Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

Page 1U.S. Department of Transportation WasHington 20590 Washington, D.C. Research and Special Programs Administration JUN 1 4 2000 Mr. Robert Dritschel Ref. No. 00-0125 Technical Services Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc. 124 River Road Middlesex, NJ 08846 Dear Mr. Dritschel: This is in response to your letter dated April 13, 2000, concerning identification number marking requirements under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask if identification number markings may be handwritten when displayed on placards: The answer is yes, provided the handwritten identification number markings meet all the requirements under SS 172.332 (c) and 172.519. Section 172.332 (c) requires that the identification number marking be displayed in 88 mm (3.5 inches) black Alpine Gothic or Alternate Gothic No. 3: numerals on a white background 100 mm (3.9 inches) high and approximately 215 mm (8.5 inches) wide. Section 172.519 (a) requires placards meet specific strength and durability standards. I hope this satisfies your request.' Sincerely, Polesto Transportation Regulations Specialists Office of Hazardous Materials Standards 172.519 000125#

Page 2REAGENT Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc. 124 RIVER ROAD • MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY 08846 OFFICE: (732) 469-0101 • FAX: (732) 469-1074 BAK CHEMICAL April 13, 2000 8172.54 Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards Mr. Edward T. Mazzullo 00-012 US DOT/RSPA (DHM-10) 400 7 Street SW Washington, DC 20590-0001 Dear Mr. Mazzullo: I am writing to you in order to get a clarification on the Hazardous Material standards that apply specifically to placarding trailers. When ground sulfur (NA 1350) is transported in bulk bags (2000 pound sacks), it is classified as a Class 9 material. My question involves that placard that must be attached to the container that is hauling this material. When the Class 9 placard is attached to the outside of the container, can placards that have the four digit designation number that is hand written inside the box on rectangle on the placard? If there is an area in the CFR that states that the ID numbers the placard be used, or must the placard have the ID number preprinted inside the must be preprinted, please let me know what section it is. Sincerel Mgr - Technical Services Robert Dritschel Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc. Registered to ISO 9002 File # A6831#