Chapter-02

HAZCHEM CODE
HAZCHEM CODE:
Hazchem known as hazardous chemicals, is a warning plate system used in Australia,
Malaysia, New Zealand, India and the United Kingdom for vehicles transporting
hazardous substances or chemicals and on storage facilities where hazardous
substances or chemicals stored.
The HAZCHEM Code is a system originally developed in Britain that is B.S (British
Standard), Department of Transportation (DOT). The HAZCHEM code (also called
Emergency Action Code) gives vital information to fire brigade and other emergency
services on the action to be taken to combat spillage, leakage or fire in an emergency
involving a hazardous substance.
It is required to place the HAZCHEM Code for dangerous or hazardous chemicals on
Emergency Information Panel (EIP).
BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
 Chapter-02
HAZCHEM CODE
Emergency Information Panel (EIP)

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
 Importance of Hazchem Code
OR
Objectives of Hazchem Code
1. Hazardous chemical code (Hazchem code) or emergency action
code provide information for the fire brigade and police on how
to deal with a fire or spillage.
2. The Hazchem code also known as Emergency action code. It
gives vital information, to the emergency response team or Fire
brigade on the action to be taken to encounter.
3. Hazchem code gives initial information about the fire fighting
media as well as action to be to be taken in case of Spillage,
Leakage and Fire.
4. It gives immediate information on the action to be taken by the
emergency services.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

5. The HAZCHEM Code shows:-
a. The HAZCHEM code consists of a numerical numbers from 1
to 4 and any one of the alphabetical letters, P, R,S, T, W, X, Y, Z
followed at times by the letter E.
b. The numerical numbers from 1 to 4 shows the type of
extinguishing media to be used in case of emergency or accident.
1- Water / Jets
2- Fog / Fine Spray
3- Foam
4- Dry Agent / Dry Powder / Dry Sand

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

c. The alphabetical letters shows four signals-
i) Method of control or disposal spillage a) by diluting or b) by
containing
ii) Personal Protective Equipment to be weared by fire fighters
iii) Reactive nature of Material or Chemical ( Violent or Explosive)
iv) Need for Evacuation.
6. The letter P,R,W,X indicates Full Protective Clothing with BA Set.
7. The letter S,T,Y,Z indicates Breathing Apparatus and Protective
Gloves.
8. The letters S, T, Y and Z set on a black background, indicates if fire
involves, then required to use of BA Set.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
Example:- For motor spirit with UN number 1203, the HAZCHEM
code is 3YE, and this would mean:
3- Use Foam only.
Y- Can be violently (V) reactive or explosive. Breathing apparatus
plus protective gloves to be used in case of fire. The personal
protective equipment is not a requirement in case of spillage. Any
spillage of the chemical should be contained.
E- Consider evacuation as a first priority.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

 Placard or Hazardous Warning Sign
1. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requires
that vehicles transporting dangerous goods must display the proper
DOT hazard class placard and that placards must be displayed on all
sides of the transporting vehicle.
2. Placard are useful to identify the hazardous chemicals or materials
contains either in solid, liquid, gaseous state.
3. It gives clear picture of physical state of the hazardous chemicals
or materials.
4. Placard are in diamond shape in distinct colour code, they are
approximately 27.3 x 27.3 cm. They are to be placed on 04 sides of
the vehicles.
5. Labels are 10 x 10 cm. They are to be placed in middle of the
placard.It also known as Symbol.
BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
A placard provides a variety of information through different
method:-
1. First is the colour code of the placard are –
Red:- Indicates Flammable liquid / gas
Green:- Non- Flammable
Yellow:- Oxidizer
Blue:- Dangerous when wet
White:- Poisonous
Black & White:- Corrosive
Red & White:- Flammable Solid
White & Yellow:- Radiation
Orange:- Explosive
BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
Second Information indicates the number in the bottom corner of the placard.
This number shows the Hazardous classification number used internationally
which regulates by United Nation, Department of Transportation( DOT ). There
are 09 classes for hazardous chemicals or materials .
Third indication is the symbol or label in the upper corner of the Placard. A
variety of symbols are used to indicate combustion, radiation, oxidizer,
compressed gas, destruction of materials and skin by corrosive and explosion.
Fourth indication is the U.N Number or DOT, identification Number which is in
four digit and placed in middle of the placard or adjacent. Which helps in
identifying the hazardous or dangerous material or chemical. Commonly seen on
EIP are-
Acetylene-1001, Air Compressed-1002, Ammonia-1005, chlorine-1017, LPG-
1075, Gasoline- 1203, Oxygen compressed-1072, Nitrogen Compressed- 1066 etc.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

The nine hazard classes are as follows:
• Class 1: Explosives.
• Class 2: Gases.
• Class 3: Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
• Class 4: Flammable Solids.
• Class 5: Oxidizing Substances, Organic Peroxides.
• Class 6: Toxic Substances and Infectious Substances.
• Class 7: Radioactive Materials.
• Class 8: Corrosives.
• Class 9: Miscellaneous.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
Class 1: Explosives
Color Code:- Orange
Division:-1.1
Word Code:- Explosives
Symbol Code:- Blasting Symbol
Example:- Explosives with a mass explosion hazard-
Gun Powder, TNT, RDX

Division:-1.2 :- Explosives with a severe projection hazard

Example:- Black Powder
Division:-1.3:- Explosives with a minor blast hazard
Example:- Rocket Fuel
Division:-1.4:- Minor fire or projection hazard
Example:- Detonating cords, small arms ammunition

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

Division:-1.5:- An insensitive substance with a mass explosion hazard
Example:- Ammonium nitrate, Fuel oil
Division:-1.6:- Extremely insensitive articles
Example:- Ammonium nitrate, Fuel oil

Class 2 :- Gases
Division :- 2.1 : Flammable gas
Color Code:- RED
Symbol Code:- Flame
Word Code:- Flammable
Example:- Flammable gas :-
LPG, Propane, Butane, Methane, Hydrogen, Acetylene

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

Division :- 2.2 : Non-flammable gas
Color Code:- GREEN
Symbol Code:- Compressed Cylinder
Word Code:- Non-Flammable Gas
Example:- Non-Flammable gas :-
Carbon-di-oxide, Nitrogen, Compressed Air

Division :- 2.2 : Non-flammable gas

Color Code:- YELLOW
Symbol Code:- Circle with flame
Word Code:- Oxygen
Example:- Oxygen compressed

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

Division :- 2.3 : Poisonous gas
Color Code:- WHITE
Symbol Code:- Skull with Cross bone
Word Code:- Poison Gas
Example:- carbon monoxide, chlorine, nitrogen dioxide and phosgene

Class 3 :- Flammable Liquid

Color Code:- RED
Symbol Code:- Flame
Word Code:- Flammable
Example:-
Gasoline, Acetone, Ethanol, Methanol

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

Class 3 :- Combustible Liquid
Color Code:- RED
Symbol Code:- Flame
Word Code:- Combustible
Example:-
Engine oil ,Fuel oil, Kerosene

Class 4 :- Flammable Solid, Spontaneously Combustible and Dangerous When Wet

Division:- 4.1 : Flammable Solid
Color Code:- WHITE WITH RED STRIPS
Symbol Code:- Flame
Word Code:- Flammable Solid
Example:-
Reactive Solid- Metal Powders, Magnesium

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

Division:- 4.2 : Spontaneously combustible solids
Colour Code:- TOP WHITE, BOTTOM RED
Symbol Code:- Flame
Word Code:- Spontaneously combustible
Example:-
Zirconium, aluminium alkyls, white phosphorus

Division:- 4.3 : Dangerous when wet

Colour Code:- TOP WHITE, BOTTOM RED
Symbol Code:- Flame
Word Code:- Spontaneously combustible
Example:- sodium, calcium, potassium, calcium carbide

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

Class 5 :- Oxidizer and Organic Peroxide
Division:- 5.1 : Oxidizing agent
Colour Code:- YELLOW
Symbol Code:- Circle with flame
Word Code:- Oxidizer
Example:- potassium nitrate, and nitric acid

Division:- 5.2 : Organic peroxide oxidizing agent

Colour Code:- YELLOW
Symbol Code:- Circle with flame
Word Code:- Organic peroxide
Example:- hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium peroxide (Na2O2)

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

Class 6 :- Poison (Toxic) and Poison Inhalation Hazard
Division:- 6.1 : Poison
Colour Code:- WHITE
Symbol Code:- Skull with cross bones
Word Code:- Inhalation Hazards / Poison
Example:- Alkaline, Chlorine, Ammonia ,Sodium cyanide
Division:- 6.2 : Infectious Substances
Colour Code:- WHITE
Symbol Code:- Three-fold
Word Code:- Infectious Substances / Bio Hazards
Example:- Animal waste, Human body fluids, Microbiological wastes, Pathological waste, Hospitals
waste, Laboratory Waste ( those contains micro organisms such as Bacteria, Viruses)

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

Class 7 :- Radioactive
Colour Code:- Top Half with Yellow, Bottom half with white
Symbol Code:- trefoil (black propeller)
Word Code:- Radioactive Materials
Example:- Radioactive ores, Uranium
Class 8 :- Corrosive
Colour Code:- Top corner white , Bottom black
Symbol Code:- Test tube containing corrosive chemicals destruction of metal and hands.
Word Code:- Corrosive
Example:- Sulphuric Acid , Nitric Acid, Caustic Soda, Sodium hydroxide
Class 9 :- Miscellaneous
Colour Code:- Top corner black strips, Bottom White
Word Code:- Miscellaneous
Example:- Dry Ice, Small Crackers

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

 Material Safety Data Sheet ( MSDS)
Chemical Safety Data Sheet (CSDS)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Product Safety Data Sheet (PSDS)
Definition:-A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains
information on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental) and
how to work safely with the chemical product.
Generally MSDS provides information about chemical composition, physical and
chemical properties, health hazards, emergency response in case of fire, explosion,
spillage or leakage, personal protective equipment and waste disposal of the material.
The original intension of the MSDS is to protect employee, working at the hazardous
place or area. MSDS format specially on emergency response procedures and
consideration for fire fighters. This regulations require employer or owner who used
chemicals above the house hold quantity to create MSDS.
BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
 Basic features of MSDS
1. Chemical Product and Company Identification:-
Name of Company, Product name, MSDS No., Date, Address, Contact No., Emergency
Contact No.
2. Chemical Composition:-
Exposure Limit Value, TLV ( Threshold limit value)
3. Hazard Identification:-
In this section hazards identification is provided for both employees, employer and
emergency response team. This section includes potential health hazards, first aid
treatment, fire fighting procedure, proper use of PPE is provided in this section.
4. First Aid Measures:-
Describes the necessary first aid measures to be taken in case of an accident.
5. Fire Fighting Measures:-
Gives specific information on fighting a fire caused by the chemical, including the most
suitable extinguishing media and protective equipment.
BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
6. Physical and Chemical Properties:-
Specific chemical information such as Boiling Point, Vapour Pressure, Ignition
Temperature, Flash Point, Fire Point, Vapour Density, Melting point/freezing point, Auto-
ignition temperature etc. are included in this section.
7. Stability and Reactivity:-
Some chemicals becomes unstable after a period of time or as a result of poor storage
condition, they may react with other chemicals violently or explosively, such information
regarding this type of details are provided here.
8. Toxicology Information:-
The long term health effect and other related regarding acute and chronic exposure are
provided in this section.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

9. Ecological information:-
Information regarding any potential environmental effect is listed here.
10. Disposal Consideration:-
This section includes local regulations that outlines proper Waste Disposal.
11. Transport information:-
Information regarding the DOT regulations is listed here. Typically the Placard,
Hazardous Classification number, Hazchem Code, UN four digit ID number, Special
Advice.
12. Regulatory Information:-
Any other regulations that applies to the process, storage or disposal of the chemical
are listed here. If the chemical is covered by the other regulations this information is
listed in this section.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

 Transportation of Hazardous Materials ( HAZMAT)
TREM CARD: ( Transport Emergency Card)
1. A TREM CARD is a document that is used when transporting
dangerous or hazardous materials or goods.
2. TREM CARD Contains important written information about the
hazardous materials or goods being transported.
3. TREM CARD provides instructions to the driver or emergency
services team( Fire, Police, Disaster team, Paramedics) in the event of
an incident.
4. TREM CARD contains information about- Nature of Hazards,
Protective Devices, Telephone Numbers, Action to be taken in
Spillage, Leakage, Fire, First Aid etc. in case of emergency.
5. TREM CARD are kept in Driver’s Cabin.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

 TREM CARD Contains total 04 Sections :-
Section 1- Nature of hazards : Material Name, UN Four Digit ID number, Placard, HAZCHEM code,
Supplier Name and address, material carried in Ton or Liters, Product purpose.
Hazardous materials ingredients with approximately expressed in % , Physical state whether it is in gaseous
state, solid state or liquid state.
Vapour density, boiling point, freezing point, ignition temperature, flash point, fire point, melting point.
Reactivity- Under what conditions it react with the other substances such as air and water.
Fire explosion expressed in L.E.L and U.E.L.
Effect of materials – To environment or human being.
Section2- Protective Devices: Suitable PPE, Protective Clothing, Gloves, Gum Boots, Safety Goggles.
Section 3: Action to be taken: in Spillage, Leakage, Fire, First Aid Treatment etc. in case of emergency.
Section 4: Telephone Numbers and Company Address: For Emergency action to be taken by Emergency
response services ( Fire, Police, Paramedics)
BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
Guidelines of United nation in transportation of
Hazardous Materials or Chemicals:
Four Major Factors:-
A) Potential hazards :- i) Health hazards
ii) Fire or Explosion
B) Emergency action for Fire
C) Spillage or Leakage
D) First Aid Treatment

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

A) Potential hazards:-
I) Health hazards:-
1. May be poisonous, , if inhaled or absorbed by skin.
2. Vapour may cause suffocation.
3. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases.
4. Dilution water may cause pollution.
II) Fire or Explosion hazards:-
1. Flammable materials may be ignited by heat, sparks or flame.
2. Vapour may travel to a source of ignition.
3. Container may explode in heat of fire.
4. Vapour explosion hazard present , BLEVE or VCE condition.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

B) Emergency Action for fire:-
1. Keep unnecessary people away, isolated the area, cordon the area.
2. SCBA Set and Protective clothing provided for protection.
3. Isolate for 500 meter radius in all direction if tank catches fire.
4. For small Fire Water, DCP, CO2 or foam type Extinguisher's
should be used.
5. For large Fire, Jet or Water spray or Fog be used.
6. Move container from fire as soon as possible without risk.
7. Keep safe distance from end of tank.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

C) Spillage or Leakage:-
1. Stop the engine.
2. No smoking or flames or ignition source’s in that area.
3. Keep the public away from the danger area.
4. Shut off stop valve.
5. Stop leakages without any risk.
6. Small Spills- Flush area with flooding amount of water.
7. Large spills- Fill with dry sand or dry powder.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

D) First Aid Treatment:-
1. Move victim to fresh air.
2. Call Emergency Care Unit.
3. If not breathing give artificial respiration.
4. In case of eye contact with material, immediately flush eyes with
running water at least 15 minutes.
5. Remove and isolated contaminated clothing and shoes at the site
immediately and wash with water.
6. Wash skin with soap and water.
7. Keep victim under observation and maintain normal body
temperature.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

Also, it provides vital information such as Placard information,
Marking system, UN DOT Four digit ID Number, HAZCHEM Code,
Table for Initial isolation, protective action, safe distance and list of
reactive materials.

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR

 Assignment -02
HAZCHEM Code
1. Explain with diagram Emergency information Panel (EIP).
2. What is HAZCHEM? Explain importance of HAZCHEM Code.
3. State the objectives of HAZCHEM Code.
4. Explain in details alphanumeric Code for HAZCHEM.
5. Explain importance of PLACARD.
6. Explain U.N, DOT Hazardous Classification System with examples.
7. Explain Classes of dangerous goods. List them, giving examples in each
case.
8. Explain UN Hazards classes.
9. Define MSDS. Explain the basic features of MSDS.
BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR
10. Explain CSDS, write the importance of MSDS.
11. Explain the Guidelines of United Nations in Transportation of Hazardous
Materials.
12. Describe the care and precautions to be taken for transporting hazardous
materials.
13. Define HAZMAT.
14. What is TREM Card. Explain its contents.
15. Explain TREM Card.

---------------------------------------

BY- PROF. VIKRAM SINGH, FIRE ENGG.,GHRP, NAGPUR