Hazmat A Class 8 substance is corrosive to humans and metal and should be approached with caution, especially if one is not wearing an outfit that is comprised of noncorrosive material. Additionally, the Class 4.3 Flammable Solids; Dangerous When Wet placard alerts responders to the fact that the substance which is being transported "emits a flammable gas when wet or has a violent reaction when it comes in contact with water" (Signs & Symbols, 2011). Finally the UN 1836 identifies the material being transported according to UN guidelines. The four digit code (in this case 1836) is the identifier of the specific compound being transported. 1836 denotes the fact that the compound can be identified as thionyl chloride which is comprised of chlorine, oxygen and sulfur. A responder must also consider...

The 0 at 12 o'clock determines the flammability of the substance; in this case a 0 is good news in that the substance will not burn. The 2 at 3 o'clock denotes the possibility of 'violent chemical change' and actions to prevent can include a hose stream from distance. This contradicts the fact that the material has a violent reaction when it comes in contact with water. The 4 at 9 o'clock denotes the fact that it is 'too dangerous to enter vapor or liquid' and finally, the slashed W. At 6 o'clock means that it is 'water-reactive'. In other words, this is a very hazardous situation and extreme care must be taken. A good guess on the 2 at 3 o'clock is that the responder could not determine if it was really a 2 or not, and that a hose stream (of water) from distance in this case would likely not be a good idea.
Some of the first steps that should be taken by any responder would…