Search

Calculating RQ for Hazmat Mixtures and Solutions

Posted on 6/22/2021 by Roseanne Bottone and Roger Marks

In a recent blog, we discussed shippers’ responsibilities for offering a reportable quantity (RQ) of a hazardous substance for transportation.

To recap, not all DOT hazardous materials are hazardous substances. DOT lists hazardous substances in Appendix A to the 172.101 Hazmat Table. When shipping a single hazardous substance, identifying the RQ and ensuring compliance is relatively straightforward.

But what if you ship a mixture or solution?

In order for a mixture or solution to be regulated as a hazardous substance, two things must be true. A mixture or solution is regulated as a hazardous substance only when it is: 
  • In a quantity, in one package, which equals or exceeds the reportable quantity (RQ) listed in the appendix A to § 172.101, AND
  • In a concentration by weight which equals or exceeds the concentration corresponding to the RQ of the material, as shown in the table found in 49 CFR 171.8, as part of DOT’s definition of hazardous substance.
The RQ concentration table provides a concentration percentage by weight for each RQ assigned to a substance in 172.101 Appendix A—5,000 lbs., 1,000 lbs., 100 lbs., 10 lbs. and 1 lbs.
 
reportable quantity RQ concentration range table 49 CFR 172.101 appendix A

Example
Say you have a mixture that contains benzene. Benzene is a hazardous substance with a reportable quantity of 10 pounds, according to the 172.101 Table, Appendix A.

When we consult the concentration chart, we see that a substance with a 10-pound RQ must also make up 0.02% (or 200 parts-per-million) or more of a mixture or solution in order to be regulated as a hazardous substance.

Therefore, if your mixture or solution contains 0.02% or more of benzene (by weight) AND that represents at least 10 lbs. of benzene, you must mark RQ on the shipping papers and on a non-bulk package.

When is a mixture or solution that contains a hazardous substance regulated as a hazardous substance?
  • If it meets the percentage AND meets or exceeds the RQ quantity, it is regulated as a hazardous substance.
  • If it meets the percentage, but not the RQ, it is not regulated as a hazardous substance
  • If it meets the RQ, but not the percentage, it is not regulated as a hazardous substance

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.