HazCom Training

Department of Transportation (DOT) Labeling System

The DOT hazardous materials labeling and placarding system utilizes a series of diamond shaped labels/placards that are color coded and numbered according to the type of hazard presented by the chemical.

For example, gasoline would be labeled as a flammable liquid, class 3. Similar to the previous systems mentioned, red is the color of flammables. For liquids the entire label is red. For solids it is red and white striped. Oxidizers are yellow. Others are different, for example, poisons and toxic substances are white instead of blue.

More detail on the DOT system is covered in the hazardous materials certification training. One major differentiating element in the DOT system is the need to not just inform employees of the dangers of transported HazMats, but also the general public where ever the material is transported. DOT placards provide this information.

Here is an example of some DOT labels.