CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Communication RulesMedium
A driver is preparing to transport 400 pounds of UN2015, Hydrogen peroxide, aqueous solutions (with not less than 20% but not more than 60% hydrogen peroxide), Class 5.1, PG II. The material is packaged in non-bulk containers. Which of the following statements about placarding is correct?
- AAn OXIDIZER placard is required because it is a Table 1 material.
- BNo placards are required because the total weight is under 1,001 pounds.
- CA CORROSIVE placard is required due to the solution's properties.
- DA DANGEROUS placard is required as a general rule for hazardous materials.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. An OXIDIZER placard is required because it is a Table 1 material.
UN2015 (Hydrogen peroxide, aqueous solutions, 20-60%) is a Class 5.1 Oxidizer. Class 5.1 materials are listed in Table 1 of 49 CFR 172.504. Table 1 materials require placarding when any quantity is transported, regardless of the 1,001-pound aggregate weight threshold for Table 2 materials. Therefore, an OXIDIZER placard is required.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is incorrect; the 1,001-pound rule applies to Table 2 materials, but Class 5.1 is a Table 1 material.
- C. While hydrogen peroxide can be corrosive, its primary hazard class here is 5.1 (Oxidizer), which dictates the primary placard. A corrosive placard would only be needed if it were also a Class 8 material and met specific placarding criteria for that class.
- D. The DANGEROUS placard is used for mixed loads under specific conditions, not for a single hazardous material with a defined primary hazard class and placarding requirement.
Table 1 Placarding Rule
Hazardous materials listed in Table 1 of 49 CFR 172.504 must be placarded regardless of the quantity transported, meaning the 1,001-pound aggregate threshold does not apply to them.
- Applies to certain high-hazard materials (e.g., Explosives, Poisons, Radioactive, Oxidizers).
- Placarding required for 'any quantity'.
- Driver must identify if material is Table 1 or Table 2.
Memory trick: Table One's a threat, placard it quick, no matter the weight, it's a dangerous trick.