How do the placarding tables work under 49 CFR 172.504?

Short answer

The placarding tables under 49 CFR 172.504 specify the type of placards required for different categories of hazardous materials. Table 1 and Table 2 list the placard names, designs, and section references for various hazard classes and divisions.

The rule says

"Placards are specified for hazardous materials in accordance with the following tables: Table 1 to Paragraph (e) Category of material (Hazard class or division number and additional description, as appropriate) Placard name Placard design section reference" (49 CFR 172.504(e))

Table 1 to Paragraph (e) ... 1.1 EXPLOSIVES 1.1 172.522 — 49 CFR 172.504(e).

Table 2 to Paragraph (e) ... 2.1 FLAMMABLE GAS 172.532 — 49 CFR 172.504(e).

In plain English

The placarding tables are used to determine which placards are required for specific types of hazardous materials. The tables list the hazard class or division number, the placard name, and the design section reference. For example, explosives with a hazard class of 1.1 require an EXPLOSIVES 1.1 placard, while flammable gases require a FLAMMABLE GAS placard. The tables help ensure that the correct placards are used to identify the hazards associated with the materials being transported.

What to do

• Use Table 1 and Table 2 to determine the required placards for the specific hazardous materials being transported.
• Ensure that the placards meet the design and specification requirements outlined in 49 CFR 172.519.
• Display the placards on each side and each end of the transport vehicle or freight container, as required by 49 CFR 172.504(a).
• Verify that the placards are correctly associated with the hazardous materials being transported, and that the required identification numbers are displayed in accordance with 49 CFR 172.503.