2007-03-28 12:34:40 · 9 answers · asked by martin s 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
There are a few different placards that are used on tankers and HazMat storage tanks and facilities.
Fixed buildings use the "fire diamond" which gives general information about hazards present (although it does not identify the chemical/s present)
Here's how to interpret those:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFPA_704
Mobile tankers (railcars, trucks, trailers, etc) use placards governed by the Department of Transportation. They not only identify any special hazards, but they also contain a 4-digit number that corresponds to the type of chemical being transported. These codes are contained in the Emergency Response Guidebook which is carried by police and fire personnel. A copy of this guidebook is located here:
http://hazmat.dot.gov/pubs/erg/erg2004.pdf
2007-03-28 12:49:49 · answer #1 · answered by sdatary 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's info of which chemical thats the 4 numbers
eg. 1824 is caustic soda the number at the top is in case of fire the fire service know how to deal with it instantly (uk only)
europe has just the class of product and a 0 so 80 is class 8 product 839 would be product containing class 8-3-9
2007-03-31 22:28:01 · answer #2 · answered by MILL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't technically identify the chemical or a hazardous material, it actually identifies the type of substance that is being transported I.E. Liquid, flammable liquid, freezing substance, explosive compound, corrosive compound, nuclear material, different types of gases, radio active etc. ANY liquid, gas or hazardous material being transported MUST be placarded before departure from a dock. No placards means that it is only normal freight goods I.E. paper, chairs, signs, computers, candy, tires etc. being transported. This is mandated by state and I believe federal laws to make public notice of transferring these compounds / substances.
2007-03-28 12:48:55 · answer #3 · answered by NoFXer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As others have said they are there to assist the emergency services to identify the hazardous substance carried by a vehicle if involved in an accident.
They are reffered to as Hazchem signs and are internationally recognised. The list of their meanings can be found on http://www.the-ncec.com/hazchem/
2007-03-28 13:01:13 · answer #4 · answered by mrbeano57 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They refer to the hazards they present if they crash and spill there load all over the road. Some corrosives can make it so the road has to be resurfaced, some is very flammable, some is very slippery. The last spiltl load I saw though was turnips.
2007-03-28 12:41:06 · answer #5 · answered by jimbo_thedude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it tells them wot is in the tank so they know how to deal with it in an emergency and the driver has a thing called a trem card inside the cab with more detailed information about the product so it can be dealt with professionally with the right equipment
2007-03-28 12:39:49 · answer #6 · answered by steve the turk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They identify the chemical being carried and if it is flammable etc
2007-03-28 12:37:35 · answer #7 · answered by Patches6 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it tells them what they are carrying in case of a crash or something ie flammable hazardous etc
2007-03-28 12:38:23 · answer #8 · answered by kj 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here you go.......................
2007-03-28 12:45:43 · answer #9 · answered by Spanner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋