Communication Rules: Shipping Papers, Placarding, Marking and Labels
The shipping paper
The basic description must appear in this order: proper shipping name, hazard class or division, ID number, and packing group - for example 'Gasoline, 3, UN1203, PG II.' Add the total quantity and the number and type of packages. The paper must carry a 24-hour emergency response telephone number that is monitored at all times the shipment is in transit, plus the shipper's certification. Keep it within reach, typically in the driver's door pouch, so police or firefighters can take it. Hazardous waste moves on a manifest with the word 'Waste' placed before the shipping name.
Marking and labeling
Non-bulk packages carry the proper shipping name and UN number, plus hazard labels: roughly 4-inch diamonds for the primary hazard and any subsidiary hazard. Orientation arrows go on liquid combination packages, and an RQ mark is added for reportable quantities.
Placarding
Placards are 250-mm (about 10-inch) diamonds displayed on both sides and both ends of the vehicle. Table 1 materials - the most dangerous, such as certain explosives, poison gases and 6.1 PG I - need placards for any quantity. Table 2 materials need placards once the aggregate gross weight of all Table 2 hazmat reaches 1,001 pounds. Once that threshold is met, the DANGEROUS placard may replace the individual Table 2 placards, but never for Table 1 materials.
Worked example
A truck carries 1,100 lb of gasoline in drums plus 300 lb of paint. Both are Table 2, the aggregate is 1,400 lb, which is over 1,001 lb, so FLAMMABLE placards go on both sides and both ends. The individual drums still need their 4-inch flammable liquid labels.
Traps
Mixing up labels (packages) and placards (vehicle); placarding only the sides; using DANGEROUS on a Table 1 load; and listing an emergency number that is not actually answered around the clock.