Mixtures/Solutions

Scope

Properly classifying a hazardous material is the shipper’s responsibility. Proper classification is necessary to ensure the appropriate packaging is used and that the packaging is properly labeled and marked.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 172.101 — Purpose and use of hazardous materials table
• 49 CFR 172.203 — Additional description requirements
• 49 CFR Part 173, Subpart D — Definitions classification, packing group assignments and exceptions for hazardous materials other than class 1 and class 7 

Key definitions

• Mixture: A material composed of more than one chemical compound or element.
• Solution: Any homogeneous liquid mixture of two or more chemical compounds or elements that will not undergo any segregation under conditions normal to transportation.

Summary of requirements

When dealing with products that are mixtures or solutions, remember that it is the mixture or solution that is to be classified — which may or may not be the same as any hazardous components. Do not assume that a solution or mixture will have the same classification as the hazardous component(s).

Example. Whether a solution of a flammable liquid and water is flammable will depend on the flashpoint of the solution, not on the flashpoint of flammable component.

In the case of a product made up of two or more components having different hazards, the product may exhibit the characteristics of each component, of only one component, or possibly of none of the components.

Review 49 CFR Part 173, Subpart D, for the classification, Packing Group assignments and exceptions for more details (refer to Subpart C for Class 1 materials and Subpart I for Class 7 materials).

Remember, on shipping papers and package markings, the names of one or more components contributing to the hazard(s) of the material may be required to be entered in parentheses in association with the proper shipping name.

For more information on picking a proper shipping name for a mixture/solution see Proper shipping name.