How is the UN number system utilized in hazardous materials?

The UN number system is specifically designed to identify particular hazardous materials used in shipping and transportation, allowing for effective communication about the inherent risks associated with these substances. Each UN number is a four-digit code assigned to a specific type of dangerous good, which helps emergency responders quickly determine the nature of the material in the event of an incident. This identification can influence the appropriate handling, storage, and emergency response protocols, ensuring that safety measures are applied consistently across different jurisdictions.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of the UN number system. Listing hazardous substances alphabetically may help in organization but does not facilitate the same level of urgent identification needed in emergency situations. Tracking emergency response teams does not pertain to the UN number system’s function, as it centers around the materials themselves rather than logistical aspects of response teams. Assessing risk levels involves a broader evaluation of toxicity and exposure risk, which the UN numbering system alone does not provide, since it focuses on identification rather than risk assessment.