Chemical Safety

Cards can be used as mini Safety Data Sheets (SDS) using the criteria in NFPA 704Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response“,

NFPA 704 Diamond

Images and Environmental impact scores are derived from the UN GHSGlobally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

GHS01
Explosive
GHS02
Flammable
GHS03
Oxidizing
GHS04
Compressed Gas
GHS05
Corrosive
GHS06
Toxic
GHS07
Irritant
GHS08
Health Hazard
GHS 09
Environmental Hazard

These cards can be used to play Top Trumps (although it is preferential to have cards with the lowest scores to minimise the hazard potential rather than the conventional highest score wins).

Safety Impact

NFPA 704 scores are summarised as follows:

VALUE

HEALTH

FLAMMABILITY

INSTABILITY

4

Under emergency conditions can be Lethal

Rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily

In themselves are readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction at normal temperatures and pressures

3

Under emergency conditions can cause Serious or Permanent Injury

Liquids and solids (including finely divided suspended solids) that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions

In themselves are capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but that require a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation

2

Under emergency conditions can cause Temporary Incapacitation or Residual Injury

Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur

Readily undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures

1

Under emergency conditions can cause Significant Irritation

Must be preheated (under all ambient temperature conditions) before ignition can occur

In themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures

0

Under emergency conditions would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials

Will not burn under typical fire conditions, including intrinsically non-combustible material

In themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions

Special Hazards are indicated as follows:

W
Reacts violently or explosively with water

OX
Possess oxidising properties

SA
Simple asphyxiant including Nitrogen, Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton & Xenon as well as liquefied carbon dioxide (Dry Ice)

BIO
Biological Hazard

RAD
Radiological Hazard

Environmental Impact

Environmental Damage is summarised as follows based on Acute impact on aquatic receptors:

Code

H400
H401
H402
H410
H411
H412
H413

Hazard Statement

Very toxic to aquatic life (acute)
Toxic to aquatic life (acute)
Harmful to aquatic life (acute)
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life

Score

4
3
2

4
3
2
1

We recognise that it’s impractical to develop a set that covers all chemicals, therefore we welcome site, company or industry specific enquiries where we can develop an appropriate deck of relevant materials.

Quizzes

Cards can be used in a variety of ways e.g. blank cards with only the name of the chemical could form the basis of a quiz to gauge participants knowledge of materials handled – for example identify/estimate the scores or rank them in order.

Blank SDS Card

A sample Chemical Safety quiz is available via this icon:

Click for Chemical Safety quiz

Emergency Response

Mini Safety Data Sheets could be used by First Responders to prepare them for the potential hazards they may encounter when entering or isolating a release site.

Police
Fire
Medical


These are described on a separate page:

Click for Emergency Response cards

For more information on Chemical Safety cards, options & pricing, please contact us.