The document discusses emergency information panels (EIPs) that must be displayed on vehicles transporting hazardous chemicals. It notes that: 1) EIPs display warning and emergency information, including the chemical name, UN number, hazard class, HAZCHEM code, emergency contact numbers, and special advice. 2) Indian law mandates that vehicles transporting hazardous chemicals display an EIP with specified details. 3) EIPs help emergency response teams properly handle chemical emergencies.

1. Best tool for HAZCHEM Transport Hazard Communication - Emergency Information Panel HSE/GFL
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1. Introduction
The movement of hazardous substances by any mode of transport presents a greater risk of incidental
release. For management of such incidental release, the need for essential information to be clearly
displayed has always been accepted by both industries and the emergency services. Such emergency
communication is technically named as “Emergency Information Panel”. An emergency information
panel (EIP) is a placard that includes warning and emergency information on dangerous goods
including action to be taken during emergency. EIP also helps ERT in handling Hazardous chemicals
Emergency hence such information Panel can also be displayed on Storage Tanks.
2. Legal Requirement
In India, it is mandatory for the vehicles transporting hazardous chemicals to display Emergency
Information Panel (EIP) with details and at places as specified under Rule 134 of the Central Motor
Vehicles Rules, 1989.
3. Dimension of EIP

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4. Position of EIP on Tanker/Vehicle
5. Content of EIP
5.1 Correct Technical Name : The Chemical Name and/or well-known Trade name
5.2 UN Number
5.3 UN Class Label
5.4 HAZCHEM Code
5.5 Emergency Dial
5.6 Special Advice
5.2 UN Number :
UN numbers or UN IDs are four-digit numbers that identify dangerous goods, hazardous substances
and articles in the framework of international transport. They are assigned by the United Nations
Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and accepted worldwide.
Example :
Chemical Name UN Number
Methanol (CH3OH) 1230
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) 1830 (30% fuming – 1831, Spent – 1832)
Chloroform (CHCl3) 1888
Methylene Chloride (MDC – CH2Cl2) 1593
Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) 1846
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) 1789

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5.3 UN Class Label:
The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods has classified
Hazardous Chemicals in 9 major classes which is universally accepted. Brief Description is given here
for understanding:
Class – 1 : Explosives
1.1 Explosives with a mass explosion hazard
1.2 Explosives with a projection hazard
1.3 Explosives with predominantly a fire hazard
1.4 Explosives with no significant blast hazard
1.5 Very insensitive explosives with a mass explosion hazard
1.6 Extremely insensitive articles
Class – 2 : Gases
2.1 Flammable gases
2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
2.3 Toxic gases

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Class – 3 : Liquid
3.1 – Flash Point below 18 Degree Centigrade
3.2 – Flash Point above 18 Degree Centigrade but less that 23 Degree Centigrade
3.3 – Flash Point above 23 Degree Centigrade but less that 65 Degree Centigrade
Class – 4 : Combustible Solids
4.1Flammable solids
4.2 Spontaneously combustible materials
4.3 Water-reactive substances/Dangerous when wet materials
Class – 5 : Oxidizing substances and Organic peroxides
5.1Oxidizing substances
5.2Organic peroxides
Class – 6 : Toxic substances and Infectious substances
6.1Toxic substances
6.2 Infectious substances

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Class – 7 : Radioactive materials
Class – 8 : Corrosive
Class – 9 : Substances not classified in above Class 1 to 8
5.3 Hazchem Code

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5.7 Emergency Dial
Such Number should include the common number of Police Station, fire station, ambulance. If space
allow, number of the technical person of manufacturer can also be included so that that can help in
understanding the inherent nature of chemical being transported.
5.8 Special Advice
Generally, “Wash with water” is observed on every Information Panel. It is advised to clearly mention
the special advise in case of Exposure or Special advise in case of Fire based on inherent nature of
Material.
Generally Observed Bad Practices :

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Emergency procedures in the event of a Tanker/Truck accident
1. Before driving, ensure the availability ot TremCard/MSDS and all PPES with you
2. If possible, drive out of population
3. Identify the cargo, refer labels, TREM Card, instructions
4. In case of a major leak of highly inflammable gas/vapour do not start the engine
5. Order on lookers to leave the affected area
6. Stop pilferage of the leaked substance, it can be dangerous
7. Secure the accident area and divert traffic
8. Remove affected persons for first aid
9. In the event of electrical fire, isolate the battery of the vehicle
10. In case of leaks, see if it can be arrested easily
11. Contain small spills by covering with sand or soil
12. Avoid direct contact with skin, wash with water and use necessary protective clothing like
PVC apron
13. In case of contact with eyes or skin wash with plenty of water.
14. For any major contamination, remove clothing immediately