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Course › Hazardous Materials (H)

Labels, package markings, placards and the placard tables

Hazardous Materials (H)5 minManual section 9.3.2, 9.3.7, 9.3.10, 9.3.11

Labels warn about a package. Placards warn about a whole vehicle or bulk package. To choose placards you need three facts: the hazard class, the amount shipped, and the total weight of all hazmat of all classes on your vehicle.

Package labels and markings

Most hazmat packages carry diamond-shaped hazard labels applied by the shipper. When a label is too big for the package, it can go on a firmly fastened tag; gas cylinders, for example, often carry tags or decals.

Labels always show the hazard class of the product. When two or more labels are needed, place them side by side, next to the proper shipping name.

Shippers print required markings on the package, on an attached label or on a tag. The key marking is the name of the hazardous material, the same name as on the shipping paper. When required, the package shows:

  • the name and address of the shipper or consignee,
  • the shipping name and identification number,
  • the labels required.

If the rules require, the package also shows RQ, MARINE POLLUTANT, BIOHAZARD, HOT or INHALATION HAZARD. Packages with liquid containers inside have orientation arrows pointing up.

Compare the shipping paper with the markings and labels. Make sure the basic description is correct and the right labels are on the packages. If the product is new to you, have the shipper call your company.

How to place placards

Attach the right placards before you drive. You may move an improperly placarded vehicle only in an emergency, to protect life or property.

A placarded vehicle needs at least four identical placards: on the front, rear and both sides. They must be readable from all four directions. Placards are at least 250 mm (9.84 inches) square, square-on-point (diamond shape). The front placard can go on either the tractor's front or the trailer's front.

Each placard must be:

  • easily seen from the direction it faces,
  • placed so words or numbers are level and read left to right,
  • at least 3 inches away from any other markings,
  • kept clear of ladders, doors, tarps and other attachments,
  • kept clean and undamaged so color, format and message are easy to see,
  • on a background of contrasting color.

Slogans such as “Drive Safely” are not allowed on placards.

Placards for a primary or subsidiary hazard must show the hazard class or division number in the lower corner. Permanently attached subsidiary placards without the number may be used if they stay within color specifications. You may display placards that are not required, as long as they correctly show the hazard of the material.

Cargo tanks and other bulk packaging show the ID number of the contents on placards, orange panels, or white square-on-point displays the same size as placards.

Placard Table 1: any amount

Table 1 materials need placards for even the smallest amount:

  • 1.1 Mass explosives → EXPLOSIVES 1.1
  • 1.2 Projection 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 and B only → POISON INHALATION HAZARD
  • 7 Radioactive Yellow III label only → RADIOACTIVE

Memory tip: Table 1 items are the ones that can cause a disaster in small amounts: big explosives, poison gas, poison you breathe, water-reactive solids, hot peroxides and the strongest radioactive label.

Placard Table 2: 1,001 pounds or more

For non-bulk loads, Table 2 classes need placards only when the combined weight reaches 1,001 lb or more (packaging included). Total every Table 2 item from every shipping paper on the truck.

  • 1.4 → EXPLOSIVES 1.4; 1.5 → EXPLOSIVES 1.5; 1.6 → EXPLOSIVES 1.6
  • 2.1 → FLAMMABLE GAS; 2.2 → NON-FLAMMABLE GAS
  • 3 → FLAMMABLE; Combustible liquid → COMBUSTIBLE (FLAMMABLE may be used instead of COMBUSTIBLE on a cargo tank or portable tank)
  • 4.1 → FLAMMABLE SOLID; 4.2 → SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE
  • 5.1 → OXIDIZER; 5.2 (other than Type B temperature controlled) → ORGANIC PEROXIDE
  • 6.1 (not inhalation zone A or B) → POISON
  • 6.2 Infectious substances → no placard
  • 8 → CORROSIVE
  • 9 → CLASS 9 (not required for domestic transport)
  • ORM-D → no placard

DANGEROUS placard option. DANGEROUS placards may replace the individual class placards when you have 1,001 lb or more of two or more Table 2 classes needing different placards, and you have not loaded 2,205 lb or more of any one Table 2 class at one place. If you loaded 2,205 lb or more of one class at one stop, use that specific placard for it. Using DANGEROUS is your choice, never a must; placarding each class separately is always allowed.

No 1,000-lb exception for: materials with INHALATION HAZARD on the paper or package (always add POISON GAS or POISON INHALATION HAZARD placards), and materials whose second hazard is dangerous when wet (always add DANGEROUS WHEN WET).

Bulk packaging is a single container holding more than 119 gallons. Bulk packages, and trucks carrying them, keep their placards even when only residue is left. Some bulk packages need placards only on two opposite sides or may use labels; all others need placards on all four sides.

References and scope

The topic reference is listed below. Sources support verification; the lesson itself is here. The current content needs technical and language review before public launch.

Manual reference: 9.3.2, 9.3.7, 9.3.10, 9.3.11

Official CDL handbook · Utah ↗StatesOur editorial approach

Put it into practice

Educational questions with explanations. The answer review also works without the interactive quiz.

Preparing your questions…

Review questions with answers

  1. If a hazard label will not fit on a package (such as a gas cylinder), the shipper may:
    1. Skip the label
    2. Place the label on a firmly fastened tag
    3. Write the class in pencil
    4. Use a placard instead
    Show answer
    Place the label on a firmly fastened tag

    Labels may be put on a securely attached tag; cylinders may have tags or decals.

  2. If a package needs more than one hazard label, the labels must be:
    1. On opposite sides
    2. On the bottom
    3. On the shipping paper only
    4. Close together, near the proper shipping name
    Show answer
    Close together, near the proper shipping name

    Two or more labels go side by side, next to the proper shipping name.

  3. Packages with liquid containers inside will have:
    1. Orientation arrows pointing upright
    2. A red X
    3. A BIOHAZARD mark
    4. No markings
    Show answer
    Orientation arrows pointing upright

    They have package orientation markings with arrows pointing up.

  4. If you are not familiar with a hazardous material offered to you, you should:
    1. Load it anyway
    2. Open the package to check
    3. Ask the shipper to contact your office
    4. Refuse to talk to the shipper
    Show answer
    Ask the shipper to contact your office

    If you don't know the product, have the shipper call your company.

  5. When may you move a vehicle that is not properly placarded?
    1. When the trip is under 5 miles
    2. Only in an emergency, to protect life or property
    3. At night
    4. When the consignee is waiting
    Show answer
    Only in an emergency, to protect life or property

    An improperly placarded vehicle may only be moved in an emergency to protect life or property.

  6. How many placards must a placarded vehicle have, at minimum?
    1. One on the front
    2. Two, one on each side
    3. Three
    4. Four identical placards: front, rear and both sides
    Show answer
    Four identical placards: front, rear and both sides

    At least four identical placards on the front, rear and both sides.

  7. What is the minimum size of a placard?
    1. 250 mm (9.84 inches) square
    2. 6 inches square
    3. 12 inches square
    4. 100 mm (3.9 inches) square
    Show answer
    250 mm (9.84 inches) square

    Placards are at least 250 mm (9.84 in) square, on point.

  8. A placard must be at least how far from any other marking?
    1. 1 inch
    2. 6 inches
    3. 3 inches
    4. 12 inches
    Show answer
    3 inches

    Each placard must be at least three inches away from other markings.

  9. Which is allowed on or near a placard?
    1. A “Drive Safely” slogan
    2. A contrasting color background
    3. A ladder covering part of it
    4. Placing it so words read top to bottom
    Show answer
    A contrasting color background

    Placards go on a contrasting background; slogans are prohibited and nothing may cover them.

  10. The front placard on a tractor-trailer may be placed on:
    1. The roof only
    2. The rear bumper
    3. The fuel tank
    4. Either the tractor's front or the trailer's front
    Show answer
    Either the tractor's front or the trailer's front

    Either the tractor front or the trailer front is acceptable.

  11. Placard Table 1 materials must be placarded:
    1. Whenever any amount is transported
    2. Only at 1,001 lb or more
    3. Only in bulk
    4. Only for international trips
    Show answer
    Whenever any amount is transported

    Table 1 materials need placards for any amount.

  12. Which of these is a Placard Table 1 material?
    1. Division 2.2 non-flammable gas
    2. Class 3 flammable liquid
    3. Division 4.3 dangerous when wet
    4. Class 8 corrosive
    Show answer
    Division 4.3 dangerous when wet

    4.3 is on Table 1; the others are Table 2.

  13. You carry 50 lb of Division 2.3 poison gas. Do you need placards?
    1. No, it is under 1,001 lb
    2. Yes, POISON GAS placards for any amount
    3. Only if it is in bulk
    4. Only a DANGEROUS placard
    Show answer
    Yes, POISON GAS placards for any amount

    2.3 is a Table 1 material: placard POISON GAS for any amount.

  14. Class 7 radioactive materials must be placarded in any amount when they have which label?
    1. White I
    2. Yellow II
    3. Any label
    4. Yellow III
    Show answer
    Yellow III

    Only Radioactive Yellow III labeled packages are on Table 1.

  15. Except for bulk packaging, Table 2 materials need placards when the total amount is:
    1. 1,001 pounds or more, including the package
    2. 500 pounds or more
    3. More than 2,205 pounds
    4. Any amount
    Show answer
    1,001 pounds or more, including the package

    Table 2 placards are required at 1,001 lb or more including packaging.

  16. To decide if Table 2 placards are needed, you should:
    1. Count only the largest package
    2. Count only Class 3 items
    3. Total every Table 2 item from every shipping paper on the truck
    4. Use the weight of the empty truck
    Show answer
    Total every Table 2 item from every shipping paper on the truck

    Add the amounts of all Table 2 products from all shipping papers.

  17. Which material requires no placard at any amount?
    1. Class 8 corrosive
    2. Division 6.2 infectious substances
    3. Division 2.1 flammable gas
    4. Class 3 flammable liquid
    Show answer
    Division 6.2 infectious substances

    6.2 infectious substances and ORM-D have no placard on Table 2.

  18. When may DANGEROUS placards replace the separate class placards?
    1. You have any Table 1 material
    2. Your load is under 1,001 lb
    3. You carry only one hazard class
    4. You have 1,001 lb or more of two or more Table 2 classes and did not load 2,205 lb or more of any one class at one place
    Show answer
    You have 1,001 lb or more of two or more Table 2 classes and did not load 2,205 lb or more of any one class at one place

    That is the DANGEROUS placard option for mixed Table 2 loads.

  19. You loaded 2,500 lb of Class 8 corrosives at one stop plus 1,200 lb of Class 3 elsewhere. For the corrosives you must use:
    1. The CORROSIVE placard
    2. Only a DANGEROUS placard
    3. No placard
    4. A Class 9 placard
    Show answer
    The CORROSIVE placard

    If 2,205 lb or more of one Table 2 class is loaded at one place, use its specific placard.

  20. Using the DANGEROUS placard is optional.
    1. True
    2. False
    Show answer
    True

    True. You can always placard for each material instead.

  21. If a material's second hazard is dangerous when wet, you must show:
    1. Only its primary placard
    2. A DANGEROUS placard
    3. The DANGEROUS WHEN WET placard in addition to other required placards, with no 1,000-lb exception
    4. No placard under 1,001 lb
    Show answer
    The DANGEROUS WHEN WET placard in addition to other required placards, with no 1,000-lb exception

    The DANGEROUS WHEN WET placard is added and the 1,000 lb exception does not apply.

  22. Which placard is used for Division 5.1?
    1. ORGANIC PEROXIDE
    2. FLAMMABLE SOLID
    3. CORROSIVE
    4. OXIDIZER
    Show answer
    OXIDIZER

    5.1 oxidizers use the OXIDIZER placard (Table 2).

  23. On a cargo tank or portable tank of combustible liquid, which placard may be used in place of COMBUSTIBLE?
    1. DANGEROUS
    2. FLAMMABLE
    3. CLASS 9
    4. POISON
    Show answer
    FLAMMABLE

    FLAMMABLE may be used in place of COMBUSTIBLE on a cargo tank or portable tank.

  24. For domestic transportation, the Class 9 placard is:
    1. Required for any amount
    2. Required at 500 lb
    3. Not required
    4. Replaced by DANGEROUS
    Show answer
    Not required

    Inside the U.S., a Class 9 placard is not needed.

  25. Where on a placard must the hazard class or division number be shown?
    1. In the lower corner
    2. In the upper corner
    3. On the back
    4. It is never shown
    Show answer
    In the lower corner

    Placards for primary or subsidiary hazards show the class/division number in the lower corner.

  26. You may display a placard that is not required if:
    1. It says “Drive Safely”
    2. It is larger than normal
    3. The shipper asks
    4. It correctly identifies the hazard of the material being transported
    Show answer
    It correctly identifies the hazard of the material being transported

    Placards may be displayed even when not required, as long as they identify the hazard of the material.

  27. A bulk package that has been emptied but still has residue of a hazardous material:
    1. Needs no placards
    2. Must still be placarded
    3. Needs only a DANGEROUS placard
    4. Must have placards removed
    Show answer
    Must still be placarded

    Bulk packages must be placarded even if they only contain residue.

  28. A single container counts as bulk packaging when it holds:
    1. More than 55 gallons
    2. 1,000 gallons or more
    3. More than 119 gallons
    4. More than 450 gallons
    Show answer
    More than 119 gallons

    Bulk means one container holding over 119 gallons.

  29. Which placard name goes with Division 4.2?
    1. SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE
    2. FLAMMABLE SOLID
    3. DANGEROUS WHEN WET
    4. OXIDIZER
    Show answer
    SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE

    4.2 uses SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE (Table 2).

  30. Cargo tanks and other bulk packaging show the ID number of their contents on:
    1. The driver's door only
    2. The mud flaps
    3. The shipping paper only
    4. Placards, orange panels, or white square-on-point displays
    Show answer
    Placards, orange panels, or white square-on-point displays

    ID numbers go on placards, orange panels or white diamond displays the size of placards.