NFPA NFPA 704 Hazardous Materials Identification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A flammability rating of 4 in NFPA 704 describes a material that:
- Will not burn under any conditions
- Burns readily at ambient conditions with a flash point below 73°F (22.8°C) (Correct answer)
- Ignites only after prolonged exposure to heat
- Requires an oxidizer to ignite
Correct answer: Burns readily at ambient conditions with a flash point below 73°F (22.8°C)
A flammability rating of 4 indicates materials that rapidly vaporize at normal temperatures, with a flash point below 73°F and a boiling point below 100°F.
Question 2: Which NFPA 704 health rating indicates exposure could cause death?
- 2
- 3
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 1
Correct answer: 4
A health rating of 4 indicates that very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury, even with emergency responder protective equipment.
Question 3: A flammability rating of 1 in NFPA 704 applies to materials that:
- Burn readily at ambient temperature
- Ignite under almost all normal temperature conditions
- Must be preheated to burn, with a flash point above 200°F (93.3°C) (Correct answer)
- Do not burn under any conditions
Correct answer: Must be preheated to burn, with a flash point above 200°F (93.3°C)
A flammability rating of 1 applies to materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur, with flash points above 200°F (93.3°C), such as mineral oil.
Question 4: An instability rating of 3 in NFPA 704 means the material:
- Is normally stable under all conditions
- Can detonate or explode but requires a strong initiating source (Correct answer)
- Is readily capable of detonation at normal ambient temperatures
- Undergoes violent chemical change but will not detonate
Correct answer: Can detonate or explode but requires a strong initiating source
An instability rating of 3 means the material can detonate or explode but requires a strong initiating source such as heat, shock, or detonator.
Question 5: Which NFPA 704 health rating indicates 'extreme danger' where serious injury is likely from short exposure?
- 1
- 2
- 3 (Correct answer)
- 4
Correct answer: 3
A health rating of 3 indicates short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury, requiring full protective equipment for emergency responders.
Question 6: In NFPA 704, a flammability rating of 2 applies to liquids with a flash point in which range?
- Below 73°F (22.8°C)
- Between 73°F and 100°F (22.8–37.8°C)
- Between 100°F and 200°F (37.8–93.3°C) (Correct answer)
- Above 200°F (93.3°C)
Correct answer: Between 100°F and 200°F (37.8–93.3°C)
A flammability rating of 2 applies to liquids with flash points between 100°F and 200°F (37.8–93.3°C), which must be moderately heated before ignition.
Question 7: An instability rating of 4 in NFPA 704 indicates the material:
- Is normally stable at all temperatures
- Becomes unstable only at elevated temperatures and pressures
- Can detonate only with a strong external initiator
- Is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures
An instability rating of 4 means the material is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures and pressures, representing the maximum reactivity hazard.
NFPA NFPA 704 Hazardous Materials Identification 2
A flammability rating of 4 in NFPA 704 describes a material that: