Variant: emergency action code; EAC
A code designed to be displayed when hazardous chemicals are transported or stored in bulk. It is used to help the emergency services to take action quickly in any accident. The code consists of a number followed by one or two letters. The number indicates the type of substance to be used in treating the accident (e.g. stream of water, fine spray, foam, dry agent). The first letter indicates the type of protective clothing needed along with information about the possibility of violent reaction on whether the substance should be contained or diluted. The second letter, where it exists, is letter E, indicating that people have to be evacuated from the neighbourhood of the incident. In the UK, the code is usually displayed as part of a panel, which includes an international UN number for the substance, a telephone number for specialist advice, the company name, and a symbol indicating the danger (e.g., a skull and crossbones for toxic substances).
