Once the HAZMAT has been identified, it can be classified as to the danger it presents (i.e., toxicity level). Based on this classification, the appropriate specialized equipment (known as personal protective equipment, or PPE) can be determined to provide adequate protection (i.e., protection level) from secondary contamination to rescue personnel and healthcare providers.

Table 5-7.-Hazardous Materials Warning Labels

Toxicity Levels
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed a system for indicating the health, flammability, and reactivity hazards of chemicals. It is called the NFPA704 Labeling System and is made up of symbols arranged in squares to comprise a diamond-shaped label (fig. 5-7). Each of the four hazards is indicated by a different colored square:

Red indicates the flammability.
Yellow indicates the reactivity.
White indicates any special hazards.
Blue indicates health hazards.
The health hazard levels are
4 -deadly,
3 -extreme danger,
2 -hazardous,
1 -slightly hazardous, and
0 -normal material.

Protection Levels
The protection levels, B, C, and D-indicate the type and amount of protective equipment required in a given hazardous circumstance, with level A being the most hazardous.

Level A -positive pressure-demand, full-face piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or positive pressure-demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA; fully encapsulating, chemical-resistant suit; inner chemical-resistant gloves; chemical-resistant safety boots/shoes; and two-way radio communication.

Level B -positive pressure-demand, full-face piece SCBA or positive pressure-demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA; chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long-sleeved jacket with hooded one-or two-piece chemical splash suit or disposable chemical-resistant one-piece suit); chemical-resistant safety boots/shoes; hard hat; and two-way communication.

Level C -full-face piece, air-purifying canister-equipped respirator; chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long-sleeved jacket with hooded one-or two-piece chemical splash suit or disposable chemical-resistant one-piece suit); inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves; chemical-resistant safety boots/shoes; hard hat; and two-way communication.

Level D -Coveralls, safety boots/shoes, safety glasses or chemical splash goggles, and hard hat.

You are required to wear gloves at all four protection levels. If the correct type of glove to be used is not known, use neoprene or rubber, and avoid using latex or vinyl. In any instance, contact with HAZMAT should be avoided or minimized, and proper

Figure 5-7.-NFPA 704 labeling system.

decontamination should be performed promptly. Protect feet from contact with chemical by using a disposable boot/shoe cover made from appropriate material.