DOT 115-16
Monday, September 19, 2016

PHMSA and OSHA Clarify Requirements for Labeling Hazardous Chemicals for Bulk Shipments. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today issued a joint guidance memorandum clarifying the applicability of their respective requirements for labeling hazardous chemicals. The joint memo provides an overview of each agency’s scope of authority, and guidance on the applicability of PHMSA and OSHA labeling requirements with an emphasis on bulk packaging used in transportation and in the workplace. With reference to this guidance, labeling includes all DOT placarding, signs, and other markings. PHMSA labeling requirements may be found in the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 100-180), and OSHA labeling requirements may be found in the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012; 29 CFR § 1910.1200). For more information on DOT's efforts to improve hazardous materials safety and awareness, or to access U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations, visit the PHMSA website at www.phmsa.dot.gov. Contact for media: Artealia Gilliard (202)366-4831