Using the dangerous placard

Regulation

172.504(b)

Regulation summary

Section 172.504(b) establishes the general requirements when using the DANGEROUS placard for multiple Table 2 materials.

Question/dilemma

In this scenario, one facility loads a transport vehicle with the following:

• 500 pounds of Class 8 corrosive material;
• 500 pounds of Class 3 flammable liquids; and
• 2,300 pounds of Division 5.1 material.

The carrier asks if a DANGEROUS placard can be used to satisfy the placarding requirements.

In this interpretation, PHMSA addresses the requirements of the DANGEROUS placard rather than individual placards that represent each material.

Interpretation summary

In interpretation Ref. No. 07-0074, PHMSA explains that section 172.504(b) authorizes the use of the DANGEROUS placard for Table 2 shipments of two or more categories in non-bulk packages that require different placards.

• The DANGEROUS placard is authorized for the mixed truckload shipment.
• However, when 2,205 pounds of more than one category of material is loaded at one loading facility, the placard specified in Table 2 must be applied.
• Since the weight of the Division 5.1 material exceeds the 2,205-pound threshold, the OXIDIZER placard is required to cover the 2,300 pounds of Division 5.1 material.
• Both the DANGEROUS and OXIDIZER placards should be used for this shipment to indicate the presence of both the Class 8 and Class 3 materials, as well as the Division 5.1 material.