......All labeling shall include relevant Cargo Manifest Coding, as laid down
in statutes KL-45384 to KL-51339. Failure to comply with this
regulation carries a minimum fine of 500 credits and possible
imprisonment of up to 3 years.
UPF Freight Regulations, 28 F.Y.
Look at any railway yard or freight loading area and you will see a
good proportion of barrels and containers have hazard markings,
from petrol and oil to liquid gas, paint, dangerous chemicals, and
even radioactive materials! There's no reason to assume this won't
change in the future or apply to space cargo.
Since the first cargoes were shipped across the ocean in primitive
wooden crates, there's been a continual need to keep aware of the
dangers they may cause. This danger is particularly acute in the
case of bulk chemical shipments, which are likely to contain large
quantities of substances that are innocous under normal conditions,
but become leathal when combined with other substances or when
they come in direct contact with natural elements like fire, water, or
even oxygen.
The answer of course is proper labeling. With a wide variety of
languages, clan tounges, trade house names, and coroporate hype
(and secrecy at the same time for it's products) simply using say
Pan Gal as a base language just isn't enough to insure safe handling.
The UPF requires that a Universal Hazard Profile number be issued
and placed on all cargo that is stored in any form of container and
moved from surface to surface or surface to space. This "UHP" code
is a nine digit number with matching bar code and hazard symbol(s).
Although called the UHP label, this identifier may be anything from
a plastic strip bonded to the surface of a container with an adhesive
to a federanium "plaque" that has been laser-welded to a metal
cargo box.
It is nearly impossible to decipher a code from mere memory and
thus most shippers rely on refrence manuals (computer programs /
progits).
Sample Code Label:
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| +---------------+ Name of Substance (in Pan Gal) |
| | Hazard | |
| | Symbol | 2 lines of info from the maker |
| | | or shipper (any language) |
| +---------------+ |
| ||| || | || | || | 123-4567-89[] |
| value (in cr.) # of units inside |
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
The nine digits in the UHP code (from left to right) are as follows:
3 digits indicating the hazard type and species likely to be affected -
1. Nature of Hazard (explosive, toxic, etc.)
2. Subclassification (used in conjunction with #1 above)
3. Species Affected (Humans, Yazirians, all lifeforms, etc.)
Next are 4 digits detailing safe storage tolerances -
4. Atmospheric Tolerance
5. Temperature Tolerance
6. Humidity Tolerance
7. Gravity Tolerance
And finally a 2 digit number which specifies the form and mass
of the contents -
8. Form (solid, liquid, gas, etc.)
9. Mass (weight code of contents)
Ocassionally other information may be printed on a label in non-standard
format. Although technically against regulations it is not unusal to find a
chemical formula, port of origin stamp mark, corporate logo or saying,
("tommorow's products today!"), or some other hand scribbled marks
("beware the red...") crammed onto a cargo label. Note that UHP labels
are not the ONLY official information that is required to be placed on
cargo, but they are one of the few "labels" that make it onto almost every
container found throught the frontier.
The value listing is a number (in credits) that indicates the value or
purchase price at the point of origin (NOT destination).
The number of units is a representation of the number of INDIVIDUAL
units inside the container. It should not be confused with the number
of units of cargo that is described in the Knight Hawks campaign book
(although many times this number might be the same).
HAZARD SYMBOLS
------------------------------
Generic looking warning symbols are often placed on the UHP label. On
"non-hazardous" cargo this symbol might be blank or a corporate logo.
This to is a violation of the regulations which state that the Hazard Symbol
Area MUST contain the appropriate symbol to identify any possible hazard(s)
OR it must contain the UPF logo (the one on the cover of the Knight Hawks
tactical operations manual aka the basic book).
Since it's not feasable to send graphic images and I am a crappy ansi
artist here are some basic descriptions for the various symbols (use your
imagination and think of "danger signs" you have seen before such as
warnings for high voltage fences, bio-hazard warnings on hospital trash
cans, etc.)
SPECIAL - 3 black exclamation marks.
TOXIC - a stylized skull and crossbones silhouette.
OXIDIZER - a silhouette of a shape wreathed in flames.
CORROSIVE - drops eating a hole in a block shape with wavy fume lines.
EXPLOSIVE - a black sphere shattering and radiating debris.
INFLAMMABLE - a line of black stylized flames.
BIOHAZARD - three interlocking black circles.
RADIOACTIVE - a black circle with 3 black rays radiating out.
ELECTRICAL - a lightning bolt silhouette.
SONIC - a satellite dish silhouette radiating rays in a cone.
UHP BREAKDOWN
-----------------------------
The following section breaks down the UHP code into it's specific parts.
First & Second Digits - NATURE OF HAZARD (& SUBCLASSIFICATION)
Code Hazard Type
0 Special Hazard - Substances that are dangerous in a manner
which doesn't fit any of the other standard classes below.
Subcode
0 - Safe. A UHP that starts in 000 is considered "non-hazardous"
1 - Psionic or Mind affecting / altering substance.
2 - Unknown lethal substance which appears to be Toxic,
Poisonous, or Diseased. Attacks LIVING tissue(s).
3 - Substance is a dangerous lifeform of some type.
4 - Unknown or Unusual dangerous mineral or metal
5 - Unknown or Unusual dangerous energy form.
6 - Unknown or Unusual dangerous chemical.
7 - Substance is dangerous to NON-LIVING materials only.
8 - Other. Consult shipper immediatly for detailed instructions.
9 - Other. Consult UPF or StarLaw with cargo lot number and
point of origin for specific instructions.
1 Toxic Hazard - Substances in this group are poisonous.
Subcode
0 - Toxic if eaten / ingested. (also injected)
1 - Can be absorbed through skin.
2 - Toxic Fumes.
3 - Toxic Dust.
4 - Avoid prolonged contact.
5 - Avoid ALL contact.
6 - Addictive drug.
7 - Carcinogen.
8 - Nerve Toxin. (avoid all contact).
9 - Unusual toxic effect (rarely used).
2 Oxidizing Hazard - These substances speed combustion
and rusting, and should be kept from inflammable
materials, delicate circuitry, etc. The subcode
indicates the degree of risk from 0 (only hazardous
if combined with inflammable liquids) to 9 (causes
inflammable materials to spontaneously ignite such
as wood, paper, rags, etc.)
3 Corrosive Hazard - An acid, alkali, or other material
with corrosive effects. The subcode indicates the
degree of acidity or alkalinity from 0 (strongly acidic)
to 9 (strongly alkaline). Note that 4 is a mild acid and
5 is a mild alkaline.
4 Explosive Hazard - a substance or device that is
potentially explosive.
Subcode
0 - Detonated only by specific means. May be
safely handled in almost all situations.
1 - Detonated only by applied electricity.
2 - Detonated by radio and / or microwaves.
3 - Detonation may occur if mixed with other substances.
4 - Detonation may occur from heat (esp. fire).
5 - Detonation may occur from mishandling. Observe
care when handling.
6 - Explosion can occur from a variety of light, heat,
electrical sources or by direct force.
7 - Detonation may occur from application of any form
energy (kinetic, electric, heat, etc.)
8 - Detonates if exposed to air (oxygen).
9 - May spontaneously explode. Handle with EXTREME
caution.
5 Highly Inflammable - This class indicates a substance
capable of combustion (setting itself on fire).
Subcode
0 - Store at room temperature. Excessive heat may
cause combustion.
1 - 9 store in temperatures equal to or less than 10x the
subcode number in degrees (Celsius).
6 Biohazard - The substance is likely to cause illness or
other medical problems.
Subcode
0 - Mild irritant (avoid contact if possible, flush with water
if accidental contact occurs)
1 - May cause allergy.
2 - Likely to cause allergy.
3 - May cause mild infection.
4 - Likely to cause mild infection.
5 - May cause serious infection.
6 - Likely to cause serious infection.
7 - May cause lethal infection.
8 - Likely to cause lethal infection.
9 - Biowar Agent (EXTREMELY LETHAL!!!)
7 Radioactive - The substance is radioactive.
Subcode
0 - Weak Alpha emitter (uranium ore).
1 - Weak Beta emitter.
2 - Weak Gamma (neutron) emitter.
0 - Moderate Alpha emitter.
1 - Moderate Beta emitter.
2 - Moderate Gamma emitter.
0 - Strong Alpha emitter.
1 - Strong Beta emitter.
2 - Strong Gamma emitter.
9 - Dangerous x-ray emitter.
8 Electrical - The substance may cause electric
shock or damage. The subcode ranges from 0
(may cause mild shock) to 9 (extremely high
voltage).
9 Sonic - The substance emits sonic waves, pulses,
or sounds which may be dangerous. The subcode
ranges from 0 (may cause ear aches) to 9 (dangerous
sonic emittions may cause disruption of matter!).
Third Digit - SPECIES AFFECTED
Code Species Affected
0 All Lifeforms.
1 All oxygen-breathing lifeforms.
2 Human like species (Humans, Yaz., Ifshnits, etc.).
3 Humans Only.
4 Yazirians Only.
5 Vrusk Only.
6 Dralastites Only.
7 Sathar Only.
8 Mechanons (and other intelligent machines) Only.
9 Special (used for "other" races - Osakar, Zethra, etc.)
See notes or contact shipper.
Fourth Digit - ATMOSPHERIC TOLERANCE
Code Optimal Atmospheric Conditions For Storage
1 Store in Vacuum.
2 Store in near Vacuum.
3 Store in very thin atmosphere.
4 Store in thin non-oxyegen atmosphere.
5 Store in thin atmosphere.
6 Store in Standard (earthlike) conditions
7 Store in moderate non-oxygen atmosphere.
8 Store in dense atmosphere.
9 Store in exotic atmospheric conditions (special)
See notes or contact shipper.
Fifth Digit - TEMPERATURE TOLERENCE
Code Optimal Temperature Conditions For Storage
0 Store in zero or below temperatures.
1 Store in temperatures above 0 but less than 10 degrees.
2 Store in temperatures above 10 but less than 30 degrees.
3 Store in temperatures above 30 but less than 60 degrees.
4 Store in temperatures above 60 but less than 100 degrees.
5 Store in temperatures above 100 but less than 150 degrees.
6 Store in temperatures above 100 but less than 200 degrees.
7 Store in temperatures above 200 but less than 300 degrees.
8 Store in temperatures above 300 but less than 500 degrees.
9 Maintain storage at a "specific" temperature (see notes on
label) or contact shipper.
Sixth Digit - HUMIDITY TOLERANCE
Code Optimal Humidity Conditions For Storage
0 Keep dry (less than 10% humidity).
1 Store in 10% to 20% humidity.
2 Store in 20% to 30% humidity.
3 Store in 30% to 40% humidity.
4 Store in 40% to 50% humidity.
5 Store in 50% to 60% humidity.
6 Store in 70% to 80% humidity.
7 Store in 80% to 90% humidity.
0 Keep wet (over 90% humidity).
9 Maintain storage at a "specific" humidity (see notes on
label) or contact shipper.
Seventh Digit - GRAVITY TOLERANCE
Code Optimal Gravity Conditions For Storage
0 Store at zero gravity.
1 Store at / or about 1 G.
2 Store at / or about 2 Gs.
3 Store at / or about 3 Gs.
4 Store at / or about 4 Gs.
5 Store at / or about 5 Gs.
6 Store at / or about 6 Gs.
7 Store at / or about 7 Gs.
8 Store at / or about 8 Gs.
9 Maintain storage at a "specific" gravity (see notes on
label) or contact shipper.
Eighth Digit - FORM OF SUBSTANCE
Code Form
0 Assorted Forms (usually a mixed cargo)
1 Solid (copper ingots, metal bars, etc.)
2 Powdered Solid (sulfer dust, flour, etc.)
3 Solid / Liquid Mixture (sodium in oil, pickled krick's feet, etc.)
4 Solid / Gas Mixture (iodine, etc.)
5 Liquid (mercury, H2O, etc.)
6 Gas / Liquid Mixture (bromine, etc.)
7 Solified Gas (Carbon Dioxide Ice, etc.)
8 Liquified Gas (methane, liquid nitrogen, etc.)
9 Compressed Gas (oxygen, helium, etc.)
Ninth Digit - MASS OF SUBSTANCE
Code Mass
0 Under 1
1 1 - 10 "units"
2 10 - 20 "units"
3 30 - 40 "units"
4 40 - 50 "units"
5 50 - 60 "units"
6 60 - 70 "units"
7 70 - 80 "units"
8 80 - 90 "units"
9 90 - 100 "units"
This last digit may be followed by a shape. If the shape is a
circle then the mass is measured in gram units. If the shape is
a triangle then the mass is measured in kilogram units. If the
shape is a square (or missing alltogether) then the mass is
assumed to be measured in tons.
Exact mass is often recorded on the label, but is it in a language
the palyers can read?
SAMPLE UHP CODES
----------------------------------
130-6301-22[] 20 tons of powdered dry copper sulfate. The dust
300,000 Cr. is poisonous if eaten or inhaled. It also absorbs
20 units water and the container could burst if it gets damp.
250-6251-51 500 liter tank (weighs 1 ton) of strong hydrogen
500 Cr. peroxide. The tank walls are rated up to 3g although
1 unit this may not be readily apparent.
612-6251-59/\ 100 1 liter bottles of gourmet wine. More or less
1,000 Cr. harmless to humans, but may cause allergic reactions
100 units in some alien species.
900-6401-10 1/2 ton of laser rifles (100). Shipped without power packs
80,000 Cr. and sealed in light weight foam.
100 units
USING THE SYSTEM
--------------------------------
Don't assume every cargo is hazardous; however one or two ominously
labeled containers in each shipment should be enough to give the players
something to worry about and encourage them to keep good care of
thier cargo holds too :)
Most of the fun comes when a "label" is partially melted or obscured so
that only the UHP code can be read or the players are too worried to
get near the conatiner in question..."
Using an example above:
"You see a crate that is seeping brownish liquid and fumes that have a
slight alcohol or vinegar tinge. It's hard to tell from this distance. The
cargo manifest lists it as 100 units valued at 1,000 cr. It's UHP code
is 612-6251-59/\ ..."
