HowTo03

HOW TO USE

The Hazardous

Materials Re

ulations

CFR 49 Parts 100 To 185

U.S. Department

of Transportation

Pipeline and

Hazardous Materials

Safety Administration

How to Use the HMR

INFORMATION/RECOMMENDATIONS

Information

The USDOT issues most of the “Transportation” regulations in Title 49 – Transportation,

Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are

in the volume containing Parts 100-185 and govern the transportation of hazardous materials

in all modes of transportation – air, highway, rail and water.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) has the force of the law. The regulations are

issued by Federal agencies to carry out the responsibilities imposed on those agencies by

Congress.

Objectives

Upon completion of this workbook you should be able to:

• locate parts, subparts, sections, and references within the HMR;

• locate and tab reference sections of the HMR; and

• use the HMR to locate specific information.

Materials Checklist

To complete this workbook, you need:

• a current copy of the HMR in 49 CFR Parts 100 to 185;

• paper and pen or pencil for notes and exercises;

• approximately 40 gummed tabs; and

• a straight edge marker or ruler.

Recommendations

The HMR must be used to determine the requirements for shipping hazardous materials

and should be treated like a technical or reference book. Read it carefully and always

read other sections referenced. When determining compliance always use the current HMR

and any Federal Register Notices issued since the publish date. It is recommended that you

tab your copy of 49 CFR Parts 100 to 185. A recommended tabbing guide is on pages 6-7

of this publication.

How to Use the HMR

STRUCTURE OF CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

Basic Outline

The Code of Federal Regulations follows the same basic outline used for most written

material. Headings follow the descending order shown below:

Title: Title 49 – Transportation

SUBTITLE: SUBTITLE B – OTHER REGULATIONS RELATING TO

TRANSPORTATION:

CHAPTER: CHAPTER I – Pipeline and Hazardous Matrerials Safety

Administration, Department of Transportation

SUBCHAPTER: SUBCHAPTER C – HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

REGULATIONS

Part: Part 172 – Hazardous materials tables and hazardous materials

communications regulations, emergency response information, and

training requirements

Subpart* Subpart D – Marking

Section* 172.301

Paragraph* 172.301(a)

Subparagraph* 172.301(a)(1)

Sub-subparagraph* 172.301(a)(1)(i)

* Listed under Parts, as needed, in descending order.

Turn to page 1 in 49 CFR Parts 100-185. Notice the CFR title at the top of the page:

Title 49 — Transportation

The Parts contained in this volume are noted in parentheses:

(This book contains parts 100 to 185)

The SUBTITLE and CHAPTER are also listed:

Part

SUBTITLE B – OTHER REGULATIONS RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION:

CHAPTER I – Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration,

Department of Transportation..............................................................

106

Now locate the CHAPTER I index:

CHAPTER I – PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY

ADMINISTRATION

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Notice that SUBCHAPTER C contains the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

How to Use the HMR

Pyramid Diagram

The pyramid diagram below illustrates the HMR format just discussed and the location of the

HMR in 49 CFR.

Title

SUBTITLE

CHAPTER

SUBCHAPTER

Parts

Rules of Construction, § 171.9

Unless specifically stated otherwise:

• singular words include the plural;

• plural words include the singular;

• masculine words include the feminine;

• “must” means required;

• “shall” means required;

• “should” means recommended, but not required;

• “may” means permitted, but not required;

• “includes” means includes, but not limited to; and

• “no person may ” means no person is required, authorized, or permitted to...

Title 49

Transportation

SUBTITLE B

OTHER REGULATIONS

CHAPTER 1

PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS

MATERIALS SAFETY

ADMINISTRATION,

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

SUBCHAPTER C

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS

Parts 171-180

How to Use the HMR

EXERCISE 1: PARTS

In 49 CFR, Parts 100-185, locate the CHAPTER I index and read the headings under

SUBCHAPTERS A, B and C.

Fill in the blanks designating the Part where each subject is addressed in the HMR.

Part (Number) Heading

Carriage by aircraft

Carriage by rail

Carriage by vessel

Carriage by public highway

General information, regulations and definitions

Hazardous materials tables, special provisions,

hazardous materials communications, emergency

response information, and training requirements

Shippers – General requirements for shipments

and packagings

Specifications for packagings

Specifications for tank cars

Continuing qualification and maintenance of packagings

How to Use the HMR

EXERCISE 2: LOCATING REFERENCE NUMBERS

CFR Reference Numbers. Bold numbers referring to sections are at the top outside corners

of each page of the HMR. These reference numbers have the same location and purpose as

dictionary locator words at the top of each page in a dictionary. That is, the number on the

top left is the CFR reference number that begins that page. The number on the top right of

the facing page is the reference number for the last CFR reference number on that page.

It is important to use these reference numbers rather than page numbers to locate HMR

information. The page numbers in 49 CFR are always changing because of revisions,

additions, deletions, and the annual reprinting of the CFR.

Turn to Subchapter C, the beginning of the HMR.

Subchapter C – Hazardous Materials Regulations

Part 171 – GENERAL INFORMATION, REGULATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS.

Use the reference numbers at the top of the HMR. Notice that Part 171 begins with a table

of contents. The table of contents lists headings within Part 171 by section numbers, not

page numbers.

Scan the sections of Part 171. Notice the Part and Section numbers in bold at the top of

each page; these numbers refer to the section that begins or ends the page.

§ 171.1 49 CFR Ch. 1 (10-01 Edition)

Part 171 – GENERAL

INFORMATION, REGULATIONS,

AND DEFINITIONS

Sec.

171.1 Purpose and scope.

171.2 General requirements.

171.3 Hazardous Waste.

171.4 Marine pollutants.

171.6 Control numbers under the

Paperwork Reduction Act.

171.7 Reference Material.

171.8 Definitions and Abbreviations.

171.9 Rules of construction.

171.10 Units of measure.

171.11 Use of ICAO Technical

Instructions.

171.12 Import and export shipments.

171.12a Canadian shipments

and packagings.

(4) The use of terms and symbols prescribed

in this subchapter for the marking, labeling,

placarding and description of hazardous ma-

terials and packagings used in their trans-

port.

(b) Any person who, under contract with

any department, agency, or instrumentality

of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch

of the Federal Governments, transports, or

causes to be transported or shipped, a hazard-

ous material or manufactures, fabricates,

marks, maintains, reconditions, repairs, or

tests a package or container which is repre-

sented, marked, certified, or sold by such per-

son as qualified for use in the transportation

of a hazardous material shall be subject to

and comply with all provisions of the Federal

hazardous materials transportation law, all

orders and regulations issued thereunder,

and all other substantive and procedural re-

Subchapter C - Hazardous Materials Regulations

How to Use the HMR

EXERCISE 3: SUGGESTED TABBING OF THE HMR

Subject Reference Suggested Tab

General

Exemptions, Preemptions, Registration Part 107 107

Definitions/Abbreviations 171.8 DEF

Hazardous Materials Table 172.101 HMT

Appendix A (Hazardous Substances) Appendix A AP A

Appendix B (Marine Pollutants) Appendix B AP B

Special Provisions 172.102 SP PR

Shipping Papers 172.200 SHP PAP

Certification 172.204 CERT

Hazardous Waste Manifest 172.205 MANFST

Marking 172.300 MRK

Labeling 172.400 LBL

Placarding 172.500 PLAC

Emergency Response Information 172.600 ERI

Training 172.700 TRNG

Classes & Definitions 173.2 CLASS

Precedence Table 173.2a PRE TBL

Waste Packaging Exception 173.12 LAB PK

Packaging-General Requirements 173.24 GEN PKG

Packaging-Add’l Req.-Non-Bulk 173.24a NB

Packaging-Add’l Req.-Bulk 173.24b BULK

Packaging-Reuse 173.28 PKG REUSE

Empty packagings 173.29 MT PKG

Specific Packaging

Packaging-Non-Bulk Part 173, Subpart E NB

Packaging Bulk Part 173, Subpart F BULK

Hazard Class Definitions/Divisions/Packing Groups

Class 1 (Explosives) 173.50 CL 1

Class 2 (Gases) 173.115/116 CL 2

Class 3 (Flammable/Combustible Liquids) 173.120/121 CL 3

Class 4 (Flammable Solid, 173.124/125 CL 4

Spontaneously Combustible,

Dangerous When Wet)

Class 5 (Oxidizers, Organic Peroxides) 173.127/128/129 CL 5

Class 6 (Poisonous Materials/ 173.132/133/134 CL 6

Infectious Substances)

Class 7 (Radioactive Materials) 173.403 CL 7

Class 8 (Corrosive Materials) 173.136/137 CL 8

Class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials) 173.140/141 CL 9

Other Regulated Materials 173.144/145 ORM

How to Use the HMR

EXERCISE 3: SUGGESTED TABBING OF THE HMR (Continued)

Subject Reference Suggested Tab

Exceptions

Class 2 (Gases) 173.306/307 CL 2 EXC

Class 3 (Flammable/Combustible Liquids) 173.150 CL 3 EXC

Class 4 (Flammable Solids) 173.151 CL 4 EXC

Class 5 (Oxidizers, Organic Peroxides) 173.152 CL 5 EXC

Div. 6.1 (Poisonous Materials) 173.153 DIV 6.1 EXC

Class 8 (Corrosive Materials) 173.154 CL 8 EXC

Class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials) 173.155 CL 9 EXC

Other Regulated Materials 173.156 ORM-D EXC

Carrier Requirements

Rail PART 174 RAIL

Aircraft PART 175 AIR

Vessel PART 176 VES

Highway PART 177 HWY

Packagings Specs

Purpose and Scope 178.1 Scope

Applicability & Responsibility 178.2 App

Specs for Inner Receptacles 178.33 Inner

Specs for Cylinders 178.35 Cyl

Specs for Portable Tanks 178.245 PT

Specs for Cargo Tanks

– MC331 178.337 331

– MC338 178.338 338

– DOT406 178.346 406

– DOT407 178.347 407

– DOT412 178.348 412

Pkgs for Class 7 178.350 RAM

NB Performance Oriented Pkgs. 178.500 POP

Tests – NB Pkgs. 178.600 NBTest

Intermediate Bulk Container Stds. 178.700 IBCs

Testing of IBCs 178.800 IBCTest

How to Use the HMR

EXERCISE 4: FINDING A SPECIFIC SECTION

A. Locate the definition of a hazard class, for example: Class 1 – Explosives.

– Start by looking in §171.8

– § 171.8 refers you to § 173.50

– Use the reference numbers at the top of the HMR pages to locate

“§ 173.50 Class 1 – definitions”

– Read the definition

B. Locate a specific reference, such as “§ 172.201(a)(1)(iii)”

– Use the reference numbers at the top of the HMR pages to find the

number closest to § 172.201.

– Follow the step-by-step process illustrated below:

§ 172.201

§ 172.201 General Entries

(a) Contents. When a description of hazardous

material is required to be included on a shipping paper,

that description must conform to the following

requirements:

(1) When a hazardous material and a material

not subject to the requirements of this subchapter are

described on the same shipping paper, the hazardous

material description entries required by §172.202 and

those additional entries that may be required by

§172.203:

(i) Must be entered first, or

(ii) Must be entered in a color that clearly

contrasts with any description on the shipping paper

of a material not subject to the requirements of this

subchapter, except that a description on a reproduction

of a shipping paper may be highlighted, rather than

printed, in a contrasting color (the provisions of this

paragraph apply only to the basic description required

by § 172.202(a) (1) and (2), and (3), or

(iii) Must be identified by the entry of an “X”

placed before the proper shipping name in a column

captioned “HM.” (The “X” may be replaced by “RQ”

if appropriate.)

(2) The required shipping description on a

shipping paper and all copies thereof used for

transportation purposes, must be legible and printed

(manually or mechanically) in English.

1. Look at the top of the pages in 49 CFR for the

bold number (§ 172.201). The first three

numbers indicate the Part (172).

2. The title of § 172.201 is “General Entries.”

3. Paragraph – “(a)” the first paragraph under

General Entries pertains to contents of the

shipping paper. § 172.201(a)

4. Subparagraph – There are four subparagraphs

under paragraph (a). § 172.201(a)(1)-(4)

5. Sub-subparagraph – § 172.201(a)(1) has

three sub-subparagraphs: (i)-(iii).

6. Find “§ 172.201(a)(1)(iii)” and complete this

sentence: “Must be identified by the entry of

an placed before the

proper shipping name . . .”

7. ”X” is the correct answer.

How to Use the HMR

EXERCISE 5: COMMUNICATING THE HAZARD

The proper shipping name, hazard class or division, packing group, markings, labels, and

placards communicate the hazards of a material. To locate the proper shipping name and

transportation requirements of a hazardous material, turn to the Hazardous Materials Table

(HMT) in Part 172. The Hazardous Materials Table is the backbone of the regulations.

Use the table of contents at the beginning of Part 172 to complete the exercise below.

Fill in the blanks.

Subpart Heading Section

A General 172.1-172.3

B Hazardous Materials Table*

B 172.102

Shipping Papers 172.200-172.205

D 172.300-172.338

E Labeling 172.400-

F Placarding 172.500-172.560

G Emergency Information 172.600-172.604

APPENDICES

Appendix A, Table 1 and 2 to § 172.101–

Appendix B to § 172.101–

Appendix C to PART 172 –

* includes: Appendix A – Hazardous Substances

Appendix B – Marine Pollutants

How to Use the HMR

FREQUENTLY USED REFERENCES

Part 106 Rulemaking Procedures

Part 107 Hazardous Materials Program Procedures

(Exemptions, Preemption, Designation of Approval and

Certification Agencies, Enforcement, and Registration)

Part 171 General Information, Regulations, and Definitions

• 171.8 Definitions and abbreviations

• 171.9 Rules of construction

• 171.11 Use of ICAO Technical Instructions

• 171.12 Import and export shipments

• 171.12a Canadian shipments and packagings

• 171.15/16 Hazardous material incidents - notify/report

Part 172 Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions, Hazardous Materials

Communications, Emergency Response Information, and Training

Requirements

• 172.1 Purpose and scope

• 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table

• 172.102 Special provisions

• 172.200 Shipping papers – Applicability

• 172.300 Marking – Applicability

• 172.400 General labeling requirements

• 172.500 Placarding – Applicability

• 172.600 Emergency response information

• 172.700 Training requirements

Part 173 Shippers – General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings

• 173.1 Purpose and scope

• 173.2 Hazardous materials classes and index to definitions

• 173.3 Packaging and exceptions

• 173.4 Small quantity exceptions

• 173.5 Agricultural operations

• 173.6 Materials of trade exceptions

• 173.21 Forbidden materials and packages

• 173.22 Shipper’s responsibility

• 173.24 General Requirements for Packagings and Packages

• 173.24a Additional requirements for non-bulk packagings and packages

• 173.24b Additional requirements for bulk packagings

• 173.25 Authorized packages and overpacks

• 173.27 General requirements for transportation by aircraft

• 173.28 Reuse, reconditioning, and remanufacture of packagings

• 173.29 Empty packagings

• 173.30 Loading and unloading of transport vehicles

• 173.301 General requirements for shipments of compressed gases in cylinders and spherical

pressure vessels

How to Use the HMR

SPECIFIC HAZARD CLASSES

References

• 173.50 Class 1 (Explosives)

• 173.115 Class 2 (Divisions 2.1, 2.2, & 2.3) (Gases)

• 173.120 Class 3 (Flammable liquids/Combustible liquids)

• 173.124 Class 4 (Divisions 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3)

Division 4.1 (Flammable Solid)

Division 4.2 (Spontaneously Combustible Material)

Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet)

• 173.127 Class 5, Division 5.1 (Oxidizers)

• 173.128 Class 5, Division 5.2 (Organic Peroxide)

• 173.132 Class 6, Division 6.1 (Poisonous Materials)

• 173.134 Class 6, Division 6.2 (Infectious Substances)

• 173.403 Class 7 (Radioactive Materials)

• 173.136 Class 8 (Corrosive Materials)

• 173.140 Class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials)

• 173.144 Other Regulated Materials (ORM)

Packing groups are designated in Column 5 of the § 172.101 Table and indicate the degree

of danger presented by the material. Packing groups are

not assigned to all classes of

materials. The shipper is responsible for determining the appropriate packing group.

Packing Group I PG I Great Danger

Packing Group II PG II Medium Danger

Packing Group III PG III Minor Danger

If more than one packing group is indicated for an entry, the packing group for the

hazardous material must be determined using the criteria found in Subpart D of Part 173.

For example: Ketones, liquid, n.o.s. is listed in the HMT as a PG I, II, and III material.

The shipper must determine the packing group for the material by applying the criteria in

§ 173.121, Class 3 – Assignment of packing group.

Packing Group Flash Point Initial Boiling Point

<35°C (95°F)

II <23°C (73°F) >35°C (95°F)

III

>23°C, <60.5°C (141°F) >35°C (95°F)

< = less than; < = less than, or equal to; > = more than; > = more than, or equal to

How to Use the HMR

Symbols

Hazardous materials

descriptions and proper

shipping names

(1) (2) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Exceptions

(8A)

Non-

bulk

(8B)

Bulk

(8C)

Passenger

aircraft/rail

(9A)

Cargo

aircraft

only

(9B)

Location

(10A)

Other

(10B)

(8)

Packaging

(§173.***)

(9)

Quantity limitations

(10)

Vessel stowage

Special provisions

Hazard

class or

Division

Identifica-

tion

Numbers

Label

Codes

Sodium peroxide..............

Sodium peroxoborate,

anhydrous

Sodium Persulfate...........

5.1

UN1504

UN3247

UN1505

III

5.1..........

A20, N34...........

..........................

A1......................

None....

152.....

211....

212....

213....

240.....

None... Forbidden

5 kg...........

25 kg.........

15 kg.....

25 kg.....

100 kg...

13, 75, 106

13, 25, 106

............

STEP 3

DETERMINE

PACKAGING

STEP 4

LABELING

STEP 1

CLASSIFY

STEP 2

SYMBOL

STEP 6

WATER

STEP 5

AIR/RAIL

§172.101 Hazardous Materials Table

(3)

STEP

Determine proper shipping name*

Hazard class or division

Identification number

Packing group (PG)

STEP

TASK

HMT

COLUMN

Determine symbol

Determine Packaging

Exceptions

Non-Bulk Packaging

Bulk Packaging

Determine if any special provisions for

the material apply

Determine labels

Determine air/rail quantity limits

Determine water requirements

9A & 9B

10A & 10B

*Note: Check the Appendices. The material may also be a hazardous

substance (Appendix A) or a marine pollutant (Appendix B).

HMT

COLUMN

Example of HMT, § 172.101

How to Use the HMR

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TABLE - SUMMARY

The process of complying (or determining compliance) with the HMR, always centers

around the § 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Review part 172, Subpart B,

§ 172.101(a)-(k). A very brief description of this process follows:

Step One: Identify the material by:

• Proper Shipping Name (Col. 2)

• Hazard Class or Division (Col. 3)

• Identification Number (Col. 4)

• Packing Group, (if appropriate) (Col. 5)

REMEMBER, ALWAYS CHECK THE APPENDICES TO THE HMT (172.101)

Appendix A – The hazardous material may also be a hazardous substance.

Appendix B – The hazardous material may also be a marine pollutant.

Step Two: Check symbols and determine if restrictions

(+, A, D, G, I or W) apply. (Col. 1)

Step Three: Determine Packaging – For the material selected,

determine the authorized packaging. (Col. 8A, 8B, 8C)

Check Special Provisions – For the material selected,

determine if any Special Provisions apply. (Col. 7)

Step Four: Label the package(s) – For the material selected,

determine the required hazard warning label(s). (Col. 6)

[Note: Marking (§ 172.300) and Placarding (§ 172.500), as required.]

Step Five: Check Air or Rail Limitations – For transportation by

air and/or rail, determine packaging limits. (Col. 9A, 9B)

Step Six: Check Water Limitations – For transportation by water,

determine vessel shipment requirements. (Col. 10A, 10B)

Additional requirements

• 172.204 Shipper’s certification

• 172.301/302 Package Marking

• 172.402 Additional Labeling

• 172.504 Placarding

• 172.602/604 Emergency Response Information and Telephone Number

How to Use the HMR

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TABLE – SUMMARY (Continued)

Appendix A: Hazardous Substances

1. The hazardous material is also a hazardous substance when:

• the material is listed in Appendix A (HMT § 172.101),

• concentration limits are exceeded,

and

• the amount in one package, equals or exceeds the reportable quantity (RQ).

Note: Petroleum lubricants and fuel products are not considered

hazardous substances.

2. Read the footnotes to Appendix A; the footnotes may affect the proper

shipping name selection.

Appendix B: Marine Pollutants

1. The hazardous material is also a marine pollutant when:

• the material is listed in Appendix B (HMT § 172.101),

and

• when in solution or mixture, the concentration by weight is:

– 10% for material listed in Appendix B,

– 1% for material identified as “severe marine pollutant” in Appendix B.

2. Requirements specific to marine pollutants:

• apply to all Marine Pollutants transported by vessel

and

• do not apply to non-bulk shipments by rail, air, or highway.

How to Use the HMR

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE HMR

A. Are You Subject to the HMR?

Yes No

1. Do you prepare and offer and/or transport any  

hazardous material(s) by motor vehicle, rail car,

aircraft or vessel?

2. Do you manufacture, repair or recondition containers  

for the transportation of hazardous materials?

B. Do You Understand the Scope of the HMR?

T F

1. Industry standards have been incorporated into the  

hazardous materials regulations.

2. Some words have different meanings when used in  

conjunction with the HMR.

3. Air shipments may be transported in accordance with  

the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Technical Instructions.

4. Import shipments require certification prior to  

acceptance by the initial carrier in the US.

5. Shipments can move through the United States under  

Canadian regulations.

6. Hazardous materials incidents/spills may require  

immediate and/or written notification to the USDOT.

How to Use the HMR

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE HMR – ANSWERS

A. Are You Subject to the HMR?

If you answered Yes to question 1 and/or question 2, the Hazardous Materials

Regulations apply to you. You must comply with all aspects of the HMR, including

training of hazmat employees (see Subpart H, § 172.700.) You may also be required

to register with and pay a fee to the USDOT (see Subpart G, § 107.601.)

Recommendation: Read §§ 171.1 and 171.2 of the HMR to determine how the

regulations apply to you.

B. Do You Understand the Scope of the HMR?

1. True

Industry standards have been incorporated by reference and have the force

of the law. See § 171.7.

2. True

Some words do have different meanings when used in conjunction with the HMR.

Become familiar with the definitions in § 171.8 and use the Glossary on page 18

of this document.

3. True

Air shipments may be transported in accordance with the ICAO Technical

Instructions. For more details read § 171.11.

4. True

Import shipments require certification prior to acceptance by the initial carrier

in the US. See § 171.12.

5. True

Shipments prepared according to Canada’s TDG regulations may enter

and/or transit the United States. See § 171.12a.

6. True

Hazardous materials incidents and/or spills meeting the conditions in

171.15 require notification to the USDOT. Please read the details in

§§ 171.15 and 171.16.

How to Use the HMR

RESOURCES FOR TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE

THE OFFICE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INITIATIVES AND TRAINING (OHMIT) – The USDOT’s

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) OHMIT is responsible for the

development and dissemination of hazmat training, technical assistance, and information to enhance

compliance, enforcement uniformity and emergency preparedness.

• H

AZMAT SAFETY ASSISTANCE TEAM (HMSAT) – The HMSAT was established to

make industry aware of the regulatory requirements, to help businesses find the resources

needed to comply with the HMR, and to provide technical assistance to the emergency

response and planning community. Field staff are located in GA, NJ, TX, IL, and CA.

For more information:

http://hazmat.dot.gov

Hazardous Materials U.S. Department of Transportation

Information Center Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Office of Hazardous Materials Initiatives and Training, PHH-50

Washington, DC 20590-0001

E-Mail: T[email protected]

Fax: (202) 366-7342

Phone: (202) 366-2301

(800) 467-4922

(202) 366-4488

How to Use the HMR

Acronyms and Common Abbreviations

AAR Association of American Railroads

API American Petroleum Institute

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ATA American Trucking Associations, Inc.

ATAA Air Transport Association of America

B of E Bureau of Explosives (AAR)

Btu British Thermal Unit

C Celsius or Centigrade

CAER Community Awareness and Emergency Response Program (CMA)

CAS No. Chemical Abstract Service number

CDG Carriage of Dangerous Goods Subcommittee

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,

and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund)

CERT Council of Energy Resource Tribes

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CGA Compressed Gas Association

CHEMTREC Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CMA)

CHLOREP The Chlorine Emergency Plan

CHRIS Chemical Hazards Response Information System (USDOT/USCG)

CMA Chemical Manufacturers Association

COE Committee of Experts on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (UN)

CTDG Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods

CVSA Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

DEA Drug Enforcement Administration (US)

DOC Department of Commerce (US)

DOD Department of Defense (US)

DOE Department of Energy (US)

DOJ Department of Justice (US)

DOT Department of Transportation (US)

EPA Environmental Protection Agency (US)

FAA Federal Aviation Administration (USDOT)

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FHSA Federal Hazardous Substance Act

FHWA Federal Highway Administration (USDOT)

FIFRA Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

FMCSR Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (USDOT)

FRA Federal Railroad Administration (USDOT)

HM Hazardous Materials

HAZMAT Hazardous Materials

HMIS Hazardous Materials Information System (USDOT/PHMSA)

GLOSSARY

How to Use the HMR

HMR Hazardous Materials Regulations

HMT Hazardous Materials Table

HMTA Hazardous Materials Transportation Act

HMTUSA Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act

IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency

IATA International Air Transport Association

IATA/DGR International Air Transport Association, Dangerous Goods Regulations

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization

ICAO/TI International Civil Aviation Organization/Technical Instructions

IFFA International Federation of Forwarding Agents

ID No. Identification Number

IM Intermodal Portable Tank

IME Institute of Makers of Explosives

IMO International Maritime Organization

IMO/IMDG International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

INTEREC International Regulations Committee (HMAC)

LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee

Ltd. Qty. Limited Quantity

MAWP Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

MCSAP Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (USDOT/FHWA)

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

MRHT Marked Rated Holding Time

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet

NA North America

NAERG North American Emergency Response Guidebook

NASTTPO National Association of SARA Title III Program Officers

NCITD National Council on International Trade Documentation

NCCEM National Coordination Council of Emergency Management

NCP National Contingency Plan

NEMA National Emergency Management Association

NESHAP National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

NMFC National Motor Freight Classification

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

N.O.I. Not Otherwise Indexed

N.O.I.B.N. Not Otherwise Indexed by Name

N.O.S. Not Otherwise Specified

NPGA National Propane Gas Association

NRC National Response Center (USDOT/USCG)

NRT National Response Team

NSWMA National Solid Waste Management Association

Acronyms and Common Abbreviations (Continued)

How to Use the HMR

Acronyms and Common Abbreviations (Continued)

NTTC National Tank Truck Carriers

NVOCC Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier

OHMIT Office of Hazardous Materials Initiatives and Training (USDOT/PHMSA)

OHMS Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (USDOT/PHMSA)

OIC Officer in Charge

OPA Oil Pollution Act (1990)

ORANGE BOOK UN Recommendations on Transport of Dangerous Goods

ORM Other Regulated Materials

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OWTT One Way Travel Time

PG Packing Group

PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

PIH Poison-Inhalation Hazard

PL Public Law

POP Performance-Oriented Packaging

P.s.i. Pounds per square inch

P.s.i.a. Pounds per square inch absolute

P.s.i.g. Pounds per square inch gauge

QT Quenched and Tempered

RAM Radioactive Materials

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1980)

RL Regulated Limit (Canadian equivalent to RQ)

RQ Reportable Quantity

SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986

SERC State Emergency Response Commission

SCF Standard Cubic Foot

STC Single Trip Container

TC Transport Canada

TDG Transportation of Dangerous Goods (Canada)

TI Transport Index

TIH Toxic Inhalation Hazard

Title III “Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know”

section of SARA

TOFC Trailer-On-Flatcar

TSCA Toxic Substance and Control Act

TSI Transportation Safety Institute (USDOT/RITA)

TTMA Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association

UN United Nations

UFC Uniform Freight Classification

UHWM Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest

USCG United States Coast Guard

VNTSC Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (USDOT/RITA)

How to Use the HMR

Hazardous Materials Transportation Terms

NOTE: See 49 CFR § 171.8 for in-depth definitions

Bulk Packaging A packaging (transport vehicle or freight container) in which

hazardous materials are loaded with no intermediate form of

containment, when the internal volume is greater than:

(1) 450 liters (119 gallons) for a liquid;

(2) 400 kilograms (882 pounds) net mass for a solid; or

(3) 454 kilograms (1,000 pounds) water capacity for a gas.

Note: A bulk packaging is not a vessel or barge.

Cargo Product, including its packaging.

Cargo Tank A bulk packaging that is loaded or unloaded without being

removed from the motor vehicle. (The tank may or may not be

permanently attached to the motor vehicle).

Chart 12 DOT’s Hazardous Materials Marking, Labeling and

Placarding Guide.

Compatibility Relates to possible interactions between a material and

(1) its container, or

(2) other products that may be loaded or transported together.

Compressed Gas Material or mixture meeting criteria in § 173.115(b), (absolute

pressure of 280 kPa [41 psia]) at 20°C [68° F] or greater).

Compound Two or more ingredients that are chemically united.

Consist Sequentially lists the location of each rail car in a train. May

serve as the shipping paper if the consist has all the information

required by the USDOT.

Dangerous Goods International term for hazardous materials.

Documentation Completed forms required to accompany hazardous materials.

For example, shipping papers, certificates, emergency response

information, or manifests.

Emergency Response Information that can be used in the mitigation of an incident

Information involving hazardous materials.

Etiologic Agent See Infectious Substance.

Exceptions Relief from certain HM regulations; applies to everyone.

Exemptions Specific USDOT-written relief from certain HM Regulations, for

shippers, carriers, or manufacturers; 2 year limit but may be

renewed. (Part 107, Subpart B of 49 CFR)

How to Use the HMR

Hazardous Materials Transportation Terms (continued)

Flash Point The minimum temperature at which a substance gives off

flammable vapor(s). Substance will ignite when coming in

contact with a spark or flame.

Forbidden A material that is prohibited from being offered or accepted

for transportation. This prohibition does not apply if these

materials are:

• diluted, stabilized, or incorporated into devices

and

• classed in accordance with Part 173. (See § 172.101(d)(1)).

Generator An EPA term used for a hazardous waste producer and/or

shipper.

Grants Planning and training grants to deal with hazardous materials

emergencies.

Gross Weight Total weight of packaging, including its contents.

Hazard Class A group of hazardous materials that share dangerous

characteristics. The USDOT has identified nine hazard classes

based on the dangers posed in transportation.

Hazard Division A means of sub-dividing similar hazardous materials which

require different hazard communications.

Hazardous Material A substance or material capable of posing an unreasonable risk to

health, safety, or property when transported in commerce.

Hazardous Substance A material listed in Appendix A to § 172.101 and the quantity in

one package equals or exceeds the reportable quantity (RQ).

Material may be in solution or mixture. This definition

does not

apply to petroleum (lubricants or fuel) products.

Note: For radionuclides, refer to Table 2 of Appendix A to

the HMT.

Hazardous Waste Any material that is subject to the Hazardous Waste Manifest

requirements of the EPA. Refer to 40 CFR Part 262.

Hazardous Waste A specific shipping document required by the USDOT

Manifest and the EPA for hazardous waste shipments. Also referred to as

the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (UHWM).

If all USDOT requirements [i.e., the basic description (proper

shipping name, hazard class/division, ID No., and packing group)

are entered on the UHWM, the manifest may be used as a

shipping paper. (49 CFR § 172.205)

How to Use the HMR

Hazardous Materials Transportation Terms (continued)

Identification Number The UN or NA “four-digit number” assigned to hazardous

(ID No.) materials, i.e., UN 1203. ID numbers are listed in Col. 4 of the

HMT. Used for identification and emergency response.

In-association-with Refers to the placement of required additional entries on the

shipping paper. Usually placed after the complete description for

a hazardous material. May be any format, as long as it is clearly

part of the entry.

Incident Unintentional release of hazardous material(s).

Infectious Substance Living microorganism or its toxin which may cause severe,

disabling or fatal disease. Term synonymous with Etiologic

Agent. (49 CFR, § 173.134)

Irritating Material A liquid or solid substance. Upon contact with fire or air, the

material gives off dangerous or intensely irritating fumes.

Irritating Material does not include any poisonous material.

Labels Hazard class identifiers required on hazardous materials

packaging; 100 mm diamond shaped (square-on-point);

identify hazard class by symbol, color and sometimes, by name.

Limited Quantity The amount of material for which there is a specific

(Ltd. Qty.) labeling or packaging exception.

Marine Pollutant Hazardous material which is:

• listed in Appendix B to § 172.101 and,

• when in a solution or mixture of one or more marine

pollutants, is packaged in a concentration (for materials

listed in Appendix B) which equals or exceeds:

(1) 10% by weight of the solution or mixture, or

(2) 1% by weight of the solution or mixture for

materials that are identified as severe marine

pollutants.

Markings Information required to be placed on the outside of the shipping

container; may include one or more of the following:

• proper shipping name;

• identification number;

• UN standard packaging marks;

• instructions/caution.

Mitigate To make less severe. Measures to prevent, or lessen the results of

a release of hazardous materials.

Mixture A material composed of one or more compounds.

How to Use the HMR

Hazardous Materials Transportation Terms (continued)

Motor Vehicle A motor carrier that transports property for hire.

Common Carrier

Motor Vehicle A motor carrier that transports only property for those shippers

Contract Carrier with whom they have a contractual agreement.

Motor Vehicle A motor carrier that transports property of which it is owner,

Private Carrier lessee, or bailee. Such transportation is for the purpose of sale,

lease, or rent.

Multiple Hazards A material meeting the definition of more than one hazard class/

division. The material must be classed according to its

position on the Precedence of Hazard Table in 49 CFR, § 173.2a.

Net Weight A measure of weight referring only to the contents of a package.

It does not include the weight of any packaging material.

Non-Bulk Packaging A packaging which has an internal volume equal to or less than:

(1) 450 liters (119 gallons) for a liquid; or

(2) 400 kilograms (882 pounds) net mass for a solid; or

(3) 454 kilograms (1,000 pounds) water capacity for a gas.

Overpack An enclosure that is used by a single consignor to provide

protection or convenience in the handling of a package. It may

consolidate two or more packages.

Package Packaging plus its contents.

Packaging A receptacle and any other components or materials used to

provide containment. The packaging must perform its

containment function in conformance with the HMR.

Packaging Exception Provides general relief from certain specification packaging

requirements of the HMR.

Packaging Exemption Specific written administrative relief granted by PHMSA from

certain requirements of the HMR. Packaging must provide

equivalent levels of safety.

Packing Group Assigned based on the degree of danger presented by the

hazardous material:

PG I – Great Danger

PG II – Medium Danger

PG III – Minor Danger

Performance-Oriented Container and any other components or materials necessary

Packaging for the packaging to perform its containment function. Specific

testing procedures must be performed and so marked on the

packaging.

How to Use the HMR

Hazardous Materials Transportation Terms (continued)

Person Any of the following:

• Individual

• Firm

• Co-Partner

• Corporation

• Company

• Association

• Joint-stock association (including any trustee, receiver,

assignee, or similar representative thereof), or

• Government or Indian tribe, (agency or instrumentality

of any government or Indian Tribe).

Placard Hazard class identifiers required on transport vehicles or

freight containers; placards are 273 mm (10.8 inches) diamond

shaped (square-on-point) and hazard class color-coded. May

require numbers for identification and emergency response.

(Part 172, Subpart F)

Placarding Process of determining and applying correct placards.

(Part 172, Subpart F)

Portable Tank A bulk packaging designed to be loaded on or temporarily

attached to a transport vehicle or vessel.

Preemption State or local requirements that conflict with the Federal

hazardous materials transportation law may be set aside by the

Federal Government. (See Subpart C – Preemption, § 107.201.)

Primary Label Label for primary hazard of the material. Class number in lower

part of label is required. (49 CFR § 172.402)

Proper Shipping Name Name listed in Roman type in the HMT, § 172.101. Italicized

names are not proper shipping names.

Radioactive Materials Materials having a specific activity of greater than 0.002

microcuries per gram. (49 CFR § 173.403)

Registration A person who transports or offers for transportation certain

hazardous materials is required to register and pay a fee to the

USDOT. (See § 107.601.)

Registration for Procedure for persons who manufacture, assemble, inspect,

Cargo Tanks test, certify or repair a cargo tank or cargo tank motor vehicle.

(See § 107.501.)

Reportable Quantity RQ means the quantity specified in Column 2 of Appendix A to

(RQ) § 172.101 for any material identified in Column 1 of the appendix.

How to Use the HMR

Hazardous Materials Transportation Terms (continued)

Residue The hazardous materials remaining in a packaging, tank car, etc.

after unloading.

Shipping Papers Manifest, bill of lading, shipping order, or document to

accompany hazardous materials shipments. Must contain

information required by USDOT. (See Part 172, Subpart C.)

Solution Homogenous liquid mixture of two (2) or more chemical

compounds. The mixture will not separate during transportation.

Specification Packaging Packaging specifically designed for a particular class or classes of

hazardous material. Packaging identified by UN standard

packaging and/or USDOT specification number.

State Variations Listed in the ICAO Technical Instructions; governmental options

differing from the ICAO Technical Instructions.

Strong Outside Outermost enclosure for protecting inner packages and

Container preventing unintentional release of contents during

transportation.

Subsidiary Identify the subsidiary or secondary hazard(s). Class number must

Labels/Placards not be shown on the label/placard. (See §§ 172.402, and

172.519(b)(4))

Technical Name A recognized chemical name currently used in scientific and

technical handbooks, journals and texts. Trade names may not be

used as technical names, unless they are in the HMT.

Transport Index The dimensionless number on the label of a radioactive materials

package. Designates the degree of control necessary during

transportation.

Unit Load Device Any type of freight container, aircraft container, aircraft pallet

with a net, or aircraft pallet with a net over an igloo.

How to Use the HMR

Notes

How to Use the HMR

Notes

For information about other

Hazmat Publications

Visit our web site:

http://hazmat.dot.gov

Or write:

U.S. Department of Transportation

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, PHH-50

Washington, DC 20590-0001

Fax: (202)366-7342

E-Mail: [email protected]ov

Phone: (202)366-2301

Hazardous Materials

INFO-LINE

(800) HMR49-22

(800) 467-4922

PHH50-0047-0205