What is the difference between a hazard label and a placard?

What is the difference between a hazard label and a placard?

• A. Labels identify hazards on individual packages; placards identify hazards for larger quantities and inform responders at a site
• B. Labels are used only for domestic shipments; placards only for international
• C. Labels show the price; placards show the route
• D. Labels and placards are identical in purpose

Answer: (A)

Hazard communication works at two levels: the item level and the transport-unit level. A label is placed on each individual package to identify what the container holds and the specific hazard class, so anyone handling that one item knows the risk. A placard, on the other hand, is displayed on the outside of the transport unit (like a truck, railcar, or container) to convey the hazards of the entire shipment and quantities involved, so responders at a site can quickly assess the risk without handling the cargo. For example, a single drum with a flammable liquid will have a flammable label on the drum, and a loaded vehicle carrying many such drums will display placards indicating flammable hazards to inform emergency responders. The other options mix up scope or purpose: labels aren’t about price or routes, and placards aren’t identical to labels.

Hazard communication works at two levels: the item level and the transport-unit level. A label is placed on each individual package to identify what the container holds and the specific hazard class, so anyone handling that one item knows the risk. A placard, on the other hand, is displayed on the outside of the transport unit (like a truck, railcar, or container) to convey the hazards of the entire shipment and quantities involved, so responders at a site can quickly assess the risk without handling the cargo. For example, a single drum with a flammable liquid will have a flammable label on the drum, and a loaded vehicle carrying many such drums will display placards indicating flammable hazards to inform emergency responders. The other options mix up scope or purpose: labels aren’t about price or routes, and placards aren’t identical to labels.