Search

Hazmat Fun: Pokémon Packing Groups

Posted on 7/14/2016 by Roger Marks

The new Pokémon Go app is taking the US by storm, outpacing major social media and dating sites for number of active users in just a few days. Pokémon come in all shapes and sizes, and each boasts its own unique powers. Most become more hazardous as they “evolve.”

Hazmat shippers may recognize a parallel to the way the 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) divide hazard classes into Packing Groups (PG). In case you find yourself shipping one of these imaginary “pocket monsters” to a friend or client, this quick guide will help you decide just how strong a package you would (hypothetically) need. Because we're dealing with imaginary creatures here, we are disregarding any reguatlions that govern the shipment of live animals to focus solely on hazmat rules.  
 
For a straightforward look at  hazmat packing groups as they relate to packaging, see 49 CFR 178.503- Marking of Packagings.

All names and images of Pokémon herein are the property of the Pokémon Company and Nintendo.

Charmander Class 3 pokemon
Class 3, PG III – Charmander


This small, beloved fire Pokémon uses fire attacks with a limited range and effectiveness. Z-rated UN packaging will serve you just fine for Charmander. That said, the 49 CFR rules allow for PG III materials to be shipped in stronger rated packagings, too (X or Y).
[49 CFR 178.503(a)(3)(iii)]




Charmeleon Class 3 Pokemon

Class 3, PG II – Charmeleon

A bit more dangerous than the Charmander, this Packing Group II Pokémon can do some real damage—in battle and in transport. As a Class 3, Packing Group II, Charmeleon will need to be transported in a Y-rated or X-rated UN package. [49 CFR 178.503(a)(3)(ii)]




Charizard Class 3 PokemonClass 3, PG I – Charizard


The strongest Pokémon of its genus, Charizard is not to be taken lightly! X-rated UN packaging only for this flaming, flying, Packing Group I beast. [49 CFR 178.503(a)(3)(i)]




Whether you’re out hunting for Pokémon or you’re just waiting for the craze to end, it’s crucial to remember that –whatever hazmat you ship—the packaging you select must be strong enough to contain your material and keep it protected against the rigors of transport.

Hazmat Workshops in Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Charlotte, Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville and more!


Don’t miss the 49 CFR workshop trusted by hazmat shippers nationwide when it comes through the southeast US this summer. Learn the latest rules—including recently inflated civil penalties (now up to $77,114 per day, per violation!), changes for hazmat shipping papers, critical updates for Special Permit users, and much more. Learn more and see the full schedule here.

Tags: hazmat, shipping

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Get to know the top 5 changes to OSHA’s revised GHS Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200 and how the updates impacts employee safety at your facility.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.