Q1. Is it acceptable to pack small containers of potassium dichromate and sodium dichromate described as "UN 3086, waste toxic solids, oxidizing, n.o.s. (potassium dichromate, sodium dichromate), 6.1 (5.1), PG I," inside a single UN 1H2 plastic drum that conforms to the PG I standards?

A1. Yes, provided the materials are properly classed and described and the completed package and shipment otherwise complies with the requirements of the HMR including the general packaging requirements of §§ 173.24 (which covers compatibility; see §§ 173.24(e)) and 173.24a. Section 173.211 authorizes packagings for material described as "UN 3086, waste toxic solids, oxidizing, n.o.s. (potassium dichromate, sodium dichromate), 6.1(5.1)" including UN 1H2 single packaging and 1H2 combination packaging. Note, however, that a single UN 1H2 plastic drum may not be used for transport by air; and a UN 1H2 combination packaging must be tested with inner packagings consisting of glass, earthenware, plastic, or metal receptacles or glass ampoules.

Q2. Would it be permitted to use the proper shipping description "UN 3086, waste toxic solids, oxidizing, n.o.s. (potassium dichromate, sodium dichromate), 6.1 (5.1), PG I" to describe both materials in the packaging scenario described in Q1?

A2. It is the shipper's responsibility to properly classify and describe a hazardous material. If an appropriate technical name is not shown in the § 172.101 hazardous materials table for a particular material, you must select a generic or n.o.s. description that most appropriately describes the material corresponding to the hazard class, packing group, and subsidiary hazard (§ 172.101(c)(12)(ii)). If it happens that multiple materials (in this case, potassium dichromate and sodium dichromate) share the same hazard class, packing group (PG), and subsidiary hazard, then they may be described by the same generic or n.o.s. description and must include the technical name of the material(s) contributing to the hazard. Separate entries for materials in the same packaging are not needed on the shipping paper unless the materials have different PGs. With regard to the package marking, separate markings need not be used for materials sharing the same description (but with differing PGs) because only the proper shipping name (and technical name if subject to § 172.203(k)) and UN number are required by § 172.301(a)(1). Thus, for a package containing multiple materials sharing the same hazardous materials description, one marking with the proper shipping name, UN number, and technical names of the materials contributing to the hazard may be used. Note that the word waste may only be included preceding the proper shipping name if the material is a hazardous waste as defined in § 171.8 (see § 172.101(c)(9)). Note also that for the package marking, the proper shipping name for a hazardous waste does not need to include the word waste if the package bears the EPA marking required by 40 CFR 262.32.

Q3. Can hazardous materials that are chemically compatible and share the same hazard class be described on a shipping document using a generic description with the technical names of chemicals that most contribute to the hazard and be packed together (utilizing the most restrictive packing group)?

A3. See also A1 and A2.

I hope this answers your inquiry. If you need additional assistance, please contact this office at (202) 366-8553.

Sincerely,

Dirk Der Kinderen
Acting Chief, Standards Development Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division
173.24, 173.24a, 173.211, 172.101(c)(12)(ii), 172.203(k), 172.301(a)(1), 171.8, 172.101(c)(9)