What is the purpose of a placard in transportation of dangerous goods?

The purpose of a placard in the transportation of dangerous goods is to indicate the presence of dangerous goods during transportation. Placards are crucial for safety and compliance as they inform everyone involved—whether it’s the transportation personnel, emergency responders, or the general public—that hazardous materials are being transported. This visual warning allows for appropriate precautions to be taken to prevent accidents and manage risks associated with the specific types of dangerous goods being carried. The color, symbol, and numerical coding of the placards provide clear identification of the hazards, ensuring that proper safety measures are enacted in the event of a spill, leak, or accident. Understanding this critical role of placards helps enhance safety awareness and preparedness in handling hazardous materials.