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Column 7 of the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) references special provisions contained in 172.102. Those referenced by number only are multi-modal and may apply to both bulk and non-bulk packagings.
Scope
Special provisions contain packaging provisions, prohibitions, exceptions from requirements for particular quantities or forms of materials and requirements or prohibitions applicable to specific modes of transportation.
Regulatory citations
- 49 CFR 172.102 — Special provisions
Key definitions
- Bulk package: A packaging, other than a vessel or a barge, including a transport vehicle or freight container, in which hazardous materials are loaded with no intermediate form of containment. A Large Packaging in which hazardous materials are loaded with an intermediate form of containment, such as one or more articles or inner packagings, is also a bulk packaging. Additionally, a bulk packaging has:
- A maximum capacity greater than 450 L (119 gallons) as a receptacle for a liquid;
- A maximum net mass greater than 400 kg (882 pounds) and a maximum capacity greater than 450 L (119 gallons) as a receptacle for a solid; or
- A water capacity greater than 454 kg (1000 pounds) as a receptacle for a gas as defined in 173.115 of this subchapter.
- Non-bulk package: A packaging which has:
- A maximum capacity of 450 L (119 gallons) or less as a receptacle for a liquid;
- A maximum net mass of 400 kg (882 pounds) or less and a maximum capacity of 450 L (119 gallons) or less as a receptacle for a solid;
- A water capacity of 454 kg (1000 pounds) or less as a receptacle for a gas as defined in 173.115 of this subchapter; or
- Regardless of the definition of bulk packaging, a maximum net mass of 400 kg (882 pounds) or less for a bag or a box conforming to the applicable requirements for specification packagings, including the maximum net mass limitations, provided in Subpart L of Part 178 of this subchapter.
Summary of requirements
Special provisions with codes containing letters apply as follows:
- Codes with the letter “A” apply only to transportation by aircraft;
- Codes with the letter “B” apply only to bulk packaging (not UN, IM portable tanks, or IBCs);
- Codes with the letter “IB” or “IP” apply only to transportation in IBCs;
- Codes with the letter “N” apply only to non-bulk packaging;
- Codes with the letter “R” apply only to transportation by rail;
- Codes with the letter “T” apply only to transportation of UN or IM portable tanks;
- Codes with the letter “TP” apply only to UN and IM portable tanks; and
- Codes with the letter “W” apply only to transportation by water.
Example: In Column 7 opposite the proper shipping name, “Ferrous chloride, solution,” is the code “B3.” Special Provision B3 states, “MC 300, MC 301, MC 302, MC 303, MC 305, and MC 306, and DOT 406 cargo tanks and DOT 57 portable tanks are not authorized.” This prohibition takes precedence over the bulk packaging authorization found in 173.242.