Which of the following is not an acceptable type of marking for hazardous materials?

Marking and labeling are important steps when preparing a dangerous good package for transportation. Labels often communicate the hazards associated with the package, and markings ensure the shipment is handled so that spills, accidents and exposure are prevented. As such, they must be applied appropriately, reflect correct information, and comply with the regulations.

Marking

Marking means a descriptive name, identification number, instructions, cautions, weight, specification, or UN marks, or combinations thereof, required on outer packagings of hazardous materials or dangerous goods.

The marking required:

1. Must be durable, in English, and printed on or affixed to the surface of a package or on a label, tag, or sign.
2. Must be displayed on a background of sharply contrasting color;
3. Must be unobscured by labels or attachments; and
4. Must be located away from any other marking (such as advertising) that could substantially reduce its effectiveness.

Specialized markings:

There are specialized markings that you should be aware of as well. Among them are:

For liquid hazardous materials or dangerous goods:

There are also specific marking requirements for radioactive materials, poisonous dangerous goods, and dangerous goods in limited quantities. Refer to the specific sections found in .

Labeling

Labels identify the specific primary and subsidiary hazards posed by the materials in a dangerous goods package. These methods of communication rely on specific colors, codes, and pictograms to clearly and immediately identify the type of materials in the package.

49 CFR 172.406 states labels must be printed on or affixed to a surface (other than the bottom) of the package or containment device containing the hazardous material and be located on the same surface of the package and near the proper shipping name marking, if the package dimensions are adequate.

Shippers are responsible for choosing the correct labels for their shipments. Labeling a material incorrectly can result in costly shipping delays, fines, and injuries. If you're not sure which hazard class label fits your needs, use Labelmaster's Label FinderSM.

Why are labels important?

• They communicate universally - labels relate information about the hazards of a chemical inside a package internationally, regardless of language. This helps determine what type of hazard is identified on the label.
  
• They offer special handling instructions - labels clarify handling requirements for a package, making shipping and handling dangerous goods a safer process.
  
• They help employers communicate hazards - employers use hazard labels to alert employees of potential hazards of materials.
  
• They help carriers decide where to place packages - hazmat labels help carriers determine stowage and segregation onboard planes, trucks and vessels.
  
• They inform emergency responders - emergency responders use hazard labels for accident clean-up and potential evacuations.
  

Being complaint with the hazmat regulations means using the right label every time. Labelmaster knows what hazmat compliance is.

What do hazmat labels look like?

• It depends on the hazard - there are 9 different classes of hazardous materials. The labels for each class are a different color. To learn more, read our complete breakdown of hazard class markings. These labels must be a specific size, shape and color.
  
• They stand out - labels must have contrasting background and a dotted line border should be used if the label is not distinguishable from the package. Hazard classes on labels are represented by the symbols and text on the labels and the symbols and text must be either black or white.
  

Where are hazmat labels placed?

• On Hazmat Packaging & Overpacks - hazmat labels are affixed to packaging offered for transport. They must be printed on or permanently attached to one side of the packaging. Labeling should be on the outside of overpacks unless it is visible through the overpack.
  
• Near the UN Number - the hazmat label should be attached as close to the proper shipping name and UN number as possible. They should never fold around the corner. If that happens they can be attached using a tag.
  
• Internationally - for international shipments of hazardous materials, the hazard class number must be displayed in the bottom corner of both primary and subsidiary labels.
  
• In the US - since October 1, 2005, the U.S. has required a hazard class number displayed in the bottom corner of a subsidiary risk label.
  

Below, find examples of properly labeled packages:

Most Popular Hazmat Placards

See More Hazmat Placard Products

Hazmat Placard Infographic

Maintaining compliance with Dangerous Goods regulations doesn't stop with packaging and labeling. Shippers need to be aware of placarding requirements before putting their shipments into commerce. This hazmat placard infographic provides a brief overview of the regulations governing the use of DG placards on trucks and trains.

What is a Hazardous Materials Placard?

DOT Hazardous Materials Placards are larger, more durable versions of hazard labels that are usually placed on bulk packages or transport vehicles to communicate the hazards of chemicals inside. This is why placards are used.

If you need assistance determining which DOT placard fits your needs, use Labelmaster's Placard FinderSM.

Why are DOT placards used andwhy are they so important?

• They inform the public - dangerous goods are regulated in transportation because they pose an increased safety risk to property and the public. Placards warn the people of the presence of hazards while they're driving or near large quantities of hazmat being transported.
• They inform emergency responders - if shipping papers aren't available at the scene of an accident, a placard may be the only way responders know what materials are involved in the accident.
• They are required - within the United States, certain quantities of hazardous materials within a transport vehicle or bulk packaging must be placarded, although there are several cases where placarding exceptions come into play.
  If you want to ship hazmat, you are responsible for providing the carrier with the appropriate placards unless they already have the correct placards on the vehicle or freight container. Otherwise, the motor or rail carrier cannot transport the shipment of hazardous materials.

What do DOT placards look like?

• Larger, durable labels - placards look a lot like labels, but they are larger and more durable.
• They meet design and durability regulations - placards must be printed in the square-on-point configuration measuring 250 mm on all sides and include a solid inner border that is approximately 12.7 mm from the edge of the placard. The hazard class number in the bottom corner of the placard must measure at least 41 mm.
• They are legible - text used on a hazard placard must be in English unless otherwise required by a competent authority. Any text, borders, symbols, and hazard classes may be either black or white.

Where are DOT placards placed?

• On transport vehicles or bulk packages - rather than being placed on a smaller individual package, placards are used for larger amounts of hazardous materials being transported. Often they are placed on the exterior of transport vehicles.
• They must be on all 4 sides - placards need to be displayed on all four sides of a transport vehicle or bulk packaging. They must always be displayed in the square-on-point configuration and be located at least 3 inches away from any other marking that may reduce its effectiveness. This is what a compliant placard vehicle is.

Most Popular Hazmat Markings

See More Placard Markings, Regulated Marking Labels, Air Label Markings, and Shipping and Handling Markings.

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