The 4-digit number appearing on a placard or an orange panel of a tank car is the:

The 4-digit number appearing on a placard or an orange panel of a tank car is the:

• A. UN product identification number
• B. Hazard class
• C. DOT certification
• D. Emergency contact number

Answer: (A)

The four-digit number on a placard or orange panel is the UN product identification number. This UN number uniquely identifies the specific hazardous material being shipped and is used to access the correct information in shipping papers and the Emergency Response Guide. It helps responders know exactly what material they’re dealing with, even if the name isn’t legible or visible. Hazard class is indicated separately (often by the placard’s color, symbol, and a class number), not by a four-digit UN code. DOT certification isn’t shown as a placard number, and an emergency contact number is not the four-digit identification code either.

The four-digit number on a placard or orange panel is the UN product identification number. This UN number uniquely identifies the specific hazardous material being shipped and is used to access the correct information in shipping papers and the Emergency Response Guide. It helps responders know exactly what material they’re dealing with, even if the name isn’t legible or visible.

Hazard class is indicated separately (often by the placard’s color, symbol, and a class number), not by a four-digit UN code. DOT certification isn’t shown as a placard number, and an emergency contact number is not the four-digit identification code either.