The document discusses the DOT placard and labeling system for hazardous materials transportation. It explains that DOT regulates over 2,500 hazardous materials and identifies them using a hazardous materials table. It requires diamond-shaped labels and placards of specific sizes to be affixed to containers, with placards used on bulk containers and labels on non-bulk containers. Placards must be placed on all four sides of vehicles carrying hazardous materials. The system also uses symbols, identification numbers, and color-coding to identify nine classes of hazardous materials and their subsidiary risks.

1. DOT Placard and Labeling System

DOT regulates ~2,500 hazardous
materials offered for transportation
in commerce.

DOT Hazardous Materials Table in 49 CFR 172.101.

Diamond-shaped labels, 4 inches on each side,
required to be affixed on two sides of non-bulk
containers.

Diamond-shaped placards, 10 ¾ inches on each
side, required to be placed on bulk containers.
IAFF Always on the Front

2. The DOT System

Placards must appear on
four sides of the vehicle
IAFF Always on the Front

3. The DOT System
Symbol
Text
ID
Number
Background
Color
Class or Division Number
IAFF Always on the Front

4. The DOT System
Labels are attached to
non-bulk containers.
Subsidiary labels
indicate additional
hazards, and also
require the hazard
class number.
IAFF Always on the Front

5. The DOT System
Hazard Class 1 - Explosives
IAFF Always on the Front

6. The DOT System
Hazard Class 2 - Gases
IAFF Always on the Front

7. The DOT System
Hazard Class 3
Flammable & Combustible Liquids
IAFF Always on the Front

8. The DOT System
Hazard Class 4
IAFF Always on the Front

9. The DOT System
Hazard Class 5
Oxidizer (5.1) and Organic Peroxide (5.2)
IAFF Always on the Front

10. The DOT System
Hazard Class 6
Toxics PG I or II (other than Zone A or B)
Toxics PG III
IAFF Always on the Front

11. The DOT System
Hazard Class 7 – Radioactive Materials
IAFF Always on the Front

12. The DOT System
Hazard Class 8
Corrosives
IAFF Always on the Front

13. The DOT System
Hazard Class 9 – Miscellaneous
IAFF Always on the Front

14. The DOT System
Mixed Loads

Dangerous Placard:

1001 pounds (454 kilograms) gross weight of two or more
categories of hazardous materials listed in Table 2.

Non-bulk packaging with two or more categories that require
different placards specified in Table 2 may be placarded with the
Dangerous placard.

When 2,205 lbs. or more of one category of material is loaded at
one loading facility, apply the placard specified in Table 2.
IAFF Always on the Front

15. The DOT System
United Nations (UN) Identification Numbers
1203
3
1203
IAFF Always on the Front