MDI Transportation Guidelines - Polyurethanes - American ...

MDI transportation
g u i d e l i n e s
Chapter 12: Required Shipping Information for MDI
12.1 MDI’s Hazardous Materials Classification
When in transport in a single package above the RQ, MDI is classified as a Division 9, Packing Group III
Environmentally Hazardous Substance or Other Regulated Substance. This classification triggers a number
of regulatory requirements when a company offers a material for either domestic or international shipment.
The principles of DOT hazardous materials regulations are as follows:
• A company offering MDI for transport above the RQ, must complete a shipping paper indicating the required
shipping information for MDI. 49 CFR §§ 172.200-.203. This information varies slightly depending on
whether the material is moving in domestic (U.S.) or international commerce. See subsection 12.2 below.
• The shipping paper must include an emergency contact telephone number that is manned twenty-four
hours a day. See 49 CFR § 172.604. (Within the U.S., all major producers are members of a mutual aid
program known as CHEMTREC, which is available through the American Chemistry Council).
• The shipping paper must include the required shipper’s certification that the material is shipped in
compliance with the regulations. See 49 CFR § 172.204.
• Emergency response information must be provided to the carrier. See 49 CFR §§ 172.600-602.
• As required by DOT’s regulations, MDI shipped in a package about its RQ must be appropriately:
– packaged (49 CFR § 173.243 (bulk) and 49 CFR Part 178);
– marked (49 CFR §§ 172.300-338);
– labeled and placarded (49 CFR §§172.300-338; 49 CFR §§ 172.400-448; and 49 CFR §§172.500-560).
12.2 Summary of MDI Hazard Information*
DOT (applicable if MDI is shipped in a package in an amount greater than 5,000 pounds)
Proper Shipping Name Other Regulated Substances, Liquid, n.o.s. or Environmentally Hazardous Substances,
Liquids, n.o.s.
Hazard Class 9, Miscellaneous Hazard
U.N. Number None
Other Regulated Substances
Environmentally Hazardous Substances
NA3082
Packing Group III
Reportable Quantity** 5,000 lbs.
Label/Placard 3082
IMDG***
ICAO***
*** Information in italics should be entered on the shipping paper in the order shown. Other information is provided for easy reference.
*** Shipments of MDI exceeding 5,000 lbs. in one container must have the letters “RQ” entered on the shipping paper and marked on the packaging.
*** This agency does not regulate MDI as a hazardous substance.
Copyright 2001, American Plastics Council
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