A most often asked question and many a times misinterpreted provision of IMDG Code, Where to affix marks and placards on containers?

IMDG Code states “Placards shall be affixed to the exterior surface of cargo transport units and bulk containers to provide a warning that the contents of the unit are dangerous goods and present hazards...Placards shall be displayed on a background of contrasting colour, or shall have either a dotted or solid outer boundary line.”

But the Code does not designate a specific location for affixing placards.

In the below image we can see containers with dangerous goods placards which is towards the bottom of the units.

If we affix the placards towards the bottom of the units there is a chance the placards will become invisible when loaded on well cars in rail transport also there is no need to repeat the same placard(s) on same side of the container.

The most ideal place to affix marks and placards is the area between 5 feet from bottom and 1 foot from top, this is also line of sight of average height of humans. However, we must not affix placards on the sides of the container too close to the doors as when doors are opened it may blank the visibility of the placards.