Hazchem Code Full form Code Chart & Details With Examples

In this article, we are going to learn about what is Hazchem code chart along with examples and What are the importance of it in safety. (Download PDF)

Safety is a must in plants and plays a vital role when it comes to the handling of dangerous chemicals. Dangerous chemicals are those which has the potential to harm a human.

Safety precautions during the transportation of hazardous chemicals are equally important as safety measures taken in plants. There are a total of 6 types of hazards in the chemical industry, read 6 Types of Hazards in the chemical industry in detail.

While transporting chemicals, there is a possibility of spillage of an accident of vehicles associated with it, and as transportation vehicles contain chemicals, the risk to human life and the environment increases. To decrease the effect of spilled chemicals and damage due to chemicals on the traveling path this code is helpful. Now let us jump to the definition of Hazchem code and proceed with the article.

What is Hazchem Code?

HAZCHEM stands for Hazardous chemicals. It is also known as the Emergency Action Code (EAC) code is used as a warming plate that provides important information related to the chemical stored in the container. This code is use in various countries like Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, India, and the United Kingdom on storage facilities and for vehicles transporting hazardous substances

Null Hazchem code pate is used to indicate non-hazardous substances.

The objective of the HAZCHEM Guide

The main objective is to give proper information about the chemical that is being spilled or caught fire so that the emergency services team can use the proper measures to reduce the effect of the dangerous chemical.

Now as we have discussed the objective of HAZCHEM code, let us move on to the chart and lets us discuss all the significant notation in depth.

Below is the chart of Hazchem code chart

Now as we can see the chart consists of various alphabets and numbers and all those have their own significance.

HAZCHEM code consists of a number i.e. 1 to 4 followed by an alphabet from the chart. Sometimes this code is of three characters and the 3rd one is E

Numbers:

1. Water jets
2. Fog
3. Foam
4. Dry Agent

Alphabets:

P R S T – Material needs to be Diluted

W X Y Z – Material needs to be Contained

V – Can be violently or can be explosively reactive

E – Consider evacuation as first priority

Substance Control:

Dilute – Dilute means, spilled chemicals can be washed and reduce the concentration of chemicals.

Contained – It should be prevented to get into the drain pipes or water channels.

The alphabet shown in black background with white font represents there is a danger of violent reaction or explosion. See the below-attached photo for details.

Full  – Full represents full-body protection is required along with breathing apparatus

BA – BA stands for breathing apparatus

BA for fire only – It represents that breathing apparatus is required in case of fire only.

Download Hazchem Chart (PDF)

Example

The Hazchem code of sulphuric acid is 2P

Here, 2P represents; 2 i.e. we need to use Fog as a firefighting mode and P represents that it can be violently reactive hence Full body protection along with breathing apparatus is required. Spillage can be diluted and washed with water.

Malpractices that one should avoid

• It is common for the vehicle has a code printed on it over time, proper cleaning of the vehicles was not carried out and due to that code is not visible. So always check prior to starting the transportation path.
• Fonts of the code become blurry.
• Wrong Hazchem code.
• Due to the unavailability of a dedicated vehicle, another chemical is filled.

FAQ (Hazchem meaning)

Wrapping Up

Hope this tutorial on Hazchem Code has helped you to learn an important topic regarding industrial safety. If you have learned something new then do appreciate us through comments. In the meantime, you can read chemical engineering-related articles posted on our website. Do check Safety Hierarchy Of Controls and get started with safety learnings.

Reference – NCEC Hazchem Guide