HAZMATTABLE

Hazmat Questions

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to figure out?

Start with the question you actually have. Each answer connects back to the lookup tool and a deeper guide.

What does RQ mean in hazmat shipping?

RQ means reportable quantity. In Appendix A, hazardous substances are assigned RQs that are used as part of determining whether th

How is an RQ calculated?

For a pure listed substance, compare the quantity present with the listed RQ. For a mixture, determine the actual amount of each l

Is RQ based on package weight?

The relevant comparison is the quantity of the listed hazardous substance in the completed package, not automatically the gross we

Do chemical mixtures count toward RQ?

Yes, a listed constituent in a mixture can matter. You need the constituent concentration and package quantity to determine how mu

Does RQ apply to the whole truck?

Do not assume the total truckload is the quantity used for the hazardous-substance comparison. PHMSA interpretations focus on the

What is the difference between the HMT and Appendix A?

The Hazardous Materials Table provides shipping entries and fields such as identification number, proper shipping name, hazard cla

What is a proper shipping name?

It is the regulatory shipping name associated with the applicable entry in the Hazardous Materials Table, not simply a trade or br

Where do I find the UN number?

Find the applicable entry in the Hazardous Materials Table. The identification number is part of the basic shipping description.

What order does a hazmat shipping description go in?

PHMSA describes the basic sequence as identification number, proper shipping name, hazard class/division, and packing group when a

When is RQ required on shipping papers?

When the material meets the hazardous-substance criteria and the applicable shipping-paper provisions require the RQ designation.

Where is transportation information on an SDS?

Section 14 is typically the transportation information section. PHMSA specifically points shippers to Section 14 as a resource whe

Can an SDS tell me the RQ?

An SDS may contain helpful regulatory information, but use the authoritative hazardous-substance list to verify the current RQ and

What if my SDS uses a different chemical name?

Search synonyms and the chemical identity from the composition section, then verify the correct regulatory entry rather than assum

What is an F-listed waste?

F codes identify certain listed hazardous waste streams. Appendix A contains F-code waste entries with RQs and descriptions.

What is a K-listed waste?

K codes identify certain source-specific hazardous waste streams. Search the code and review the complete regulatory description.

What is a D waste code?

D codes are used for characteristic hazardous wastes. Appendix A includes D-referenced waste streams among its hazardous-substance

Can I search Appendix A by waste code?

Yes. HazmatTable indexes waste codes so entries such as F007 can be searched directly instead of scanning the PDF.

Does asbestos have an RQ?

Appendix A lists asbestos with an RQ, but its footnote limits the RQ to friable forms. The footnote matters as much as the number.

Do metal RQs have special limitations?

Some metal entries carry a footnote limiting the RQ to pieces below a specified diameter. Always check the record notes.

What happens if a radionuclide appears in both tables?

The Appendix states that if a material is listed in both Table 1 and Table 2, the lower RQ applies.

What units are used for radionuclide RQs?

Table 2 expresses radionuclide RQs in curies and terabecquerels, while Table 1 uses pounds and kilograms.

Who is responsible for hazmat classification?

PHMSA guidance places responsibility on the shipper/offeror to properly identify and classify the hazardous material.

Why does hazmat classification matter?

Classification drives downstream requirements such as packaging, markings, labels and shipping papers.

Can HazmatTable certify my shipment?

No. HazmatTable is a reference/workflow tool. The responsible shipper must verify the current regulations and the facts of the shipm