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Definition

The U.S. Department of Transportation, DOT, began in April 1967. Their mission is to "serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future."

DOT's web site is https://www.transportation.gov.

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Additional Information

DOT has eleven operating divisions, many of which deal with labeling, classification and handling of hazardous materials. These agencies include:

• Bureau of Transportation Statistics
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Federal Highway Administration
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• Federal Railroad Administration
• Federal Transit Administration
• Maritime Administration
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Office of Inspector General
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
• Surface Transportation Board

Books Available

NOTE: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links in the following list:

• "Chemistry of Hazardous Materials, Sixth Edition", Hardcover, 800 pages, 2013. Estimated price $149.95. Info and/or order.
• "Hazardous Materials Substances & Wastes Compliance Guide 2019/2020", Paperback, 2019. Estimated price $129.95. Info and/or order.
• "Hazardous Materials for First Responders", Paperback, 791 pages, 2017. Estimated price $84.95. Info and/or order.
• "Construction Safety and the OSHA Standards, 2nd Edition", Paperback, 336 pages, 2017. Estimated price $130.00. Info and/or order.
• "Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident: Managing the Incident 4th Ed", Paperback, 2018, 510 pages. Estimated price $78.51. Info and/or order.

SDS Relevance

Many of DOT's regulations parallel or further define OSHA regulations regarding health and safety in the workplace. A terrific summary of these is available from DOT on their web page titled How to Comply With Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations. This document is a must-read for anyone who is shipping or transporting hazardous materials.

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DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations apply to the following (see: 49 CFR 171.1(a)):

• The offering of hazardous materials for transportation and transportation of hazardous materials in interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce by rail car, aircraft, motor vehicle, and vessel.
• The representation that a hazardous material is present in a package, container, rail car, aircraft, motor vehicle, or vessel.
• The use of terms and symbols prescribed in 49 CFR 171.1(a) for the marking, labeling, placarding and description of hazardous materials and packagings used in their transport.

The 2012 revision of 29 CFR 1910.1200, the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) was designed to align US SDS regulations with the Globally Harmonized Standard (GHS) system. As a result, Safety Data Sheets must follow a standard 16-section format, of which section 14 covers transport information. However, because OSHA does not have jurisdiction over US transport regulations, this section is non-mandatory in the US (but may apply in other countries). If present, Section 14 will contain the following information:

1. UN number
2. UN proper shipping name
3. Transport hazard class(es)
4. Packing group, if applicable;
5. Environmental hazards (e.g., Marine pollutant (Yes/No))
6. Transport in bulk (according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code)
7. Special precautions which a user needs to be aware of, or needs to comply with, in connection with transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises.

Further Reading

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• DOT has a data and resources page that includes links to Hazmat information, brochures, training, incident reporting, and more.
• The U.S. Federal Code contains Hazardous Materials Regulations and Procedures, including most everything you would like to know about shipping, placarding, emergency response, and training requirements. Each section features a link to official letters of interpretation.
• Transport Canada has a free online searchable version of the Emergency Response Guidebook 2020. Also available in Spanish.
• 2020 Emergency Response Guide Book meant for use by firefighters, police, and other emergency services personnel who may be the first to arrive at the scene of a transportation incident involving a hazardous material. This resource includes info on what the numbers on tanker trucks signify. Available in English and Spanish as a free PDF download as well as a free smartphone app (don't fall for copycat paid apps!).
• The National Library of Medicine's Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management (CHEMM) site is full of great resources such as The Golden First Minutes - Initial Response to a Chemical Hazardous Materials Incident.

See also: OSHA, UN and NA numbers.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Entry last updated: Sunday, July 10, 2022. This page is copyright 2000-2024 by ILPI. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited. Send suggestions, comments, and new entry desires (include the URL if applicable) to us by email.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.