CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Communication RulesMedium
A driver is transporting 600 pounds of UN1789, Hydrochloric acid, Class 8, PG II, in 30 non-bulk packages, each weighing 20 pounds. The vehicle also contains 400 pounds of UN1830, Sulfuric acid, Class 8, PG II, in 20 non-bulk packages, each weighing 20 pounds. What is the minimum number of Class 8 placards required on the vehicle?
- A1
- B0
- C2
- D4
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 4
Both Hydrochloric acid and Sulfuric acid are Class 8 materials. Since the total weight of Class 8 materials (600 + 400 = 1000 pounds) exceeds the 1,001-pound aggregate placarding threshold for Table 2 materials, the vehicle must be placarded on all four sides with a Class 8 (Corrosive) placard.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. One placard is insufficient; placards are required on all four sides of the vehicle when placarding is needed.
- B. The total weight of Class 8 materials exceeds the 1,001-pound threshold, so placards are required.
- C. Two placards are insufficient; placards are required on all four sides of the vehicle when placarding is needed.
Aggregate Placarding Threshold (Table 2)
For hazardous materials listed in Table 2 of 49 CFR 172.504, placards are required when the aggregate gross weight of all such materials on a vehicle is 1,001 pounds or more.
- Applies to most common hazardous materials.
- Threshold is 1,001 pounds.
- If exceeded, placards must be displayed on all four sides.
Memory trick: Over 'One Thousand' pounds? Time to 'Placard' for all to see!