Transportation

1. Where do I learn about Department of Transportation (DOT), proper shipping names, UN numbers, Classes?

• You can obtain training on this topic. In fact, if you are engaged in a job which effects the safety of hazardous materials in transportation (e.g., package, mark and label a DOT regulated good), then you are technically considered a HazMat employee and required by DOT to be trained and certified.
• DOT allows employers to select a training and certification method appropriate for the tasks and even provides free PowerPoints that employers can use to train their own employees. Here is a link. The issue that many people have is one of limited time. So you might consider obtaining DOT training from a vendor, such as us. Email us if you are interested.
• Here is a summary of package selection, marking and label requirements
• Here is a link to DOT markings, labels and placards
• Here is a link to the actual DOT hazard class definitions, including packing groups (start at 173.115) :
  • 49 CFR 173.115 -other than Class 1 and Class 7
• Here is a link to the Hazardous Materials Table found in 49 CFR 172.101 (image below). This lists Proper shipping names, hazard classs or division, Packing Group (PG), etc.

2. As a manufacturer, am I required to classify my product ?

• Yes. Under 49 CFR 173.22 it is the shipper's responsibility to classify the material. In some cases, the manufacturer may need to have their material tested.
• In some cases your material may already have been classified and be listed in the Hazardous Material Table (e.g., Acetone).
• Here is a DOT letter of interpretation on the topic.

3. What does a DOT package look like?

• See below. This is an example of a combination package of Phosphorus pentasulfide. This chemical has two hazard classes, Dangerous When Wet and a Flammable Solid
• DOT requires the following markings and labels on the outer package:
  • UN number: UN1340
  • Proper Shipping name: Phosphorus pentasulfide
  • Labels for hazard class(es): 4.3 and 4.1

4. What is Reportable Quantity?

• This is a US DOT term. A Reportable Quantity (RQ) is an amount of materials (typically in units of pounds) above which, if contained in a single container and released to the environment, requires special notification to the National Response Center.
• The RQ table is found in Table 1 to Appendix A—Hazardous Substances Other Than Radionuclides, which is located right after the Hazardous Materials Table (see image below)

5. What is a Marine Pollutant (MP)?

• A Marine Pollutant is a material which is listed in appendix B to Sec. 172.101 of this subchapter (also see Sec. 171.4) and, when in a solution or mixture of one or more marine pollutants, is packaged in a concentration which equals or exceeds: (1) Ten percent by weight of the solution or mixture for materials listed in the appendix; or (2) One percent by weight of the solution or mixture for materials that are identified as severe marine pollutants in the appendix.
• The MP table is found below the RQ Tables and right after the Hazardous Materials Table (see image below)