On a placard, the number at the bottom of the diamond indicates the:

On a placard, the number at the bottom of the diamond indicates the:

• A. Hazard class of the material
• B. Guide numbers from the DOT ERG to be used
• C. Person responsible for the ship
• D. Packing group

Answer: (B)

The number at the bottom of a hazmat placard is the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) guide number. It tells responders exactly which section of the DOT ERG to consult for the initial actions at the scene, including protective actions, evacuation criteria, and how to control the release. This bottom number is not indicating the hazard class (that’s shown by the symbol and color), nor the packing group, nor the person responsible for the shipment. By using that bottom number, responders can quickly pull up the appropriate guidance for that material and start the right safety procedures.

The number at the bottom of a hazmat placard is the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) guide number. It tells responders exactly which section of the DOT ERG to consult for the initial actions at the scene, including protective actions, evacuation criteria, and how to control the release. This bottom number is not indicating the hazard class (that’s shown by the symbol and color), nor the packing group, nor the person responsible for the shipment. By using that bottom number, responders can quickly pull up the appropriate guidance for that material and start the right safety procedures.