What does 'placarding' refer to in the context of hazardous materials?

Placarding refers to the use of specific signs on vehicles or containers that transport hazardous materials. These placards are crucial for communicating the presence and nature of hazardous substances to emergency responders, transport personnel, and the public. They indicate the type of hazard associated with the materials being transported, such as flammability, toxicity, or radioactivity. This information helps to ensure safety during transportation and allows first responders to assess the situation quickly in case of an accident or spill.

While labeling hazardous waste containers is important, it is not the primary function of placarding. Regulation of hazardous materials transportation encompasses a broader range of standards and guidelines that include placarding, but the term specifically refers to the physical signs themselves. Storage of hazardous materials in designated areas is a separate protocol focused on safety and compliance in stationary contexts, which again does not define what placarding is.