CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Hazardous Materials RegulationsMedium
A driver is transporting a package marked 'RQ, Corrosive Liquid, Acidic, Inorganic, N.O.S., 8, UN3264, PG II'. What does 'RQ' indicate on this shipping paper entry?
- ARegulatory Quality
- BRequired Quantity
- CRestricted Quantity
- DReportable Quantity
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Reportable Quantity
The 'RQ' symbol on a shipping paper entry for a hazardous material indicates that the material is a 'Reportable Quantity' as defined by EPA regulations. This means that if there is a release of this material in a quantity equal to or greater than its RQ, it must be reported to appropriate authorities.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is not the correct meaning of 'RQ' in hazardous materials transport.
- B. This is not the correct meaning of 'RQ' in hazardous materials transport.
- C. This is not the correct meaning of 'RQ' in hazardous materials transport.
Reportable Quantity (RQ)
A Reportable Quantity (RQ) is the amount of a hazardous substance that, if released into the environment, requires immediate reporting to the National Response Center (NRC) and other appropriate government agencies.
- Defined by EPA under CERCLA.
- Indicated by 'RQ' on shipping papers.
- Triggers mandatory incident reporting if released above the threshold.
Memory trick: RQ on paper? Release it, and you'll Report Quite Fast!