What type of materials must be marked with placards on a transport vehicle?

Placards are essential visual indicators used in the transportation of goods to communicate safety information, particularly regarding hazardous materials. Hazardous materials can pose significant risks to health, safety, and the environment if they spill, leak, or are involved in an accident. To ensure the safety of all road users and emergency responders, specific regulations mandate that these materials must be prominently marked with appropriate placards on transport vehicles.

Using placards allows for immediate recognition and understanding of the type of hazard present, enabling proper handling procedures and emergency response strategies. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and notify others about the presence of hazardous materials through these markings to minimize any potential hazards and to comply with legal requirements governing the transportation of such materials.

Materials that are classified as non-hazardous do not require these specific markings, while all cargo materials do not need placards if they do not pose a danger. Food items, despite needing to adhere to certain safety protocols, typically fall outside the scope that necessitates placarding under hazardous materials regulations. Thus, the emphasis on hazardous materials is key to maintaining safety during transportation.