DOT Hazmat Labels Guide

 

What is a DOT Label?

Labels are pictograms that indicate the Hazard Class or Division of the hazardous material in a package, covering both the primary hazard and any subsidiary hazards. Some labels also include special instructions, such as the "Cargo Aircraft Only" Label.

The regulations include specific pictograms and colors for each Label. The full text of the requirements can be found in 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart E.

How is a DOT Label Used?

A label is generally applied to non-bulk packages, such as compressed gas cylinders and fiberboard boxes. Placards are utilized for bulk packages, such as shipping containers.

When applying a DOT label, it is important that it must be visible and is not covered up by any other labels that get applied to the package. It is also important that any designs on the box cannot be confused with the DOT label. Therefore, it is best that hazardous materials are shipped in plain containers without any printed patterns.

If multiple DOT labels are needed, such as a package with both a Hazard Class label and "Cargo Aircraft Only" label, the labels must be placed next to each other, not overlapping, on the same side of the package.

What is the Difference Between OSHA and DOT Labels?

OSHA also has separate labeling requirements for packages containing hazardous chemicals related to workplace safety. These include the GHS pictograms, which are different than the DOT pictograms.

Learn more about the difference between OSHA Labels versus DOT Labels.

Meanings of the DOT Labels

Hazard Class and Division Labels

Most of the DOT Labels concern the Hazard Classes and Divisions.

This is a 1.1A Explosive Label. There are many other variants of the Class 1 Explosives, from 1.1A to 1.6 for the different divisions.

This is a Class 2 Flammable Gas Label.

This is a Class 2 Non-Flammable Gas Label.

This is a Class 2 Inhalation Hazard Label, also known as a Poisonous Gas Label.

This is a Class 3 Flammable Liquid Label.

This is a Class 4 Dangerous When Wet Label.

This is a Class 4 Flammable Solid Label.

This is a Class 4 Spontaneously Combustible Label.

This is a Class 5, Division 1 Oxidizer Label.

This is a Class 5, Division 2 Organic Peroxide Label.

This is a Class 6 Infectious Substance Label.

This is a Class 6 Inhalation Hazard Label.

This is a Class 6 Poison Label.

This is a Class 7 Fissile Material Label. There are also variations based on the groupings of Radioactive Materials.

This is a Class 8 Corrosive Label.

This is a Class 9 Label.

Other Labels

There are two other types of DOT Labels.

This is a "Cargo Aircraft Only" Label, used for marking shipments being transported by air that cannot be transported by passenger aircraft.

This is an "Empty" Label, used for marking a package that has been emptied of hazardous materials but still contains hazardous residue.

Further Reading

Learn more about Hazmat Shipping for Small Businesses.