Determining Appropriate Packaging

The HMR prescribes packaging authorizations for the transport of hazardous materials. Columns 8A, 8B, and 8C of the HMT direct you to specific packaging requirements for each hazardous material. The correct packaging is determined by the hazard class or division of the material, the packing group, and the quantity of materials being shipped.

Use the following steps to select the proper packaging:

1. Identify the material's proper shipping name, hazard class, and identification number in Columns 2, 3, and 4.
2. Determine the packing group using Column 5. The packing group is indicated by the roman numerals I, II, or III. These reflect the degree of danger within certain hazard classes.
3. Determine the packaging requirements listed in Column 8 "Packaging (Section 173.***)." Column 8A provides exceptions to the packaging requirements if certain conditions are met. Column 8B provides authorized packaging for non-bulk shipments, and Column 8C provides authorized packaging for bulk shipments. To find the reference section, replace the asterisks (*) after 173 in the heading with the references found in the columns. For instance, an entry of 242 in Column 8C refers you to §173.242.

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