CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Hazardous Materials RegulationsEasy

A driver is transporting 900 pounds of Division 4.1 (Flammable Solid) and 200 pounds of Division 5.1 (Oxidizer) in non-bulk packages. Which of the following statements about placarding is TRUE?

  1. AOnly the FLAMMABLE SOLID placard is required.
  2. BBoth FLAMMABLE SOLID and OXIDIZER placards are required.
  3. COnly the OXIDIZER placard is required.
  4. DNo placards are required for this shipment.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Both FLAMMABLE SOLID and OXIDIZER placards are required.

Both Division 4.1 (Flammable Solid) and Division 5.1 (Oxidizer) are Table 2 materials. Since the aggregate gross weight of each material exceeds 1,001 pounds (900 + 200 = 1,100 pounds total of Table 2 materials), and each material individually exceeds its 1,001 pound threshold, specific placards for both are required. If the total was over 1,001 pounds but a single material was under 1,001, then a DANGEROUS placard might be applicable, but here both specific placards are needed.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. The oxidizer also meets its placarding threshold.
  • C. The flammable solid also meets its placarding threshold.
  • D. The total weight of Table 2 materials is 1,100 pounds, exceeding the 1,001 pound threshold, so placards are required.

Table 2 Placarding Threshold

For hazardous materials listed in Table 2 of 49 CFR 172.504(b), specific placards are required if the gross weight of a single class of material in non-bulk packages is 1,001 pounds or more, OR if the aggregate gross weight of all Table 2 materials is 1,001 pounds or more.

  • Applies to non-bulk packages.
  • Threshold is 1,001 pounds for a single class or aggregate.
  • If aggregate is over 1,001 lbs but no single class is, 'DANGEROUS' placard may apply unless specific placard is required for a class.

Memory trick: Two Tables, Two Rules: Table 1 Always, Table 2 When Over a Ton (ish).

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