Hazmat codes

There is not a unique ID number for every hazardous substance. For substances which are mixtures of assorted chemical compounds, the Hazmat name might be something like corrosive substance, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (n.o.s. stands for not otherwise specified) and that name will cover a lot of different mixtures.

All those mixtures will have similar hazardous behaviors and their ID number is the same. Their behavior will be similar in an emergency situation and emergency responders will treat them the same.

If you look in the emergency response guide, you will see that the same response guide number applies to a wide variety of materials, and that's because they will behave similarly and be treated similarly in an emergency.

Check out the app "Cargo Decoder" - incorporates the DOT Emergency Response Guide - just "dial in" the UN number on a vehicle to see what they are carrying. And regarding fuel oil and diesel having the same number - it's because in an emergency they both behave the same way - we don't really care what the substance is - just what it will do!!! http://www.strategiesinsoftware.com/current-projects/cargo-decoder Scott

I used to carry the little yellow book all the time. A company I worked for required everyone to have First Responder Hazmat training. Quite simply that meant, Identify it, Notify someone, Stay the heck away and let the people that know what to do handle it.

You are welcome... Some departments debate the use of civilian dispatchers. but when the "Stuff impacts the impeller" (hits the fan) as a Civilian I get to work, On those occasions when I was working with a trooper he's gripping the steering wheel and hitting the gas.. Except there is no steering wheel in the radio room and the pedal puts the radio in transmit, on some systems this means you can't hear the cars (not on the one I used)..

I rather liked being a civilian employee. Now I like being Retired.

wa8yxm wrote:
Also for Dispatchers like me.

And in a genuine emergency I know who to call too. (Hint.. My office, 9-1-1)

Don't mean to hijack, but thank you for what you do... you guys have saved many of my friends lives with a cool head and calm, quick action getting the right people out at the right time.

Who has inernet access all over the place.

I have a book: I believe it is titled "Haz Mat".

It gives the codes and a whole bunch of other info like the evacuation distance, and in some cases emergency treatment if exposed, and such. Standard in every police officer's case... Also for Dispatchers like me.

And in a genuine emergency I know who to call too. (Hint.. My office, 9-1-1)

UN 1203 for Gasoline... I ASSumed this as there are thousands of gases out. :) there.

Do a search for DOT placard.

One thing I did notice, Diesel and Fuel Oil can be either 1202 or 1993.

Here is one of the tools I use at work Wiser