Hazardous materials communications requirements are found in Part 1200 of 29 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.). Included in 49 C.F.R. Parts 172,173, and 177 are the Hazardous Materials Table; emergency response requirements training and security plan; and 29 C.F.R 1910.1200, which includes how the Department of Transportation (DOT) implements the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) required hazard communications response plan.

The term “hazardous materials communications” commonly refer to the shipping papers, markings, labels, and placards required by the United Nation’s (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (or, Global Harmonized System [GHS]; 2015). Additionally, 29 C.F.R. and 40 C.F.R. add additional requirements to hazardous materials shipping papers as defined in 49 C.F.R. Parts 171.23.

Examples include the use of the letters RQ either before or immediately after the basic description to indicate that the material is environmentally hazardous. The word “waste” is associated with the shipping description on shipping papers and containers, which is another example of hazardous materials communications as required by 29 C.F.R. Part 1200.

This is not an all-inclusive list, but rather assists responders in knowing that other items are required per other regulations depending on the item being shipped. Much of this additional information is also included on the item’s safety data sheet(s) (SDS, formerly [and sometimes still] called material safety data sheets [MSDS]), which are typically included in the shipping packet.