Placards that contain the DOT class number 6 at the bottom identify a material that may be an infectious substance hazard.

Placards that contain the DOT class number 6 at the bottom identify a material that may be an infectious substance hazard.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Applicable
• D. Unknown

Answer: (A)

Hazard placards convey the type of hazard, and the bottom number identifies the specific class. A bottom number of 6 designates Class 6, which covers toxic substances and infectious substances. Because infectious substances are included in this class, a placard showing a 6 indicates that the material may be an infectious substance hazard. It’s a cue for responders to treat the material with heightened care and use appropriate protective measures. It’s worth noting that not every Class 6 material is infectious—some are purely toxic chemicals—but the possibility of an infectious hazard is present whenever the bottom number is 6.

Hazard placards convey the type of hazard, and the bottom number identifies the specific class. A bottom number of 6 designates Class 6, which covers toxic substances and infectious substances. Because infectious substances are included in this class, a placard showing a 6 indicates that the material may be an infectious substance hazard. It’s a cue for responders to treat the material with heightened care and use appropriate protective measures. It’s worth noting that not every Class 6 material is infectious—some are purely toxic chemicals—but the possibility of an infectious hazard is present whenever the bottom number is 6.