FL CDL Hazmat key terms

The 49 CFR 172.101 table that lists regulated materials by proper shipping name and gives their hazard class, identification number, packing group, label codes, packaging exceptions, and quantity limits. Shippers look up each material here first.

The paperwork that must accompany a hazmat shipment, such as a bill of lading or manifest. It must show the basic description in the required sequence and stay within reach of the driver during transport.

The required sequence of information on a shipping paper: proper shipping name, hazard class or division, UN or NA identification number, and packing group. These four elements must appear together in that order.

The name of the hazardous material exactly as it appears in the Hazardous Materials Table. It must be used on shipping papers and package markings rather than a brand name or common nickname.

The four-digit number, usually preceded by UN or NA, that identifies a hazardous material. It appears in the basic description on shipping papers and on orange panels or markings for certain shipments.

One of nine categories that group hazardous materials by the type of risk they pose, such as flammable liquid, corrosive, or radioactive. The class or division number appears in the basic description and drives labeling and placarding.

A subdivision within a hazard class that narrows the risk, such as Division 1.1 for mass-explosion explosives or Division 6.1 for toxic materials. Division numbers appear in the basic description and on labels.

A Roman numeral (I, II, or III) assigned to many hazardous materials to reflect the degree of danger, with I being the greatest. It appears in the basic description and affects packaging and quantity rules.

Information that must accompany a hazmat shipping paper and describe immediate hazards, firefighting or spill response, and emergency contacts. It can be a guidebook page, a phone number with instructions, or a similar document.

A reference organized by guide number that gives initial response actions for incidents involving hazardous materials. Drivers and responders use its four-digit ID number index to find protective actions and first aid guidance.

A signed statement on a shipping paper confirming that the material is offered for transport in proper condition and is properly classified, described, packaged, marked, and labeled under the regulations. It is often a preprinted signature block.

The party that offers a hazardous material for transportation and is responsible for classification, packaging, marking, labeling, and shipping papers. Also called the shipper; the term appears in federal hazmat regulations.

The company or person that transports a hazardous material and must ensure paperwork, placards, and package condition are correct before and during the trip. Carriers also handle incident reporting and securement duties.

The chemical or scientific name of a hazardous material that may be required in parentheses after a generic proper shipping name, such as a n.o.s. entry. It helps responders identify the specific substance involved.

A generic proper shipping name used when a material does not have its own specific table entry. An n.o.s. name usually requires a technical name in parentheses and follows the rules for that generic entry.

A material listed in the environmental regulations that is released in a reportable quantity and triggers special shipping paper rules. The words "RQ" and the reportable quantity must be shown for such shipments.

The amount of a hazardous substance that, if released, must be reported to federal authorities. On shipping papers, the letters RQ appear before the proper shipping name when a package contains that quantity or more.

A material that poses a risk to the marine environment and requires special documentation and marking. On shipping papers, the words "Marine Pollutant" must appear when the material meets the regulatory criteria.

A multi-copy tracking document required when hazardous waste is shipped for disposal. It records the waste, its hazard class, the generator, the transporter, and the receiving facility, and must accompany the load.

Material that is discarded or intended to be discarded and meets hazardous waste criteria. Shipments require a manifest, specific marking and labeling, and often placards, and are handled under both hazmat and environmental rules.

Required information placed directly on a package, such as the proper shipping name, identification number, and orientation arrows. Markings are printed or affixed by the shipper and are separate from hazard warning labels.

A diamond-shaped hazard warning placard-sized sticker applied to a package, showing the hazard class symbol, name, and division number. Labels communicate the specific hazard of the material inside the package.

A large, diamond-shaped warning sign mounted on the outside of a transport vehicle, rail car, or bulk container. It identifies the hazard class of the contents and is required above certain quantity thresholds.

Hazardous materials that require placards on a vehicle for any quantity, including certain explosives, poison gases, and dangerous-when-wet materials. Even a small amount of a Table 1 material triggers placarding.

The rule that materials in Table 2 require placards only when the aggregate quantity in the vehicle reaches 1,001 pounds or more. Below that threshold, placards are generally not required for those materials.

The total combined weight of all materials in a vehicle that fall under the same placarding category. It determines whether the 1,001-pound threshold for Table 2 placarding has been met.

A rule that allows fewer or no placards in specific situations, such as small quantities of certain materials or shipments that qualify under the 1,001-pound rule. The exceptions never apply to Table 1 materials.

A placard bearing the word DANGEROUS that may be used instead of separate placards when a vehicle carries two or more categories of Table 2 materials that together meet the quantity threshold.

A rectangular orange marking on tanks and bulk packages that displays the four-digit identification number of the contents. It supplements placards and helps responders identify the material from a distance.

The container and any inner packagings, cushioning, and closures used to hold a hazardous material. Packaging must be authorized for the material and meet performance standards for its packing group.

A packaging with a capacity of 119 gallons or less for liquids, or 882 pounds or less for solids, and 450 liters or less for gases. Most drums, boxes, and jerricans used for hazmat fall in this category.

A packaging with a capacity greater than 119 gallons for liquids, 882 pounds for solids, or 450 liters for gases, such as a cargo tank or portable tank. Bulk shipments have different marking and placarding rules.

A code stamped on certified packaging that identifies its type, performance level, and special features, such as "1A1" for a closed-head steel drum. It shows the package was tested to UN standards.

The highest hazard packing group, assigned to materials presenting great danger. It requires the strongest authorized packagings and has the strictest quantity limits and testing standards.

A bulk packaging permanently attached to a vehicle, used to carry liquids or gases. Cargo tanks require specific markings, placards, and inspection and testing records under the regulations.

A small-quantity exception that allows reduced marking, labeling, and paperwork for packages meeting size and packaging limits. The package still must show the limited quantity marking and comply with the applicable rules.

Two upward-pointing arrows or a similar symbol placed on opposite sides of a package to show the correct upright position. They are required for certain liquid hazardous materials in non-bulk packagings.

The words "Inhalation Hazard" required on packages of materials that pose a toxic risk when inhaled. Such packages also carry a POISON label and may need a POISON INHALATION HAZARD placard.

The word "RESIDUE" plus the proper shipping name and identification number required on a bulk package that still contains hazardous material residue after unloading. It alerts responders that the container is not empty.