# DRMO-Luke — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 98-0014  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1998-05-06

98-0014 response to DRMO-Luke concerning 171.8, 172.203.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

".'
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Washington, D.C.
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
20590
Special Programs
Administration
MAY * § 1998
Bef. No. 98-0014
Mr. Eddie Ellis
Environmental Protection Specialist
DRMO-Luke
7011 N. El Mirage Rd.
Glendale, AZ 85307-2503
Dear Mr. Ellis:
This is in response to your letter of March 10, 1998, concerning the use of abbreviations as
technical names under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR; Parts 171-185).
Specifically, you asked if the abbreviation "MEK" may be used as a technical name for a
hazardous material.
The abbreviation "MEK" may be used as a technical name for the chemical methyl ethyl
ketone to meet the requirements of § 172.203(k). The definition in § 171.8 of "technical
name" means a recognized chemical name or microbiological name currently used in scientific
and technical handbooks, journals and texts. This abbreviation, however, may not be used as
a proper shipping name as it does not appear specifically listed in the Hazardous Materials
Table in § 172.101.
I hope this answers your question. If we can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to
contact us.
Sincerely,
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

<<<PAGE 2>>>

•
/
'R. - 10'98 (TUE) 14:20 DRMO LUKE
TEL: 602 856
Yet nachos
P. 001
- -
I'le: 172.203 (K)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
DEFENSE STUZAN AND MARKETING DENCE
50%
GLENDALE, AZ 85307-2503
7011 N. EL MIRAGE RD.
ANKURANT
DRMO Luke-UHA
10 Mar 98
MEMORANDUM FOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ATTN: MIKE JOHNSON
SUBJECT: Request for Interpretation
The question is:
"Can the abbreviation "MEK" be used as the technical name of the hazardous
material that must be entered in parentheses in association with the basic
description of a shipping paper?" (Reference 172.203(K))
Example: Flammable Liquids, N.O.S. (MEK & Toluene)
The abbreviation for Methyl Ethyl Ketone is found in 49 CFR, 172.101, Table 1,
"Hazardous Substances other than Radionuclides", Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary,
Eleventh Edition; 40 CFR PT 264, App IX "Ground Water Monitoring List", 40 CFR 261.33
EPA Hazardous Waste Number U159; Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Eighth
Edition, as a synonym (MKA 400); Chris Hazardous Chemical Data M.16465.12A, listed as a
common synonym. The list is endless as every technical publication identifies MEK as a
synonym of methyl ethyl ketone.
It is understood that the abbreviation cannot be used as a proper materials description and
proper shipping name as listed in 172.101.
Please provide your interpretation to us by fax as soon as possible. Our fax number is
(602) 856-7146 and telephone (602) 856-7144.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
EDDIE ELLIS
Environmental Protection Specialist
DRMO Luke

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980014.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `6b4783f2216269a3ae37a523fd10d20f78aafce5020d4dec4a6eb2d757f9aeef`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T06:56:37.967Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-98-0014`

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