Ask X3What does 49 CFR 172.519 (General specifications for placards) require?
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As a motor-carrier owner, you must ensure that all placards used on your vehicles comply with the general specifications outlined in 49 CFR 172.519. Here are the practical requirements:
* Strength and Durability: Placards can be made of plastic, metal, or other materials, provided they can withstand 30 days of open weather exposure without deterioration or a substantial reduction in effectiveness. If you use tagboard placards, they must be at least equal to white tagboard, weigh at least 80 kg (176 pounds) per ream (including waterproofing), and pass a 414 kPa (60 p.s.i.) Mullen test. Reflective or retroreflective materials are allowed if they maintain the required colors, strength, and durability.
* Design: Placards must follow the specific designs, symbols, and inner borders shown in the regulations (though dotted-line borders are optional). For most materials (other than Class 7 or DANGEROUS), text indicating the hazard is optional, and text on an OXYGEN placard may be omitted if the specific identification number is displayed. The primary or subsidiary hazard class or division number must be displayed in the lower corner.
* Size: Diamond-shaped placards must measure at least 250 mm (9.84 inches) on each side with a solid inner border. Hazard class numbers and hazard text (when displayed) must be in numerals or letters measuring at least 41 mm (1.6 inches) in height.
* Color: Colors must match the required standards, withstand a 72-hour fadeometer test and 30-day weather exposure without substantial change, and fall within the allowable color tolerances on the color chart or PANTONE guide. The background color must extend to the inner border (and generally to the edge, except for CORROSIVE and RADIOACTIVE placards, where the black and yellow colors must stop at the inner border).
* Form Identification: Makers' names or form identification info can be included, but it must be printed outside the solid inner border in type no larger than 10-point.