blue), flammability (red), reactivity (yellow), and specific hazards (white). The numbers within each quadrant range from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no hazard and 4 indicating a severe hazard. This color-coding and numerical value system allows firefighters and emergency responders to quickly assess the potential dangers associated with materials they may encounter during an emergency situation, facilitating safer and more effective responses.

This emphasis on hazard levels rather than occupancy types, emergency contact numbers, or evacuation routes allows for a clear and immediate understanding of material risks in emergency settings, which is essential in minimizing risks to personnel and ensuring efficient incident management.