Placarding
The practice of displaying diamond-shaped warning signs on all four sides of a truck or trailer to identify the class of hazardous material being transported. Placards are color-coded and numbered according to the DOT hazmat classification system (e.g., red for flammables, yellow for oxidizers, white for poisons). Placarding is legally required when transporting hazmat quantities that exceed specified thresholds and helps emergency responders identify risks in the event of an accident.
Detailed Explanation
The practice of displaying diamond-shaped warning signs on all four sides of a truck or trailer to identify the class of hazardous material being transported. Placards are color-coded and numbered according to the DOT hazmat classification system (e.g., red for flammables, yellow for oxidizers, white for poisons). Placarding is legally required when transporting hazmat quantities that exceed specified thresholds and helps emergency responders identify risks in the event of an accident.
Example
A flatbed hauling 20 drums of flammable paint displays red Class 3 (Flammable Liquid) placards on the front, rear, and both sides of the trailer, along with the UN identification number.
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