Final answer:
The hazard diamond, also known as a fire diamond, must be attached to hazardous materials packaging to indicate risks such as flammability, health hazards, reactivity, and special threats. It is an essential part of safety regulations for handling dangerous substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shipper must attach a diamond-shaped label, known as a hazard diamond or fire diamond, to packages containing hazardous materials. This labeling system, which follows regulations from the United States Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, provides essential information about the potential dangers associated with the chemical substance inside. The hazard diamond is part of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 704 Hazard Identification System. Each color-coded part of the diamond indicates a different type of hazard: the top red diamond represents flammability, the blue left diamond indicates health risks, the yellow right diamond shows reactivity, and the white bottom diamond signals special hazards like oxidizing properties.
Each section of the hazard diamond is rated on a scale of 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no hazard and 4 signifying extreme hazard. For example, a substance with a flammability rating of 4 should be kept away from open flames, as instructed by safety guidelines. It's crucial for personnel to be aware of these symbols to handle materials safely and mitigate risks of fire, explosion, health hazards, and chemical reactions.