Marking and labeling are essential steps when preparing a dangerous good package for transportation. Labels often communicate the hazards associated with the package, and markings ensure the shipment is handled to prevent spills, accidents, and exposure. As such, they must be applied appropriately, reflect correct information, and comply with the regulations.

Marking

Marking means a descriptive name, identification number, instructions, cautions, weight, specification, UN marks, or combinations thereof, required on the outer packaging of hazardous materials or dangerous goods.

The marking required:

1. Must be durable, in English, and printed on or affixed to the surface of a package or on a label, tag, or sign.
2. Must be displayed on a background of sharply contrasting color;
3. Must be unobscured by labels or attachments; and
4. Must be located away from any other marking (such as advertising) that could substantially reduce its effectiveness.

Specialized markings:

There are specialized markings that you should be aware of as well. Among them are:

For liquid hazardous materials or dangerous goods:

Specific marking requirements also apply to radioactive materials, poisonous dangerous goods, and dangerous goods in limited quantities. Refer to the specific sections found in 49CFR, Part 172, Subpart D.

Labeling

Labels identify the specific primary and subsidiary hazards the materials pose in a dangerous goods package. These methods of communication rely on specific colors, codes, and pictograms to clearly and immediately identify the type of materials in the package.

49 CFR 172.406 states that labels must be printed on or affixed to a surface (other than the bottom) of the package or containment device containing the hazardous material, located on the same surface of the package, and near the proper shipping name marking if the package dimensions are adequate.

For more information on marking and labeling, see DOT Chart 17 (PDF).

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