AHCES Blog

  Emergency Response Information is important for the transportation of hazardous materials, as it ensures that emergency response personnel have the correct information on how to respond to an accident. For some materials, specific personal protective equipment or fire extinguishing material is needed for safe accident response. It is the duty of the party shipping the hazardous material to appropriately relay this emergency response information. What is Emergency Response Information for Hazardous Material Shipping? Emergency response information, in the context of a hazardous material shipment, is the information that needs to be readily available to emergency response personnel in the event of an accident involving the hazardous material. This includes technical information about the hazardous material, an emergency response telephone number, and carrier information contact. The full text of the requirements can be found in  49 CFR Part 172 Subpart G . Emergency Re...

  What is Vanillin? Vanillin is an benzaldehyde, also known as vanillaldehyde, vanillic aldehyde, or 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde. Vanillin does occur naturally in vanilla orchids, as well as some other plants. The synthetic form of vanillin is commonly used as an artificial vanilla flavoring and fragrance. Vanillin has the CAS Number 121-33-5. The CAS Number is used to identify vanillin as an ingredient on safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety documentation. When looking for vanillin as an ingredient in products like vanilla flavoring agents, look for the CAS Number in the composition table. Notable Properties of Vanillin Vanillin in its solid form is a pale yellow, needle-shaped crystal. When dissolved in ethanol or another solvent, pure vanillin is clear. Brown vanilla extracts are typically naturally derived from the soaking of vanilla beans in ethanol to extract the soluble components. What Makes Vanillin Hazardous? Vanillin is an irritant when concentrated. It can caus...

  What is a DOT Marking? Markings refer to both identification markings that are material specific, as well as a set of pictograms with special instructions not otherwise covered in the Labels or Placards section. The regulations include specific fonts and sizes for letters and numerals, as well as specific pictograms and colors, for each Marking. The full text of the requirements can be found in  49 CFR Part 172 Subpart D . How is a DOT Marking Used? DOT Markings are used on all types of packages, both non-bulk and bulk, with different size requirements for clarity depending on package type. Proper Shipping Name and Identification Number There is a Proper Shipping Name and Identification Number. For each hazardous material, the proper shipping name and identification number can be found by looking it up in the § 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. For example, if you are shipping nail polish remover that is made from pure acetone, then you would use the Proper Shipping N...

  The Five Elements of the Hazard Communication Standard There are five key sections to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Hazard Classification Written Hazard Communication Programs Labels and Other Forms of Warning Safety Data Sheets Employee Information and Training What is the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard? The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is a part of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards covering Toxic and Hazardous Substances. The HCS is used as the standard for characterizing the hazards, if any, of chemicals and conveying that information in an easily understood manner. Chemicals can be classified as health hazards, physical hazards, hazards otherwise classified, or a combination of all three depending on the individual properties. Hazard Classification Chemical manufacturers and importers are responsible for the classification of the chemicals they manufacture or import. Chemical distributors and end-users may choose to rely o...