PHMSA announces latest version of hazmat markings, labeling, placarding guide

Aug. 23, 2017

The US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has released the new DOT Chart 16, the latest version of the Hazardous Materials Markings, Labeling and Placarding Guide, which is updated when new markings, labels, or placards are added to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

The Chart 16 displays color images of current required markings for the transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat) in commerce along with specific references to the HMR. The purpose of the DOT Chart 16 is to aid hazmat shippers and carriers in selecting appropriate markings, labels, and placards for use in transportation; providing guidance to emergency responders to help identify the contents of a package involved in a hazmat transportation incident; and serving as a visual aid for hazmat transportation instructors who train hazmat employees.

The DOT Chart 16 includes the addition of the new lithium battery handling mark with a transition date of December 31, 2018; the new hazard class 9 label for lithium battery handling, with an effective date of January 2019; and the yellow organic peroxide 5.2 placard was replaced with the red and yellow organic peroxide 5.2 placard.

In addition to the print version, the Chart 16 is now available as a free mobile application for Android and iOS devices.

For more information, contact Tom Kiddy at (202) 366-5504.