Section 9.3.7
9.3.7 Package Markings and Labels
Shippers print required markings directly on the package, an attached label, or tag. An important package marking is the name of the hazardous material. It is the same name as the one on the shipping paper. The requirements for marking vary by package size and material being transported. When required, the shipper will put the following on the package:
- The name and address of shipper or consignee.
- The hazardous material's shipping name and identification number.
- The labels required.
It is a good idea to compare the shipping paper to the markings and labels. Always make sure that the shipper shows the correct basic description on the shipping paper, and verifies that the proper labels are shown on the packages. If you are not familiar with the material, ask the shipper to contact your office.
If rules require it, the shipper will put RQ, MARINE POLLUTANT, BIOHAZARD, HOT, or INHALATION-HAZARD on the package. Packages with liquid containers inside will also have package orientation markings with the arrows pointing in the correct upright direction. The labels used always reflect the hazard class of the product. If a package needs more than one label, the labels must be close together, near the proper shipping name.
9.3.8 Recognizing Hazardous Materials
Learn to recognize shipments of hazardous materials. To find out if the shipment includes hazardous materials, look at the shipping paper. Does it have:
- An entry with a proper shipping name, hazard class, and identification number?
- A highlighted entry, or one with an X or RQ in the hazardous materials column?
- Other clues suggesting hazardous materials:
- What business is the shipper in? Paint dealer? Chemical supply? Scientific supply house? Pest control or agricultural supplier? Explosives, munitions, or fireworks dealer?
- Are there tanks with diamond labels or placards on the premises?
- What type of package is being shipped? Cylinders and drums are often used for hazardous materials shipments.
- Is a hazard class label, proper shipping name, or identification number on the package?
- Are there any handling precautions?
Important Note: To view complete regulatory requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials one should refer to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Parts 100-185.)
9.3.9 Hazardous Waste Manifest
When transporting hazardous wastes, you must sign by hand and carry a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest. The name and EPA registration number of the shippers, carriers, and destination must appear on the manifest. Shippers must prepare, date, and sign by hand the manifest. Treat the manifest as a shipping paper when transporting the waste. Only give the waste shipment to another registered carrier or disposal and / or treatment facility. Each carrier transporting the shipment must sign by hand the manifest. After you deliver the shipment, keep your copy of the manifest. Each copy must have all needed signatures and dates, including those of the person to whom you delivered the waste.
9.3.10 Placarding
Attach the appropriate placards to the vehicle before you drive it. You are only allowed to move an improperly placarded vehicle during an emergency, in order to protect life or property.
Placards must appear on both sides and both ends of the vehicle. Each placard must be:
- Easily seen from the direction it faces.
- Placed so the words or numbers are level and read from left to right.
- At least three inches away from any other markings.
- Kept clear of attachments or devices such as ladders, doors, and tarpaulins.
- Kept clean and undamaged so that the color, format, and message are easily seen.
- Be affixed to a background of contrasting color.
- The use of "Drive Safely" and other slogans is prohibited.
- The front placard may be on the front of the tractor or the front of the trailer.
- To decide which placards to use, you need to know:
- The hazard class of the materials.
- The amount of hazardous materials shipped.
- The total weight of all classes of hazardous materials in your vehicle.
9.3.11 Placard Tables
There are two placard tables, Table 1 and Table 2. Table 1 materials must be placarded whenever any amount is transported. See Figure 9.7.
| If your vehicle contains any amount of... | Placard as... |
|---|---|
| 1.1 Mass Explosives | Explosives 1.1 |
| 1.2 Project Hazards | Explosives 1.2 |
| 1.3 Mass Fire Hazards | Explosives 1.3 |
| 2.3 Poisonous/Toxic Gases | Poison Gas |
| 4.3 Dangerous When Wet | Dangerous When Wet |
| 5.2 (Organic Peroxide, Type B, liquid or solid, Temperature controlled) | Organic Peroxide |
| 6.1 (Inhalation hazard zone A & B only) | Poison and / or toxic inhalation |
| 7 (Radioactive Yellow Ill label only) | Radioactive |
Except for bulk packaging, the hazard classes in Table 2 need placards only if the total amount transported is 1,001 pounds or more including the package. Add the amounts from all shipping papers for all the Table 2 products you have on board. See Figure 9.8.
| Category of Material (Hazard class or division number and additional description, as appropriate) |
Placard Name |
|---|---|
| 1.4 Minor Explosion | Explosives 1.4 |
| 1.5 Very Insensitive | Explosives 1.5 |
| 1.6 Extremely Insensitive | Explosives 1.6 |
| 2.1 Flammable Gases | Flammable Gas |
| 2.2 Non- Flammable Gases | Non-Flammable Gas |
| 3 Flammable Liquids | Flammable |
| Combustible Liquid | Combustible (Flammable may be used in place of a Combustible on a cargo tank or portable tank) |
| 4.1 Flammable Solids | Flammable Solid |
| 4.2 Spontaneously Combustible | Spontaneously Combustible |
| 5.1 Oxidizers | Oxidizer |
| 5.2 (other than organic peroxide, Type B, liquid or solid, Temperature Controlled) |
Organic Peroxide |
| 6.1 (other than inhalation hazard zone A or B) | Poison |
| 6.2 Infectious Substances | (None) |
| 8 Corrosives | Corrosive |
| 9 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials | Class 9 (Class 9 Placard is not required for domestic transportation) |
| ORM-D | (None) |
Placards used to identify the primary or subsidiary hazard class of a material must have the hazard class or division number displayed in the lower corner of the placard. Permanently affixed subsidiary hazard placards without the hazard class number may be used as long as they stay within color specifications.
Placards may be displayed for hazardous materials even if not required so long as the placard identifies the hazard of the material being transported.
Bulk packaging is a single container with a capacity of 119 gallons or more. A bulk package, and a vehicle transporting a bulk package, must be placarded, even if it only has the residue of a hazardous material. Certain bulk packages only have to be placarded on the two opposite sides or may display labels. All other bulk packages must be placarded on all four sides.
Test Your Knowledge - Subsections 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3
- Shippers package in order to (fill in the blank) the material.
- Driver placard their vehicle to (fill in the blank) the risk.
- What three things do you need to know to decide which placards (if any) you need?
- A hazardous materials identification number must appear on the (fill in the blank) and on the (fill in the blank). The identification number must also appear on cargo tanks and other bulk packaging.
- Where must you keep shipping papers describing hazardous materials?
These questions may be on your test. If you can't answer them all, re-read subsections 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3.