A driver is transporting 2,000 pounds of UN1830, Sulfuric acid, with more than 51% acid, Class 8, PG II, in non-bulk packages. The vehicle also contains 800 pounds of UN1789, Hydrochloric acid, Class 8, PG II, in non-bulk packages. What placarding is required for this vehicle?
- ABoth a 'CORROSIVE' placard and a 'POISON' placard are required.
- BNo placarding is required because neither material individually exceeds the 2,205-pound threshold.
- CA 'CLASS 8' placard is required, but 'CORROSIVE' is optional.
- DOnly a 'CORROSIVE' placard is required.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Only a 'CORROSIVE' placard is required.
Both Sulfuric acid and Hydrochloric acid are Class 8 (Corrosive) materials. When two or more hazardous materials in different hazard classes are loaded on a vehicle, and none individually meet the placarding threshold, but their aggregate gross weight exceeds 1,001 pounds, the vehicle must be placarded with the 'DANGEROUS' placard. However, if all hazardous materials are within the same hazard class and exceed the 1,001-pound aggregate threshold, only the placard for that specific hazard class is required. Here, both are Class 8, and the total is 2,800 pounds (2000 + 800), exceeding 1,001 pounds. Therefore, only the 'CORROSIVE' placard is needed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Neither material has a subsidiary 'POISON' hazard that would require an additional placard.
- B. The 2,205-pound threshold applies to individual materials for certain classes; the 1,001-pound aggregate threshold applies here for materials of the same class.
- C. Class 8 is the 'CORROSIVE' class; the specific placard for the hazard class is required, not a generic 'CLASS 8' placard.
Aggregate Placarding Rule (Same Class)
If all hazardous materials on a vehicle belong to the same hazard class and their total weight exceeds 1,001 pounds, the vehicle must be placarded for that specific hazard class.
- Applies when multiple materials are in the same hazard class.
- Aggregate gross weight must exceed 1,001 pounds.
- Specific placard for that hazard class is required (e.g., 'CORROSIVE').
Memory trick: Same class, over a grand, placard the whole land.