I dunno why, but I really like industrial signs, labels, placards, and other such standardized signage. Could have something to do with my fascination with symbols. Anyway, after not being able to find any printable hazmat (hazardous material) placards from the U.S. Department of Transportation, I decided to create my own.

A few things.

• The symbols were digitally traced from the best sources I could find, and I followed the DOT's published guidelines for font size and layout, so I'd be pretty surprised if these weren't compliant. Nonetheless, I make no guarantees. Please let me know if you find any inaccuracies.
• You're free to use these for anything you like except reselling them. I'm not making money off these public domain symbols and neither should anyone else.
• Don't use these decoratively in a public place. When emergency workers see a hazmat placard they react accordingly. That is, after all, the purpose of hazmat placards. You could get in some real trouble if your house is burning down and they have to call in the bomb squad because you've got an "explosives" sign hanging somewhere.
• There is no biohazard placard because the DOT has no specification for a biohazard placard. Check the spec yourself; it ain't there. Yes, I've seen them before as well, and I don't know all the particulars for why it's an exception. I will only post a biohazard placard when I can find an official specification.

Download a full-size (10.8" per side) Acrobat PDF of the sign, or download them all in a zip file (294,303 bytes). Click the "wallpaper" link to compose a custom wallpaper based on that sign.

PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper
PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper
PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper
PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper
PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper
PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper
PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper	PDF - Wallpaper

Here are some relevant links.

• U.S. Department of Transportation – The governing body in charge of hazmat placarding regulations.
• 1998 CFR Title 45, Volume 4 – The specifications for hazmat placards. The relevant sections are 172.500-172.560.
• Environmental Chemistry – Explanations and more info about the different hazmat placards.
• 49 CFR 172.101 Table of hazardous materials – A table of the four-digit material codes often included on hazmat placards and train cars.
• Book of Ratings – A funny look at the best and worst of warning symbols. Don't miss part 2 (click "Next" at the bottom).