RSPA Publishes Exceptions for PIH Rule

Aug 29, 2001 12:00 PM

New poison-by-inhalation (PIH) placarding requirements take effect October 1, 2001 for hazardous materials shipments in the United States. Provisions of the rule include two new placards and two new labels for materials that are poisonous by inhalation, one label and placard for Division 2.3 gases, and one label and placard for Division 6.1 liquids.

The Department of Transportation’s Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) has granted exceptions to the rule for international shipments, including those to and from Canada and Mexico. RSPA officials note that the exceptions are necessary because the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods has not yet endorsed adoption of the PIH labels and placards for international shipments.