Search
Search

Question of the Week: Shipping Samples Under 49 CFR 172.101(c)

Posted on 9/22/2011 by James Griffin

Q. I have a material I need to ship off site that might be a DOT hazmat, but I’m not sure. I want to send a sample to a laboratory for testing, but how do I do that if I don’t know what its properties are? What do I have to do to ship this sample in compliance with the DOT’s regulations when I don’t know what kind of hazmat it is in the first place?
 
A. Fortunately for you, the DOT has considered this conundrum. 
 
When you have a material and you are unsure what kind of hazmat it is, you may tentatively assign a Proper Shipping Name, hazard class, identification number, and packing group in order to ship a sample to a place where it can be analyzed. Your tentative classification will be based on your knowledge of the material, the hazard class criteria and definitions in 49 CFR Part 173, and the precedence of hazards prescribed in 49 CFR 173.2a (49 CFR 172.101(c)(11)).
 
Once you have picked a tentative shipping name and description for your sample, you will package, mark, label, prepare shipping papers, offer placards, and in all other ways follow the hazardous material regulations as if it were any other hazmat shipment; provided you comply with the following additional requirements and restrictions:
 
  • The sample must be packed in a combination packaging. 
  • The net mass of the sample cannot exceed 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs.). 
  • You must add the word “SAMPLE” to the Proper Shipping Name on the package markings and shipping papers, unless it is already present. 
For shipping names that include a “G” in Column 1 of the 172.101 Hazardous Material Table, you typically must add the technical name of the hazardous constituent(s) to the description on the shipping papers and package markings. If you don’t know what the primary hazardous constituents are, then you don’t need to include a technical name when you ship a sample for analysis under Section 172.101(c)(11).
 
These reliefs for unclassified samples do not apply to: 
 
  • Forbidden materials described at 49 CFR 173.21; 
  • Explosives described at 49 CFR 173.54, 173.56(d), and 173.56(e); 
  • New self-reactive materials (49 CFR 173.224(c)); and 
  • New organic peroxides (49 CFR 173.225(b)). 
 

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, marks and labels, shipping papers

Find a Post

Recent Posts

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

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

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

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

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Ace hazmat inspections. Protect personnel. Defend against civil and criminal penalties. How? See the self-audit "best practices" for hazardous materials shippers.

Download
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.