• Skip to page content
• Skip to site menu on this page

USDOT HazMat Placards

Division 6.1 Poisons (pg 2 of 2)
49CFR 173.132

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE

Determining Acute LD₅₀
49CFR 173.132(c)

For purposes of classifying and assigning packing groups to mixtures possessing oral or dermal toxicity hazards according to the criteria in 49CFR 173.133(a)(1), it is necessary to determine the acute LD₅₀ of the mixture. If a mixture contains more than one active constituent, one of the following methods may be used to determine the oral or dermal LD₅₀ of the mixture:

1. Obtain reliable acute oral and dermal toxicity data on the actual mixture to be transported;
2. If reliable, accurate data is not available, classify the formulation according to the most hazardous constituent of the mixture as if that constituent were present in the same concentration as the total concentration of all active constituents; or
3. If reliable, accurate data is not available, apply the formula:

   

   where:

   C = the % concentration of constituent A, B ... Z in the mixture;

   T = the oral LD₅₀ values of constituent A, B ... Z;

   T_M = the oral LD₅₀ value of the mixture.

   Note to formula in paragraph (c)(3): This formula also may be used for dermal toxicities provided that this information is available on the same species for all constituents. The use of this formula does not take into account any potentiation or protective phenomena.

Assignment of packing groups and hazard zones
49CFR 173.133

1. The packing group of Division 6.1 materials shall be as assigned in Column 5 of the 49CFR 172.101 Table. When the 49CFR 172.101 Table provides more than one packing group or hazard zone for a hazardous material, the packing group and hazard zone shall be determined by applying the following criteria:
   1. The packing group assignment for routes of administration other than inhalation of vapors shall be in accordance with the following table:

      PG	Oral toxicity LD50 (mg/kg)	Dermal toxicity LD50 (mg/kg)	Inhalation toxicity by dusts and mists LC50 (mg/L)
      I	<=5	<=40	<=0.5
      II	>5, <=50	>40, <= 200	>0.5, <=2
      III	solids: >50, <= 200; liquids: >50, <=500	>200, <=1000	>2, <=10

   2.  
      1. The packing group and hazard zone assignments for liquids (see 49CFR 173.115(c) of this subpart for gases) based on inhalation of vapors shall be in accordance with the following Table:

         Packing Group (Hazard Zone)	Vapor concentration and toxicity
         I (Hazard Zone A)	V >= 500 LC50 and LC50 <= 200 mL/M³.
         I (Hazard Zone B)	V >= 10 LC50; LC50 <= 1000 mL/m³; and the criteria for Packing Group I. Hazard Zone A are not met.
         II (Hazard Zone C)	V >= LC50; LC50 <= 3000 mL/m³ ; and the criteria for Packing Group I, Hazard Zones A and B are not met.
         III (Hazard Zone D)	V >= .2 LC50; LC50 <= 5000 mL/m³; and the criteria for Packing Groups I and II, Hazard Zones A, B and C are not met.

         Note 1: V is the saturated vapor concentration in air of the material in mL/m³ at 20°C and standard atmospheric pressure.

         Note 2: A liquid in Division 6.1 meeting criteria for Packing Group I, Hazard Zones A or B stated in paragraph (a)(2) of this section is a material poisonous by inhalation subject to the additional hazard communication requirements in 49CFR 172.203(m)(3), 49CFR 172.313 and Table 1 of 49CFR 172.504(e) of this subchapter.

      2. These criteria are represented graphically in Figure 1:

         

   3. When the packing group determined by applying these criteria is different for two or more (oral, dermal or inhalation) routes of administration, the packing group assigned to the material shall be that indicated for the highest degree of toxicity for any of the routes of administration.
   4. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, the packing group and hazard zone of a tear gas substance is as assigned in Column 5 of the 49CFR 172.101 Table.
2. The packing group and hazard zone for Division 6.1 mixtures that are poisonous (toxic) by inhalation may be determined by one of the following methods:
   1. Where LC₅₀ data is available on each of the poisonous (toxic) substances comprising the mixture-
      1. The LC₅₀ of the mixture is estimated using the formula:

         

         where f _i = mole fraction of the i ^th component of the liquid

         LC _{50 i} = means lethal concentration of the i ^th component substance in ml/m³

      2. The volatility of each component substance is estimated using the formula:

         

         where: Pi=partial pressure of the ith component substance in kPa at 20°C and one atmospheric pressure. Pi may be calculated according to Raoult's Law using appropriate activity coefficients. Where activity coefficients are not available, the coefficient may be assumed to be 1.0.

      3. The ratio of the volatility to the LC₅₀ is calculated using the formula:

         

      4. Using the calculated values LC₅₀ (mixture) and R, the packing group for the mixture is determined as follows:

         Packaging group (hazard zone)	Ratio of volatility and LC50
         I (Hazard Zone A)	R >= 500 and LC50 (mixture) <= 200 ml/m³.
         I (Hazard Zone B)	R >= 10 and LC50 (mixture) <= 1000 ml/m³; and the criteria for Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A, are not met.
         II	R >= 1 and LC50 (mixture) <= 3000 ml/m³; and the criteria for Packing Group I, Hazard Zones A and B are not met.
         III	R >= 1/5 and LC50 (mixture) <= 5000 ml/m³; and the criteria for Packing Groups I, Hazard Zones A, B and Packing Group II.

   2. In the absence of LC₅₀ data on the poisonous (toxic) constituent substances, the mixture may be assigned a packing group and hazard zone based on the following simplified threshold toxicity tests. When these threshold tests are used, the most restrictive packing group and hazard zone must be determined and used for the transportation of the mixture.
      1. A mixture is assigned to Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A only if both the following criteria are met:
         1. A sample of the liquid mixture is vaporized and diluted with air to create a test atmosphere of 200 ml/m³ vaporized mixture in air. Ten albino rats (five male and five female) are exposed to the test atmosphere as determined by an analytical method appropriate for the material being classified for one hour and observed for fourteen days. If five or more of the animals die within the fourteen-day observation period, the mixture is presumed to have an LC₅₀ equal to or less than 200 ml/m³.
         2. A sample of the vapor in equilibrium with the liquid mixture is diluted with 499 equal volumes of air to form a test atmosphere. Ten albino rats (five male and five female) are exposed to the test atmosphere for one hour and observed for fourteen days. If five or more of the animals die within the fourteen-day observation period, the mixture is presumed to have a volatility equal to or greater than 500 times the mixture LC₅₀.
      2. A mixture is assigned to Packing Group I, Hazard Zone B only if both the following criteria are met, and the mixture does not meet the criteria for Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A:
         1. A sample of the liquid mixture is vaporized and diluted with air to create a test atmosphere of 1000 ml/m³ vaporized mixture in air. Ten albino rats (five male and five female) are exposed to the test atmosphere for one hour and observed for fourteen days. If five or more of the animals die within the fourteen-day observation period, the mixture is presumed to have an LC₅₀ equal to or less than 1000 ml/m³.
         2. A sample of the vapor in equilibrium with the liquid mixture is diluted with 9 equal volumes of air to form a test atmosphere. Ten albino rats (five male and five female) are exposed to the test atmosphere for one hour and observed for fourteen days. If five or more of the animals die within the fourteen-day observation period, the mixture is presumed to have a volatility equal to or greater than 10 times the mixture LC₅₀.
      3. A mixture is assigned to Packing Group II only if both the following criteria are met, and the mixture does not meet the criteria for Packing Group I (Hazard Zones A or B):
         1. A sample of the liquid mixture is vaporized and diluted with air to create a test atmosphere of 3000 ml/m³ vaporized mixture in air. Ten albino rats (five male and five female) are exposed to the test atmosphere for one hour and observed for fourteen days. If five or more of the animals die within the fourteen-day observation period, the mixture is presumed to have an LC₅₀ equal to or less than 3000 ml/m³.
         2. A sample of the vapor in equilibrium with the liquid mixture is used to form a test atmosphere. Ten albino rats (five male and five female) are exposed to the test atmosphere for one hour and observed for fourteen days. If five or more of the animals die within the fourteen-day observation period, the mixture is presumed to have a volatility equal to or greater than the mixture LC₅₀.
      4. A mixture is assigned to Packing Group III only if both the following criteria are met, and the mixture does not meet the criteria for Packing Groups I (Hazard Zones A or B) or Packing Group II (Hazard Zone C):
         1. A sample of the liquid mixture is vaporized and diluted with air to create a test atmosphere of 5000 ml/m³ vaporized mixture in air. Ten albino rats (five male and five female) are exposed to the test atmosphere for one hour and observed for fourteen days. If five or more of the animals die within the fourteen-day observation period, the mixture is presumed to have an LC₅₀ equal to or less than 5000 ml/m³.
         2. The vapor pressure of the liquid mixture is measured and if the vapor concentration is equal to or greater than 1000 ml/m³, the mixture is presumed to have a volatility equal to or greater than 1/5 the mixture LC₅₀.

Last updated: Feb 2007

Related Resources

• Guide for Handling Household Chemicals
  Things you can do to make your home safer.
• USDOT Hazardous Materials Table 49 CFR 172.101
  An online version of the USDOT hazardous materials table from 49CFR 172.101. This table can be sorted by proper shipping name, UN/NA ID and/or by primary hazard class/division.
• ERG (Emergency Response Guidebook)
  Have you ever wondered what those four digit numbers on the placards on the side of trucks and rail cars mean? Our online 2004ERG will give you your answer. This is an online version of the guidebook produced by the USDOT for first responders during the initial phase of a Dangerous goods/HazMat incident.
• Chemical Database
  This database focuses on the most common chemical compounds used in the home and industry.

Copyright Notice

While excerpts from the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 (49CFR) and the "Emergency Response Guidebook" are in the public domain, the image files on these pages, the design of these pages as well as all other materials on this site and graphics files are copyrighted by J.K. Barbalace, inc. Copyrighted material on this site, including graphics files, MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED in any form without the express permission.

Disclaimer

WARNING: These pages are for general reference and educational purposes only and MUST NOT be relied upon as a sole source to determine regulatory compliance or where matters of life and health are concerned. This site and the author do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or the sufficiency of the information provided and do not assume any responsibility for its use.

To ensure regulatory compliance when transporting hazardous materials or dangerous goods, one must receive proper training and certification from a qualified instructor and refer to the current year's Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 (49CFR) or your country's shipping regulations. In matters regarding workplace safety, refer to current OSHA regulations (29CFR) and NIOSH guidelines or your own country's health and safety regulations. No one should ever enter into a hazardous environment without proper training from qualified instructors.

Citing this page

If you need to cite this page, you can copy this text:

Kenneth Barbalace. USDOT HazMat Placards - Division 6.1 Poisons - Pg 2. EnvironmentalChemistry.com. 1995 - 2024. Accessed on-line: 12/21/2024
https://EnvironmentalChemistry.com/yogi/hazmat/placards/class6-pg2.html
.