Hazmat Placards file

[Snark45]

No EPA...

[nkalanaga]

The EPA was established late in 1970, so most 1970s pictures should have the placards, if the cars needed one. 

Based on that, I'd also guess that the "modern" (1970s) placards probably weren't used earlier than 1971.  But that's only a guess, and since the placarding regulations come from the DOT, not the EPA, it may well be wrong.  The placards actually have nothing to do with pollution control.

[Snark45]

Actually, I was just being facetious. However, under Federal law, regulation of the transportation and handling (packing, labeling, placarding, routing, etc.) of hazardous substances is the responsibility of the DOT; the hazardous substances themselves are defined and designated as such by the EPA. (Doncha love bureaucracies??) I believe the relevant laws were first passed in 1970 to combat illegal dumping and modified a number of times since. Before these laws, the transportation of “dangerous goods” was variously regulated by the FRA, the FAA, the Coast Guard and others; that may explain the lack of placards in early photos. Speaking of placards, though, thanks again for printing yours.  Best, Harry

[nkalanaga]

You're welcome, and thank you again to Peteski for the PDF file, for those who don't have the software for printing my picture.

[peteski]

You're welcome, and thank you again to Peteski for the PDF file, for those who don't have the software for printing my picture.

You're welcome Nick - just helping out the Railwire community. 

[Philip H]

So I know you said not to print these on plain paper, but anyone have an idea what to print them on?  I can do a sheet or two of hi-res on the color laser at work . . .

[nkalanaga]

You can print them on plain copier/printer paper, but it has a slightly rough surface, and looks a little "fuzzy" close-up.  I bought a package of "premium" inkjet paper at the office supply store.  It's still ordinary paper, not expensive (and thick) photo paper, but it has a much smoother surface.  If you have a laser printer, Staples also had specific premium laser paper, with the same smoother surface. 

It can be used for any print job, as it's still "just paper", but would be useful for printing any type of model signs, building papers, etc.

Most of my printing is done on "ordinary" paper scavenged from my last job.  We wasted a lot of blank pages at the beginning and end of files, and I have a supply that should last for years.