What does 49 CFR 177.838 (Class 4 (flammable solid) materials, Class 5 (oxidizing) materials, and Division 4.2 (self-heating and pyrophoric liquid) materials) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 177.838 requires specific handling and transportation procedures for Class 4 (flammable solid) materials, Class 5 (oxidizing) materials, and Division 4.2 (self-heating and pyrophoric liquid) materials, including keeping them dry, providing ventilation, and securing them in the vehicle.

The rule says

"Special care shall be taken in the loading of any motor vehicle with Class 4 (flammable solid) or Class 5 (oxidizing) materials which are likely to become hazardous to transport when wet, to keep them from being wetted during the loading process and to keep them dry during transit." (49 CFR 177.838)

"Whenever a motor carrier has knowledge concerning the hazards of spontaneous combustion or heating of any article to be loaded on a motor vehicle, such article shall be so loaded as to afford sufficient ventilation of the load to provide reasonable assurance against fire from this cause" (49 CFR 177.838)

In plain English

It requires carriers to take special care when handling flammable solids and oxidizing materials, keeping them dry and providing adequate ventilation. This is especially important for materials like charcoal, which can ignite spontaneously if not handled properly. Carriers must also ensure that the vehicle is properly secured and that the materials are loaded in a way that minimizes the risk of fire or explosion.

What to do

• Ensure that Class 4 and Class 5 materials are kept dry during loading and transit
• Provide adequate ventilation for materials that may be prone to spontaneous combustion
• Secure the vehicle and load to prevent shifting or movement during transit
• Follow specific loading procedures for materials like charcoal to prevent ignition