The Haz-Mat diamond, also known as the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) label, uses a color-coded diamond shape to provide information about the hazards associated with materials. A rating of "4" in any of the color-coded sections indicates a severe hazard. Here are two examples of what a "4" rating can represent for each of the main categories:
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Health Hazard (Blue Section): A substance with a "4" rating in the health category could cause serious or permanent injury or death from inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. For instance, a highly toxic chemical like cyanide could be rated a "4," indicating that even a small exposure can be life-threatening.
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Flammability Hazard (Red Section): A "4" rating in the flammability category indicates that the material can ignite very quickly or is capable of burning all around. An example of this could be a flammable gas like acetylene, which can form explosive mixtures with air and ignite easily at room temperature.
In both cases, this indicates a critical need for proper safety precautions and handling procedures to prevent exposure or ignition.