PLACARDS FOR "LOW HAZARD" LOADS

For display on vehicles transporting goods that pose a less-than-significant risk to General Safety, Workplace Safety, Road Safety, Occupational Health, Public Health or Environmental Integrity

SANS 10368: 2007 Edition 1.1.

TRANSPORT OF LOW-HAZARD GOODS IN BULK - EMERGENCY INFORMATION FOR ROAD VEHICLES

NOTE: THE USE OF LOW HAZARD PLACARDS IS NOT MANDATORY, BUT PURELY VOLUNTARY. NO FINES CAN BE ISSUED FOR NON-USE OF LOW HAZARD PLACARDS. HOWEVER, IT IS OFTEN A REQUIREMENT OF MINE MANAGERS THAT SUCH PLACARDS BE USED WHEN ENTERING MINE PROPERTY

VEHICLE REQUIRING LOW_HAZARD PLACARDS
All heavy goods vehicles that transport liquids, powders and granular solids not classified as dangerous goods in bulk or containment units in excess of 1 000 kg, or 1 000 L where applicable, shall carry the emergency information in compliance with the requirements of this standard. Bulk transport may be in the form of fixed tanks, portable tanks, or open or closed load bed trucks.

A) Environmental Hazards

The environmental hazard symbol shall be used when a spill will pose a threat of a temporary nature to any ecological system, for example a water pollutant that would endanger aquatic life. The following are examples of goods that could be regarded as environmental hazards:

– milk;
– wine;
– spirits; and
– other beverages.

B) Slippery Hazards

The slippery hazard symbol shall be used when spills will result in slippery road conditions that could lead to accidents. The following are examples of goods that pose a slippery hazard:

– vegetable oil;
– petroleum-based products that are not classified as dangerous goods; and
– waxes, including wax emulsions in water.

C) Fine Dust Hazard -

The fine dust hazard symbol shall be used when spills will result in fine dust that could present a breathing hazard, or cause irritation of the mucous membranes, or affect road visibility. The following are examples of goods that pose a fine dust hazard:

– flour;
– sand or any granular material that contains a portion of fine particles;
– cereals and other plant seeds that contain a portion of fine particles; and
– stock feeds.

D) Hazards caused by spraying with water

The symbol for the hazard caused by spraying with water shall be used when spraying with water could result in slippery conditions. The following are examples of goods that pose a slippery hazard:

– surfactants in powder form;
– soap powder; and
– certain water-treatment chemicals, for example flocculants.

E) Minimal Hazards

The minimal hazard symbol shall be used when the goods being transported present no greater hazard than that presented by a wet road and have no adverse effect on the environment. The following are examples of goods that present a minimal hazard:

– potable water; and
– very dilute solutions in water.