CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Hazardous Materials RegulationsEasy

A driver is transporting a bulk quantity of UN1789, Hydrochloric acid (Class 8, PG II). What specific placard is REQUIRED on the vehicle?

  1. ADANGEROUS placard.
  2. BCORROSIVE placard.
  3. CFLAMMABLE placard.
  4. DPOISON placard.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. CORROSIVE placard.

Hydrochloric acid is classified as a Class 8, Corrosive material. When transporting a bulk quantity of any Table 1 or Table 2 hazardous material, the specific placard corresponding to its primary hazard class is required. Therefore, a CORROSIVE placard is required for Hydrochloric acid.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. A DANGEROUS placard is used for mixed loads of Table 2 materials in non-bulk packages, not for a single bulk material.
  • C. Hydrochloric acid is not a flammable material (Class 3).
  • D. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive, not primarily poisonous (Class 6.1 or 2.3).

Bulk Placarding (Specific Class)

When transporting a bulk quantity of a hazardous material, the specific placard corresponding to its primary hazard class is always required, regardless of weight thresholds for non-bulk packages.

  • Bulk packaging includes cargo tanks, portable tanks, rail tank cars, etc.
  • Specific placard required for the primary hazard class.
  • Table 1 materials always require their specific placard.
  • Table 2 materials in bulk also require their specific placard.

Memory trick: Bulk means specific, no 'dangerous' fakes, show the real class for safety's sakes.

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