# Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation 11-0133

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 11-0133
- **title:** Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation 11-0133
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2011-09-12
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 11-0133 concerning 173.136, 173.137, 173.22.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-11-0133.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-11-0133.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-11-0133
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretations/2011/110133.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

u.s. Department 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington. DC 20590
of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety
Administration
sr:p 1 2 2011
Mr. Zac Childers
Dangerous Goods Classification Specialist
Customer Channels Group
Thermo Fisher Scientific
300 Industry Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Reference No. 11-0133
Dear Mr. Childers:
This responds to your June 1, 2011 letter and subsequent email correspondence with a member
ofmy staff requesting clarification ofthe Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR
Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask whether Gieson's solution, consisting of 1.23% picric
acid (trinitrophenol), less than 1 % acid fuchsine, less than 0.1 % diazolidinyl urea and
approximately 98% water, is regulated under the HMR.
Under § 173.22, it is the shipper's responsibility to classifY a hazardous material. This Office
does not normally perform this function. However, as the proper shipping name
"Trinitrophenol, wetted" applies to trinitrophenol mixed with not less than 30 percent water by
mass and no other materials, we agree with your conclusion that Gieson's solution should not
be described as such.
Our research has provided conflicting information regarding the corrosivity of Gieson' s
solution. For example, some data indicates that a 1.23% concentration ofpicric acid is
sufficiently diluted so that the solution is not regulated as a Division 4.1 material. Further, we
do not have the capability to determine the corrosivity ofan unlisted material, such as a
mixture, without the results oftests conducted on the material as specified in §§ 173.136 and
173.137. Ifyou are not able to perform corrosivity testing on your material, we recommend
that you contact a laboratory capable ofperforming such testing. The American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) maintains a website that offers a directory of laboratories that
can satisfY this requirement. The ASTM website can be found at: www.astm.org.
I trust this satisfies your inquiry. Please contact us ifwe can be of further assistance.
sm~s~
Ben Supko
Chief, Standards Development Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division

<<<PAGE 2>>>

\AJ iVl+e-(
~ ,1,z .Ibl
~jppl''?j No.lh€) CIf(6StI:~m
ThermoFisher JJ- 0133
SCIENTIFIC
June 1, 2011
Dr. Charles Ke
US Department of Transportation
Re: Van Geison/Gieson's solution Classification
Dear Dr. Ke:
The purpose of this letter is to request clarification on the classification of Van
Geison/Gieson's solution under the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Van
Geison/Gieson's solution is a product used in the medical industry, primarily as a
histology tissue stain. The maximum percentages of the primary ingredients are: picric
acid (trinitrophenol) at 1.23%, acid fuchsine (CAS: 3244-88-0) at < 1 %, diazolidinyl urea
(CAS: 78491-02-8) at < 0.1 %, and water as the balance at approximately 98%.
We believe that Van Geison/Gieson's solution should not be classified as trinitrophenol,
wetted with not less than 30% water, 4.1, UN 1344, I. We feel that the addition of acid
fuchsine and diazolidinyl urea to the mixture do not contribute to the activity of the
trinitrophenol, and that the final product should not be classified as explosive or reactive.
However, we do feel that this material should be classified under the HMR. Due to the
percentages of acid fuchsine and picric acid, along with a strongly acidic pH value of < 2,
we propose the classification for transportation as:
Corrosive Liquid, Acidic, Organic, N.O.S. (Acid fuchsine, Picric acid), 8, UN3265, III
Do you agree with our assessment and classification?
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration in this matter.
Kind regards,
lac Childers
Dangerous Goods Classification Specialist
Customer Channels Group
Thermo Fisher Scientific
300 Industry Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Tel: (724) 517-1616
Fax: (724) 517-1546
zachary.childers@thermofisher.com

<<<PAGE 3>>>

SCIENTIFIC
Material Safety Data Sheet
Creation Date 09-Mar-2oo9 Revision Date 09-Mar-2009 Revision Number 1
Product Name
Cat No.
Synonyms
Recommended Use
Company
Richard Allan Scientific
A Subsidiary of Thermo Fisher Scientific
4481 Campus Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Tel: (800) 522-7270
Chromaview Van Geison
88011
No information available.
Laboratory chemicals
Emergency Telephone Number
Chemtrec US: (800) 424-9300
Chemtrec EU: (202) 483-7616
DANGER!
Emergency Overview
Causes burns by all exposure routes.
\Appearance Amber Physical State Liquid odor odorless
Target Organs
Potential Health Effects
Acute Effects
Principle Routes of Exposure
Eyes
Skin
Inhalation
Ingestion
Chronic Effects
Skin, Respiratory system, Eyes, Gastrointestinal tract (GI)
Causes burns.
Causes burns. May be harmful in contact with skin.
Causes burns. May be harmful if inhaled.
Causes burns. May be harmful if swallowed.
Mutatagenic effects have occured in microorganisms..
See Section 11 for additional Toxicological information.
Aggravated Medical Conditions No information available.
HazJNon-haz
Component CAS-No Weight %
Page 1/8

<<<PAGE 4>>>

Thenno Fisher Scientific - Chromaview Van Geison Revision Date 09-Mar-2009
Water 7732-18-5 >98
Diazolidinvl urea 78491-02-8 < 0.1
Picric acid 88-89-1 1.23
Acid fuchsine 3244-88-0 < 1.0
Eye Contact Skin Contact Inhalation Ingestion Rinse immediately with plenty of water, also under the eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.
Immediate medical attention is required.
Wash off immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Immediate medical attention
is required.
Move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do not use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial respiration with a respiratory
medical device. Immediate medical attention is required.
Do not induce vomiting. Call a physician or Poison Control Center immediately.
Notes to Physician Treat symptomatically.
Flash Point No information available.
Method No information available.
Autoignition Temperature No information available.
Explosion Limits
Upper No data available
Lower No data available
Suitable Extinguishing Media Substance is nonflammable; use agent most appropriate to
extinguish surrounding fire..
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media No information available.
Hazardous Combustion Products No information available.
Sensitivity to mechanical impact No information available.
Sensitivity to static discharge No information available.
Specific Hazards AriSing from the Chemical
Corrosive Material. Causes burns by all exposure routes.
Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters
As in any fire, wear self-contained breathing apparatus pressure-demand, MSHAINIOSH (approved or equivalent) and full protective
gear. Thermal decomposition can lead to release of irritating gases and vapors.
NFPA Health 3 Flammability 0 Instability 0 Physical hazards N/A
Personal Precautions Use personal protective equipment. Ensure adequate ventilation. Keep people away from and
upwind of spill/leak. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on
clothing.
Page 218

<<<PAGE 5>>>

Thermo Fisher Scientific - Chromaview Van Geison Revision Date 09-Mar-2009
Environmental Precautions Should not be released into the environment.
Methods for Containment and Clean Soak up with inert absorbent material. Keep in suitable and closed containers for disposal.
Up
Handling
Storage
Use only under a chemical fume hood. Wear personal protective equipment. Do not get in
eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not breathe vapors or spray mist. Do not ingest.
Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Corrosives area.
Engineering Measures
Use only under a chemical fume hood. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are
close to the workstation location.
Exposure Guidelines
ComDonent Picric acid ACGIHTlV TWA: 0.1 mg/m3 OSHA PEL (Vacated) TWA: 0.1 mg/m3
Skin
TWA: 0.1 mg/m3 NIOSH IDlH
IDlH: 75 mg/m3
TWA: 0.1 mg/m3
STEL: 0.3 ma/m3
Component Quebec Mexico OEl (TWA) Ontario TWAEV
Picric acid TWA: 0.1 mg/m3 TWA: 0.1 mg/m3
STEL: 0.3 mg/m3
TWA: 0.1 mg/m3
STEL: 0.3 mg/m3
Skin
NIOSH IDLH: Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
Personal Protective Equipment
Eye/face Protection Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's
eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166.
Skin and body protection Wear appropriate protective gloves and clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respiratory Protection Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29 CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN
149. Use a NIOSH/MSHA or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator if exposure limits
are exceeded or if irritation or other symptoms are experienced.
Physical State
Appearance
odor
Odor Threshold
pH
Vapor Pressure
Vapor Density
Viscosity
Boiling Point/Range
Melting Point/Range
Decomposition temperature
Flash Point
Evaporation Rate
Liquid
Amber
odorless
No information available.
<2
No information available.
No information available.
No information available.
No information available.
No information available.
No information available.
No information available.
No information available.
Page 3/8

<<<PAGE 6>>>

Thenno Fisher Scientific - Chromaview Van Geison
Revision Date 09-Mar-2009
1.
No information available.
No data available
Stability
Conditions to Avoid
Incompatible Materials
Hazardous Decomposition Products
Hazardous Polymerization
Hazardous Reactions.
Stable under normal conditions.
Incompatible products. Excess heat.
Strong oxidizing agents
Carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon dioxide (CO:!)
Hazardous polymerization does not occur.
None under normal processing..
Acute Toxicity
Product Information No acute toxicity information is available for this product
LC50 Inhalation
Not listed
Not listed
Irritation
Toxicologically Synergistic
Products
Causes burns by all exposure routes
No information available.
Chronic Toxicity
Carcinogenicity
There are no known carcinogenic chemicals in this product
Sensitization
Mutagenic Effects
Reproductive Effects
Developmental Effects
Teratogenicity
No information available.
No information available.
No information available.
No information available.
No information available.
Page 4/8

<<<PAGE 7>>>

Thermo Fisher Scientific - Chromaview Van Geison Revision Date 09-Mar-2009
Other Adverse Effects The toxicological properties have not been fully investigated .. See actual entry in RTECS for
complete information.
Endocrine Disruptor Information No information available
Ecotoxicity
Do not empty into drains
Persistence and Degradability No information available
Bioaccumulationl Accumulation No information available
Mobility
Com onent I Pow
Water -1.87
Acid fuchsine -6.46
Waste Disposal Methods Chemical waste generators must determine whether a discarded chemical is classified as a
hazardous waste. Chemical waste generators must also consult local, regional, and national
hazardous waste regulations to ensure complete and accurate classification.
DOT
UN-No
Proper Shipping Name
Proper technical name
Hazard Class
Packing Group
UN3265
CORROSIVE LIQUID, ACIDIC, ORGANIC, N.O.S.
(Acid fuchsin, Picric acid)
a
III
TDG
UN-No
Proper Shipping Name
Hazard Class
Packing Group
UN3265
CORROSIVE LIQUID. ACIDIC, ORGANIC. N.O.S.
a
III
lATA
UN-No
Proper Shipping Name
Hazard Class
Packing Group
UN3265
a
III
CORROSIVE LIQUID, ACIDIC, ORGANIC, N.O.S.
Page 5/8

<<<PAGE 8>>>

Thenno Fisher Scientific - Chromaview Van Geison
Revision Date 09-Mar-2009
IMDG/IMO
UN-No UN3265
Proper Shipping Name CORROSIVE LIQUID, ACIDIC, ORGANIC, N.O.S.
Hazard Class 8
Packing Group III
Intemationallnventories
Component TSCA DSL NDSL EINECS ELiNCS NLP PICCS ENCS AlCS CHINA KECL
Water X X - 1 231-791I
2
- X - X X
X
Diazolidinyl urea X X - 1 278-9282
- X - X X KE03215
X
Picric acid X X - 201-8659
- X X X X KE34715
X
Acid fuchsine X X - 221-8165
- X X X X -
Legend:
X- Listed
E - Indicates a substance that is the subject of a Section 5(e) Consent order under TSCA.
F - Indicates a substance that is the subject of a Section 5(f) Rule under TSCA.
N • Indicates a polymeric substance containing no free-radical initiator In Its inventory name but is considered to cover the designated
polymer made with any free-radical initiator regardless of the amount used.
P - Indicates a commenced PMN substance
R - Indicates a substance that is the subject of a Section 6 risk management rule under TSCA.
S - Indicates a substance that Is identified In a proposed or final Significant New Use Rule
T - Indicates a substance that Is the subject of a Section 4 test rule under TSCA.
XU - Indicates a substance exempt from reporting under the Inventory Update Rule, i.e. Partial Updating of the TSCA Inventory Data Base
Production and Site Reports (40 CFR 710(8).
Y1 - Indicates an exempt polymer that has a number-average molecular weight of 1,000 or greater.
Y2 - Indicates an exempt polymer that is a polyester and is made only from reactants Included In a specified list of low concern reactants that
comprises one of the eligibility criteria for the exemption rule.
U.S. Federal Regulations
TSCA 12(b) Not applicable
SARA 313
Component CAS-No Weight % SARA 313 - Threshold
Values %
Picric acid 88-89-1 1.23 1.0
SARA 311/312 Hazardous Categorization
Acute Health Hazard . Yes
Page 6/8

<<<PAGE 9>>>

Thenno Fisher Scientific - Chromaview Van Geison
Revision Date 09-Mar-2009
Chronic Health Hazard
Fire Hazard
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
Reactive Hazard
Clean Water Act
Not applicable
No
No
No
No
Clean Air Act
Not applicable
OSHA
Not applicable
CERCLA
Not Applicable
California Proposition 65
This product does not contain any Proposition 65 chemicals.
State Right-to-Know
Massachusetts New Jerse Illinois Rhode Island
x x
x
U.S. Department of Transportation
Reportable Quantity (RQ): N
DOT Marine Pollutant N
DOT Severe Marine Pollutant N
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This product contains the following DHS chemicals:
Com anent DHS Chemical Faclli Anti-Terrorism Standard
Picric acid 2000lbSTQ
Other International Regulations
Mexico· Grade No information available
Canada
This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the
MSDS contains all the infonnation required by the CPR.
WHMIS Hazard Class
E Corrosive material
Page 7/8

<<<PAGE 10>>>

Thermo Fisher Scientific - Chromaview Van Geison Revision Date 09-Mar·2009
Prepared By Regulatory Affairs
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Tel: (412) 490-8929
Creation Date 09-Mar·2009
Print Date 09-Mar-2009
Revision Summary "***", and red text indicates revision
Disclaimer
The information provided on this Safety Data Sheet Is correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief at the date
of its publication. The Information given is designed only as a guide for safe handling, use, processing. storage,
transportation, disposal and release and is not to be considered as a warranty or quality speCification. The information
relates only to the speCific material designated and may not be valid for such material used in combination with any other
material or in any process, unless specified in the text
End of MSDS
Page 8/8

<<<PAGE 11>>>

\Winter, Lisa (PHMSA)
From: Childers, Zachary A. [zachary.childers@thermofisher.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2011 1 :05 PM
To: Winter, Lisa (PHMSA)
Subject: RE: Interpretation Request Regarding the Classification of Gieson's solution
Attachments: 88011_MSDS.pdf
Lisa,
Good afternoon. The product is manufactured by one of our sister companies, Thermo Scientific - Anatomical Pathology
division (formerly Richard Allan Scientific). Their current MSDS is attached. I spoke with a member of their dangerous
goods transport team, who informed me that the pH of this mixture has actually been tested, &that the values fall within
the 1.40 - 1.85 range. She further explained that this was their reason for classifying as a class 8, corrosive material.
Members of both companies/divisions are willing to reevaluate the material & consider making it non-regulated for
transport. However, the corrosive vs. non-regulated issue becomes a moot pOint if we are unable to obtain approval to
ship the material (a diluted/desensitized e~plosive).
Please let me know what you decide thanks again.
Zac
From: lisa.winter@dot.gov [mailto:lisa.winter@dot.gov]
Sent: ThursdaYI July 28/ 2011 7:56 AM
To: Childersl Zachary A.
Subject: RE: Interpretation Request Regarding the ClaSSification of Gieson's solution
Good morning Zac,
You're request was clear. We're just wondering if in fact the material you are shipping is regulated as a hazardous
material.
If the manufacturer has an MSDS, that would be helpful.
Thank you,
Lisa
Sincerely,
lisa (Winter) O'Donnell
Transportation Regulations Specialist
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
United States Department of Transportation
202.366.6415
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat
From: Childers, Zachary A. fmailto:zachary.childers@thermofisher.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 271 2011 4:56 PM
To: Winterl Lisa (PHMSA)
Subject: RE: Interpretation Request Regarding the Classification of Gieson's solution
1
- **truncated:** false
- **body characters:** 17116