Search

Calculating RQ for Hazmat Mixtures and Solutions

Posted on 6/22/2021 by Roseanne Bottone and Roger Marks

In a recent blog, we discussed shippers’ responsibilities for offering a reportable quantity (RQ) of a hazardous substance for transportation.

To recap, not all DOT hazardous materials are hazardous substances. DOT lists hazardous substances in Appendix A to the 172.101 Hazmat Table. When shipping a single hazardous substance, identifying the RQ and ensuring compliance is relatively straightforward.

But what if you ship a mixture or solution?

In order for a mixture or solution to be regulated as a hazardous substance, two things must be true. A mixture or solution is regulated as a hazardous substance only when it is: 
  • In a quantity, in one package, which equals or exceeds the reportable quantity (RQ) listed in the appendix A to § 172.101, AND
  • In a concentration by weight which equals or exceeds the concentration corresponding to the RQ of the material, as shown in the table found in 49 CFR 171.8, as part of DOT’s definition of hazardous substance.
The RQ concentration table provides a concentration percentage by weight for each RQ assigned to a substance in 172.101 Appendix A—5,000 lbs., 1,000 lbs., 100 lbs., 10 lbs. and 1 lbs.
 
reportable quantity RQ concentration range table 49 CFR 172.101 appendix A

Example
Say you have a mixture that contains benzene. Benzene is a hazardous substance with a reportable quantity of 10 pounds, according to the 172.101 Table, Appendix A.

When we consult the concentration chart, we see that a substance with a 10-pound RQ must also make up 0.02% (or 200 parts-per-million) or more of a mixture or solution in order to be regulated as a hazardous substance.

Therefore, if your mixture or solution contains 0.02% or more of benzene (by weight) AND that represents at least 10 lbs. of benzene, you must mark RQ on the shipping papers and on a non-bulk package.

When is a mixture or solution that contains a hazardous substance regulated as a hazardous substance?
  • If it meets the percentage AND meets or exceeds the RQ quantity, it is regulated as a hazardous substance.
  • If it meets the percentage, but not the RQ, it is not regulated as a hazardous substance
  • If it meets the RQ, but not the percentage, it is not regulated as a hazardous substance

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

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

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

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

David Hertvik

Vice President

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Look beyond the annual "Top 10 List" to see specifics about the most cited OSHA health & safety Standards and the individual regulations that tripped up employers the most last year. 

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.