4.2.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1

4.2.3Transporting Materials of

Trade

To transport hazardous material as a material of trade, the material must meet the materials of trade definition, hazard classification, and quantity guidelines. Propane employees at times may be required to transport flammable paint, paint thinners, methanol, or wasp spray while on the job.

In this module you will learn to identify:

(1) Regulations pertaining to transporting materials of trade

(2) Safety requirements for transporting materials of trade

4.2.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1

Regulations for Transporting Materials of Trade

DOT defines “Materials of Trade” as small amounts of certain hazardous materials transported on a motor vehicle for workers to use in direct support of their business.

When you transport small amounts of these materials under the Materials of Trade exceptions, you are not subject to some of the regulations that apply to the transportation of hazardous materials. These include:

• Shipping papers

• Placarding

• Emergency response information

• Training for hazardous materials carried as materials of trade

4.2.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 2

Safety Requirements for Transporting Materials of Trade

Classification Requirements— The material must meet the materials of trade definition according to hazard classification and must belong to one of the following classifications:

Division 2.1 Flammable gas

Division 2.2 Non-flammable gas

Class 3 Flammable liquid

Division 4.1 Flammable solid

Division 4.3, PG II or III Dangerous when wet

Division 5.1 Oxidizer

Division 5.2 Organic peroxide

Division 6.1 Poison

Class 8 Corrosive

Class 9 Miscellaneous

ORM-D Other regulated material

4.2.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 2

Safety Requirements for Transporting Materials of Trade

Quantity Requirements— Figure 1 conveys quantity limits that apply to Classes 3 and 8. The limits are gross mass or capacity and include the weight of the packaging.

Packing Group: Package Quantity Limits for Classes 3 and 8:

PG I Not over 1 pound or 1 pint

PG II or III Not over 66 pounds or 8 gallons

Figure 1. Quantity Limits

4.2.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 3

Safety Requirements for Transporting Materials of Trade

Quantity Requirements

Figure 2. Excerpt from Hazardous Materials Table

4.2.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 4

Safety Requirements for Transporting Materials of Trade

Packaging Requirements — The following guidelines must be met for you to use the materials of trade exceptions:

Liquids and Gases Leak proof, securely closed, secured to prevent movement, protected against damage

Gasoline Metal or plastic container and must conform to the HMR (Hazardous Material Regulations) or OSHA requirements

Materials must be packaged in the manufacturer’s original packaging or one of equal strength and quality.

Packaging for Hazardous Materials:

4.2.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 4

Safety Requirements for Transporting Materials of Trade

Marking Requirements— Non-bulk packages (capacity of 119 gallons or less for liquids), other than cylinders, must be marked with the common name or proper shipping name of the material being carried.

1. The presence of the hazardous materials

2. The requirements of the Materials of Trade exceptions

Driver Requirements— DOT requires that the operator of a motor vehicle containing materials of trade be informed of the following:

Total Gross Weight Requirements— The total gross weight of all materials of trade carried on one motor vehicle cannot exceed 440 pounds

4.2.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 5

Safety Requirements for Transporting Materials of Trade

Figure 3. Summary of Products Eligible for the Exceptions

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Safety Requirements for Transporting Materials of Trade

Penalty for Failure to Follow the Guidelines— If you fail to follow the guidelines for the materials of trade exceptions, you will be in violation of many requirements of the HMR and may be subject to significant fines and penalties. Currently the HMR allows for fines ranging from $250 to $27,500 per day, per violation. Criminal penalties can also be imposed on individuals directly involved with non-compliance.

4.2.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 7 & 8

Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module…

• Complete the Review on page 7.

• See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 8.