AHCES Blog

   What is a DOT Placard? Placards are pictograms that indicate the Hazard Class or Division of the hazardous material in a package, covering both the primary hazard and any subsidiary hazards. The regulations include specific pictograms and colors for each Placard. The full text of the requirements can be found in  49 CFR Part 172 Subpart F . How is a DOT Placard Used? A placard is generally applied to bulk packages, such as a rail car or freight container. Labels are utilized for non-bulk packages, such as compressed gas cylinders and fiberboard boxes. When applying a DOT placard, it is important that it must be visible and is not covered up by any other placard or signs that get applied to the container. It is also important that any designs on the container cannot be confused with the DOT placard. Therefore, it is best that hazardous materials are shipped in plain containers with minimal designs present. If multiple DOT placards are needed, the...

  What is Zinc Chromate? Zinc Chromate, also known as zinc(ii) chromate, zinc yellow, and buttercup yellow, is an inorganic compound. Zinc chromate has use as a corrosion resistance coating, particularly in marine applications. Zinc chromate has the CAS Number 13530-65-9. The CAS Number is used to identify zinc chromate as an ingredient on safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety documentation. When looking for zinc chromate as an ingredient in products like paints, look for the CAS Number in the composition table. Notable Properties of Zinc Chromate Zinc chromate is yellow in color, crystalline in structure, and tends to be in a powdered form when sold as a solid. It is naturally odorless. What Makes Zinc Chromate Hazardous? Zinc chromate is an irritant to both the skin and the respiratory system. Zinc chromate, along with other chromium compounds, can cause chromium sensitivity. This leads to a chromium allergy . In addition to being an irritant and sensitizer, hexavalent chromi...

  What is a DOT Label? Labels are pictograms that indicate the Hazard Class or Division of the hazardous material in a package, covering both the primary hazard and any subsidiary hazards. Some labels also include special instructions, such as the "Cargo Aircraft Only" Label. The regulations include specific pictograms and colors for each Label. The full text of the requirements can be found in  49 CFR Part 172 Subpart E . How is a DOT Label Used? A label is generally applied to non-bulk packages, such as compressed gas cylinders and fiberboard boxes. Placards are utilized for bulk packages, such as shipping containers. When applying a DOT label, it is important that it must be visible and is not covered up by any other labels that get applied to the package. It is also important that any designs on the box cannot be confused with the DOT label. Therefore, it is best that hazardous materials are shipped in plain containers without any printed patterns. If...

  What is Chrome Green? Chrome Green, also known as chromium(III) oxide, eskolaite, chromic acid green, and viridian, is an inorganic compound. Chrome green is commonly used as a pigment in paints, glass, and banknotes. It also has use in metallurgy and as an abrasive. Chrome Green has the CAS Number 1308-38-9. The CAS Number is used to identify chrome green as an ingredient on safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety documentation. When looking for chrome green as an ingredient in products like paints, look for the CAS Number in the composition table. Notable Properties of Chrome Green Chrome green is green to blue-green in color and tends to be in a powdered form. It is naturally odorless. What Makes Chrome Green Hazardous? Chrome Green is an irritant and can affect the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. In addition to being an irritant, chrome green, along with other chromium compounds, can cause chromium sensitivity. This leads to a chromium allergy . The toxi...

Properly indicating the type of hazardous materials in a container during transportation is a major part of the communications section of the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations (DOT HMR). These indications are primarily done through a combination of Markings, Labels, and Placards. Despite these terms being rather synonymous colloquially, they each have a separate definition and usage under the DOT HMR Communications Section. What Are the Hazardous Materials Regulations? The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are found in  Title 49, Chapter I, Subchapter C  of the Code of Federal Regulations. They are delegated to the authority of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which itself is under the larger Department of Transportation. The HMR covers the classification of what materials are considered hazardous for the purposes of transportation, how to communicate those hazards, related training requirements, an...