Labeling of dangerous goods

Signs and conditions under which dangerous goods are labeled. Danger signs are intended for marking dangerous goods, packaging and other means of retention. In addition, the transport dangerous goods is also marked.

The sign system is based on the classification of special cargo, which is developed for specific purposes:

• easier recognition of dangerous goods at a distance (by shape, color and symbols based on special signs);
• use the colors to indicate how loading and unloading, stowage and division of cargo should be conducted.

Classification of danger signs

The danger warning images vary according to the hazard class:

• Class I – explosives;
• Class II – gases;
• Class III – flammable liquids;
• Class IV – materials and substances that are flammable;
• Class V – oxidizing agents and organic peroxides;
• Class VI – poisonous and infectious substances;
• Class VII – radioactive substances;
• Class VIII – substances that cause corrosion;
• Class IX – miscellaneous dangerous substances.

Conditions for the placement of signs

Danger signs on vehicles, tanks and containers are placed as follows:

on each lateral and plan side of a container or tank. If the tank has several compartments for different cargoes, the warning signs are placed on the sides of each compartment. In addition, signs of all types of goods shall be applied to the plan sides.

on the sides and rear sides of tank trucks, vehicles with removable tanks, batteries and vehicles transporting dangerous goods in bulk. If the tank has several compartments, signs should be placed on the sides of each compartment. And at the back must be indicated the signs of all dangerous goods that are transported in the compartments.

ADR uses an “orange-coloured plate” for the marking of dangerous goods during transportation. Transport intended for the carriage of dangerous goods should contain two information tables with a warning about high-risk goods located vertically. Fastening of one table should be in the front, and the other in the back. Both tables should be located at an angle of 90°C to the longitudinal axis of the transport. They should be clearly visible in all conditions.

Additionally, dangerous goods information plates should be installed on a battery vehicle, tank truck or on each tank compartment. They should be located on the sides of the vehicle (or on the sides of each compartment of the tank) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The information plates should contain the hazard identification number and the United Nations number prescribed for all dangerous goods. A prerequisite is good visibility of the plates, regardless of the conditions. Additional information plates parallel to the longitudinal transport axes are required on the sides of transport and containers related to the transportation of dangerous goods in bulk. The plates shall reflect the hazard identification number and the United Nations number prescribed for all dangerous goods delivered in bulk in transport or containers. A prerequisite is good visibility of the plates on which the information is indicated.