Creating NFPA/RTK Labels in DuraLabel Kodiak

Overview

The NFPA/RTK module uses a searchable, editable database of chemical information to make supplemental chemical labels based on the NFPA 704 hazard rating system. This system assigns a numeric rating for a material’s hazards in each of three categories (health, flammability, and instability).

The NFPA 704 labeling system and its variations were originally intended to protect first responders in an emergency. These labels may not satisfy the regulatory requirements that apply in your case; check with your local authorities to ensure compliance.

Prefer video instructions? You can watch the tutorial here: How to Create NFPA/RTK Labels with LabelForge PRO

NFPA/RTK Module

1. Toolbar
2. Design Area
3. New Record
4. Edit Record
5. Save Database
6. Save Label
7. Delete Record
8. Label Settings
9. Print Settings

TOOLBAR

The toolbar across the top of the screen shows some common controls and options for the NFPA/RTK module. 

1. Hamburger Menu: Access common file options, such as creating a new record, saving records, and exporting label designs.
2. Authority Menu: Choose the format for your chemical labels, using the familiar NFPA Diamond layout or an alternative RTK Color Bar format.
3. Search Records: Search Kodiak’s NFPA-style chemical database by product name or CAS number.
4. Record Number: Identify the current record, out of the current database or search results.
5. Zoom Out/In/Fit: Adjust your view of the design to allow fine tuning.
6. Close: Close the NFPA/RTK module.

NAVIGATING RECORDS IN THE DATABASE

The fastest way to find a specific record in the NFPA/RTK database is with the toolbar’s search function.

1. Choose whether to search by the material’s Name or CAS Number. The default search is by chemical name; to change this selection, click the current search type (such as “Name”) in the toolbar, and make a new selection.
2. Type your search terms in the search box and click the magnifying glass button or press Enter on your keyboard.
3. The first match (in alphabetical order, by equipment name) will be shown in the design area. Use the right or left arrows in the toolbar to browse through the search results.

The number in the white box on the toolbar shows which search result you are currently seeing; the number below the box shows the total number of search results. If you do not enter any search terms, you can browse through the entire current database.

CREATING AND EDITING RECORDS

To create a new entry in your current NFPA-style chemical database, click the New Record button in the menu on the right. This creates a new, blank record. The Edit menu will slide out to let you add the details for this new material. (To edit an existing chemical entry, simply find that entry in the database and click the Edit button in the menu.)

1. NFPA Information: Set the basic details for this entry, such as the product name, CAS number, and signal word.
2. Edit Rating: Click the plus or minus buttons to adjust the ratings for the chemical, from 0 to 4.
3. Specific Ratings: If your material poses a special hazard, such as being an oxidizer (OX) or simple asphyxiant (SA), click the arrow to expand this section. Check the box for any hazard that applies.
4. Health Hazards: If your material poses a specific health hazard, such as being an irritant or carcinogen, click the arrow to expand this section. Check the box for any hazard that applies.
5. Organ Hazards: If your material poses a direct hazard to specific organs, such as kidneys or respiratory system, click the arrow to expand this section. Check the box for any hazard that applies.
6. PPE Symbols: If specific personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to safely handle this material, such as gloves or a respirator, click the arrow to expand this section. Check the box for any PPE symbol that you want to include. You can also add symbols to this list with the “Import” function.
7. Comments: If there are additional comments you would like to include on the label, click the arrow to expand this section and type your comments in the field provided.

When the details have been entered, click the Save Database button to add your new entry to the Chemical Labeling module’s current database. The Save Label button will export your current label design to its own file, so you can adjust the design in the Label Designer module. If you want to remove the current record from the database, click the Delete Record button.

TEMPLATES, SIZES, AND SETTINGS

To print NFPA-style chemical labels in different sizes, open the Label Settings menu and select the appropriate template with the drop-down Label Templates menu. The default templates are named so that the size of the label is shown first (with dimensions in inches).

In the same menu, you can also choose a font for the text of your label, and toggle optional elements such as PPE symbols and comments. Not all templates allow for PPE symbols and/or comment text.

This menu also lets you select which NFPA-style chemical database you are using, if more than one database is available.

PRINTING A LABEL

When you are ready to print, click the Print Settings button. Here, choose which labels you want to print, and how many copies of each. You can also check a Print Preview here.

Click the Print button to start the new print job. If you are using the Kodiak’s built-in screen for your label designs, you can also press the physical Print button on the front of your Kodiak to print one copy of the current label, using the current print settings.

More Support Options

If you have any questions about using your DuraLabel Kodiak printer, get help from Graphic Products’ world-class support team by calling 800-788-5572 or visiting GraphicProducts.com. We’re here to help with all your labeling needs!