Module 1: Regulations - International Association of Fire Fighters

Student Text IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician©
Definition of a
Hazardous Material
A hazardous material is defined by the DOT
“to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to
health, safety, and property when transported.”
Materials designated “hazardous” by the DOT can be found
in the Hazardous Materials Table, 49 CFR 172.101.
Several common chemicals are included in the sample table
on page19. Materials are listed in alphabetical order
according to their proper shipping names (Column 2).
Materials not listed in the Hazardous Material Table may
still be hazardous if the material exhibits a hazard as defined
by a DOT hazard class.
For example, paint thinner is not listed in the Hazardous
Materials Table, yet its flash point is less than 60°C and its
initial boiling point is less than 35°C. Therefore, paint
thinner meets the DOT definition of a flammable liquid
material and must be transported as a hazardous material.
Identifying Hazards
Hazardous materials regulations specify ways to communicate
the hazards associated with a material. There are four
ways to communicate such hazards. These include:
Labels
Markings
Placards
Every hazardous material is required to have
a label(s). The label usually corresponds to
a hazard class and are listed in the Hazardous
Materials Table Column 6.
A hazardous material package is required to
be marked with its proper shipping name
and identification number, as well as any
applicable technical names. Additional
marking requirements can be found in 49
CFR 172.301.
Placards are large versions of labels, placed
on transport vehicles and bulk containers.
Module 1: Regulations 1-17