The Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101): How to Look Up Any Material

The Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) in 49 CFR 172.101 is a comprehensive resource for identifying hazardous materials during shipping. To look up any material, locate the proper shipping name or UN number and cross-reference it with the corresponding hazard class and packing group.

Understanding the Hazardous Materials Table

The HMT is mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure the safe transport of hazardous materials. It contains over 3,000 entries for hazardous materials and articles, providing crucial information for proper handling, labeling, and documentation.

The structure of the HMT includes columns that detail the proper shipping name, UN number, hazard class or division, subsidiary risk, packing group, label codes, and special provisions. This table is designed to be a quick reference for shippers, carriers, and handlers to identify the hazards associated with specific materials.

Proper shipping names in the HMT are standardized to ensure consistency across industries. These names help in clearly identifying hazardous materials regardless of their origin or destination. For example, the proper shipping name for gasoline is "Gasoline," while the UN number assigned to it is 1203.

How to Use the Hazardous Materials Table

To look up any material in the HMT, follow these steps:

Identify the Material: Determine the proper shipping name or UN number of your material. This information can be found on the material's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or packaging label.
Locate the Entry: Open the HMT and find the proper shipping name or UN number in the respective columns. The table is typically organized alphabetically by proper shipping name for easy reference.
Cross-Reference Information: Once you have located the entry, cross-reference it with the corresponding hazard class, packing group, label codes, and special provisions. This information is crucial for determining how to handle, package, label, and document the shipment.

For example, if you are shipping "Sulfuric Acid," you would look up its proper shipping name in the HMT. The entry will provide the UN number (1830), hazard class (8), packing group (II), and other relevant information needed for compliance.

Key Columns in the HMT

The HMT includes several key columns that provide essential information for hazardous materials shipping:

Proper Shipping Name: The standardized name used to identify the hazardous material. This ensures consistency across industries and regulatory bodies.
UN Number: A four-digit code assigned to hazardous materials, recognized internationally. It helps in quickly identifying the material and its associated hazards.
Hazard Class or Division: Indicates the type of hazard posed by the material, ranging from Class 1 (Explosives) to Class 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous goods).
Packing Group: Categorizes materials into three groups based on their degree of danger during transport. Packing Group I is the most dangerous, while Packing Group III is the least.
Label Codes: Specify the labels required for the material's packaging to indicate its hazards clearly.
Special Provisions: Additional requirements or exceptions that apply to specific materials. These provisions are denoted by letters and numbers (e.g., TP1, T2) and must be followed for compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Accurate material identification is crucial for safety and compliance. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Incorrect Proper Shipping Name: Ensure you use the exact proper shipping name listed in the HMT. Even minor variations can lead to misidentification.
Misinterpreting UN Numbers: Double-check the UN number to ensure it matches the material you are shipping. Incorrect UN numbers can result in improper handling and labeling.
Ignoring Packing Groups: Pay attention to packing groups, as they determine the level of danger and the required packaging standards. Using the wrong packing group can compromise safety.
Overlooking Special Provisions: Always review special provisions for specific materials. These provisions may include additional requirements or exceptions that must be followed.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure accurate material identification and compliance with hazardous materials regulations.

Regulatory Compliance and Updates

The HMT is regularly updated to reflect changes in regulations and new hazardous materials. It's important to use the latest version for compliance. The DOT publishes updates to the HMT in the Federal Register, and these updates are incorporated into the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

To stay current with regulatory changes:

Subscribe to Updates: Sign up for notifications from the DOT or other relevant regulatory bodies to receive alerts about updates to the HMT.
Consult the Latest CFR: Always refer to the most recent version of 49 CFR 172.101 available at ecfr.gov. This ensures you have the latest information on hazardous materials shipping requirements.
Attend Training Sessions: Participate in training programs and workshops offered by regulatory bodies or industry associations to stay informed about changes in regulations.

FAQs

What is the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT)?

The HMT is a regulatory document that lists hazardous materials, their proper shipping names, UN numbers, hazard classes, and packing groups. It provides essential information for identifying and handling hazardous materials during transport.

How do I find my material in the HMT?

Locate the proper shipping name or UN number of your material and match it with the corresponding entries in the HMT. This will provide you with the necessary information for compliance, including hazard class, packing group, label codes, and special provisions.

What is a UN number and where can I find it?

A UN number is a four-digit code assigned to hazardous materials. It can be found on the material's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or packaging label. This number helps in quickly identifying the material and its associated hazards.

How do I determine the hazard class of my material?

The hazard class is listed in the HMT alongside the proper shipping name and UN number. It indicates the type of hazard posed by the material, ranging from Class 1 (Explosives) to Class 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous goods).

What are packing groups and how are they used?

Packing groups (I, II, III) indicate the degree of danger presented by hazardous materials during transport, with I being the most dangerous. These groups help determine the appropriate packaging standards for safe handling and shipping.

How often is the HMT updated?

The HMT is regularly updated to reflect changes in regulations and new hazardous materials. It's important to use the latest version for compliance, as updates are published in the Federal Register and incorporated into 49 CFR 172.101.

What should I do if my material is not listed in the HMT?

If your material is not listed, it may not be regulated as a hazardous material under 49 CFR or you might need to consult additional regulatory resources. In such cases, it's advisable to seek guidance from a qualified dangerous goods professional.

Disclaimer: This is a plain-language reference guide. Always verify current regulations at ecfr.gov and consult a qualified dangerous goods professional for shipment-specific decisions.

About the Author

J. Parnau is a Marine Corps veteran and DOT-experienced radioactive materials shipper with hands-on experience shipping Class 7 hazardous materials under 49 CFR Part 173. These guides exist because the people who need to ship hazmat safely deserve reference content written by someone who has actually filled out the shipping papers, calculated a Transport Index, and loaded a package onto a truck.

This content is for reference purposes only. Always verify current regulations at ecfr.gov and consult a qualified dangerous goods professional for shipment-specific decisions.