Transport Canada
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Introduction to the Table of Placards

USE THIS TABLE ONLY IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE
MATERIAL(S) IN TRANSPORT BY ID NUMBER OR SHIPPING NAME

The next two pages display the placards used on transport vehicles carrying dangerous goods. As you approach a reported or suspected dangerous goods incident involving a placarded vehicle:

  1. Approach the incident cautiously from upwind to a point from which you can safely identify and/or read the placard or orange panel information. If wind direction allows, consider approaching the incident from uphill. Use binoculars, if available.
  2. Match the vehicle placard(s) with one of the placards displayed on the next two pages.
  3. Consult the numbered guide associated with the sample placard. Use that information for now. For example, a FLAMMABLE (Class 3) placard leads to GUIDE 127. A CORROSIVE (Class 8) placard leads to GUIDE 153. If multiple placards point to more than one guide, initially use the most conservative guide (i.e., the guide requiring the greatest degree of protective actions).
  4. Remember that the guides associated with the placards provide the most significant risk and/or hazard information.
  5. When specific information, such as ID number or shipping name, becomes available, the more specific guide recommended for that material must be consulted.
  6. If GUIDE 111 is being used because only the DANGER/DANGEROUS placard is displayed or the nature of the spilled, leaking, or burning material is not known, as soon as possible, get more specific information concerning the material(s) involved.
  7. Asterisks (*) on orange placards represent explosives “Compatibility Group” letters; refer to the Glossary (page 357).
  8. Double asterisks (**) on orange placards represent the division of the explosive.