Hazchem Code Key

Emergency action code, commonly known as the "Hazchem Code" is a very simple
and effective communication device to enable personnel to know at once what
precautions or actions are required to deal with emergencies like spills, leaks or fire.

The Code:

For fire-fighting response:

1. Jets / Coarse Spray
2. Fog / Fine Spray
3. Foam
4. Dry Agent

For personal protection against a fire or spill response, the following codes apply:

Code Reactivity Protection Requirements for Fire Response Spill Response

P V
FULL
R
S BA
V DILUTE
S BA for FIRE only
T BA
T BA for FIRE only
W V FULL
X BA
Y BA
V CONTAIN
Y BA For FIRE only
Z BA
Z BA For FIRE only
E PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD - CONSIDER EVACUATION

Example: A Substance With Hazchem Code 3YE

The number tells the fire brigade what medium to use to extinguish a fire - in this case
3 indicates that emergency responders should apply foam to extinguish a fire.

Y indicates appropriate spill response, which in this case is in the 'contain' section of
the table. This substance must be prevented, by whatever means possible, from
entering drains or watercourses. When the spill response code relates to the 'Dilute'
section of the table, this means that the substance can be flushed away with water, but
not this one.

The letter Y also advises emergency services that breathing apparatus with protective
clothing should be worn when fighting a fire involving this substance. If there is no
fire, breathing apparatus is not required.
The code letter E advises emergency responders on the spot to consider evacuating
occupants or local residents if the incident has occurred in a built-up area.

The code letter X would advise emergency services to use chemical protective
clothing with breathing apparatus.

When V is shown next to the code letter, it means that a substance can be violently
 even explosively  reactive.

Hazchem codes are required to be displayed for both bulk transport and storage. For
bulk transport, this information is shown in the Emergency Information Panel, along
with other key emergency response information, including UN Number, proper
shipping name, emergency contact numbers, and any specialist advice.

On site, Hazchem signage must be prominently posted where emergency responders

attending an emergency at the site can readily find out the hazardous nature of
substances stored there, in order to quickly determine appropriate response actions.