What do the blue, red, yellow, and white colors on diamond signs represent?

The blue, red, yellow, and white colors on diamond signs correspond to specific categories of hazards as established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) labeling system. In this system, each color represents a different aspect of a material's hazard profile.

The blue section indicates health risks associated with exposure to the substance. The red section represents flammability, indicating how easily the material can ignite. The yellow section denotes reactivity, which reflects the substance's potential to chemically react with other materials or conditions. Finally, the white section is used for special hazards, and this can include a variety of specific risks, such as radiation or acid hazards.

This color-coding system is essential for quickly identifying the potential dangers present in a facility or around hazardous materials, enabling first responders and personnel to take appropriate precautions. Understanding this system is vital for ensuring safety in environments where medical gases and other potentially hazardous materials are stored or used. The other options do not accurately reflect the established meanings of the colors in the NFPA system, focusing instead on different categorization methods that do not specifically relate to the diamond sign hazard labeling.