The point behind the numbers is to provide a simple identification format for HazMat first responders. They all have guide books which say what chemical corresponds to each number, what the hazards are, etc. The numbers are referred to as UN numbers and are the same around the world.
You can get a basic idea of why the chemical being carried is hazardous by the symbol that shows up on the placard with the UN number. A flame means the substance is flammable, eg gasoline and so on.
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Date: 2006-03-06 07:31 pm (UTC)You can get a basic idea of why the chemical being carried is hazardous by the symbol that shows up on the placard with the UN number. A flame means the substance is flammable, eg gasoline and so on.
You can get a list of the numbers and what chemical corresponds to each at:
http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/hazmat/erg/
Here is a nice overview of the various placard symbols.
http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/hazmat/placards/
I worked for nearly 10 years in Environmental Health and Safety for chemical companies, so am very familiar with all of this!