What does 49 CFR 171.2 (General requirements) require?

Short answer

The general requirements of 49 CFR 171.2 include:

1. Performing functions in accordance with the subchapter

2. Complying with applicable requirements for offering hazardous materials for transportation

3. Registering in conformance with subpart G of part 107, if applicable

4. Properly classing, describing, packaging, marking, labeling, and conditioning hazardous materials for shipment

5. Transporting hazardous materials in accordance with applicable requirements

6. Manufacturing, fabricating, marking, maintaining, reconditioning, repairing, and retesting packaging and containers in accordance with applicable requirements

The rule says

"Each person who performs a function covered by this subchapter must perform that function in accordance with this subchapter." (49 CFR 171.2(a))

"Each person who offers a hazardous material for transportation in commerce must comply with all applicable requirements of this subchapter, or an exemption or special permit, approval, or registration issued under this subchapter or under subchapter A of this chapter." (49 CFR 171.2(b))

"No person may offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce or transport a hazardous material in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance with subpart G of part 107 of this chapter, if applicable." (49 CFR 171.2(d))

"No person may offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by applicable requirements of this subchapter or an exemption or special permit, approval, or registration issued under this subchapter or subchapter A of this chapter." (49 CFR 171.2(e))

"No person may transport a hazardous material in commerce unless the hazardous material is transported in accordance with applicable requirements of this subchapter, or an exemption or special permit, approval, or registration issued under this subchapter or subchapter A of this chapter." (49 CFR 171.2(f))

"No person may represent, mark, certify, sell, or offer a packaging or container as meeting the requirements of this subchapter governing its use in the transportation of a hazardous material in commerce unless the packaging or container is manufactured, fabricated, marked, maintained, reconditioned, repaired, and retested in accordance with the applicable requirements of this subchapter." (49 CFR 171.2(g))

In plain English

49 CFR 171.2 sets out the general requirements for handling hazardous materials in transportation. This includes ensuring that all functions related to hazardous materials are performed in accordance with the regulations, and that all applicable requirements for offering, transporting, and packaging hazardous materials are met. It also requires registration with the Department of Transportation, if applicable, and proper classification, description, packaging, marking, labeling, and conditioning of hazardous materials for shipment. Additionally, it mandates that packaging and containers be manufactured, fabricated, marked, maintained, reconditioned, repaired, and retested in accordance with the regulations. These requirements are crucial for ensuring the safe transportation of hazardous materials and preventing accidents.

What to do

• Ensure that all functions related to hazardous materials are performed in accordance with 49 CFR 171.2
• Register with the Department of Transportation, if applicable
• Properly classify, describe, package, mark, label, and condition hazardous materials for shipment
• Transport hazardous materials in accordance with applicable requirements
• Ensure that packaging and containers are manufactured, fabricated, marked, maintained, reconditioned, repaired, and retested in accordance with the regulations
• Comply with all applicable requirements for offering hazardous materials for transportation