Module 1: Regulations - International Association of Fire Fighters

Student Text IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician©
Class 6 Poisons
Poisons are materials likely to harm human health if contacted.
Poisons can enter the body by inhalation, ingestion,
or absorption. The USDOT has also incorporated the
etiological (disease causing materials) agents into hazard
class 6. Packing Groups as well as hazard zones may be
assigned to hazard class 6 materials. Chlorinated solvents,
such as carbon tetrachloride and methylene chloride, are
classified as Class 6.1 materials.
Division 6.1
Poisons are materials (other than gases)
known to be toxic during transportation or
have a toxic effect on test animals. Some
division 6.1 poisons are poisonous by
inhalation. Examples of 6.1 materials
include: calcium cyanide, nicotine, and
methyl isocyanate. The table below associates
hazard zone and Packing Group to
analytical data obtained for the poisons.
Information can be found in RTECS (The
Registry for Toxic Effects of Chemical
Substances). The RTECS reference can be
obtained through the local government
bookstore.
Packing Group Oral Toxicity Dermal Toxicity Inhalation Toxicity
(mg/kg) (mg/kg) (dust/mist) (mg/L)
I < 5 < 40 < 0.5
II > 5 < 50 > 40 < 200 < 0.5 < 0.2
III solids > 200 < 1000 > 2 < 10
> 50 < 200
liquids
> 50 < 500
Module 1: Regulations 1-35