What do white placards indicate in hazardous materials transportation?

White placards in hazardous materials transportation specifically indicate non-flammable gases. These placards are an important part of the labeling system designed to communicate the nature of the materials being transported on the roadways. By designating these gases with a white placard, emergency responders and others can quickly identify the type of hazardous material they may be dealing with in case of an incident, such as a leak or spill.

Understanding the significance of different placard colors and their specific meanings is vital for safe transportation and handling of these materials. Non-flammable gases, indicated by white placards, include substances like nitrogen, helium, and argon, which do not ignite easily and are not meant to convey any fire hazard. The use of white specifically helps in differentiating these gases from those that may pose greater risks, such as flammable materials that would require distinct color coding for immediate recognition of hazards.