# LAX Civil Aviation Security — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 98-0402
- **title:** LAX Civil Aviation Security — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 1998-04-09
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 98-0402 response to LAX Civil Aviation Security concerning 172.101.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0402.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0402.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0402
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980402.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

of Transportation
U.S.Department
400 Seventh Street, S.W
Washington, D.C.
Research and
20590
Special Programs
Administration
APR 9 1998
Mr. Frank L. Webb
LAX Civil Aviation Security
Field Office
5757 West Century Boulevard
Suite 500
Los Angeles, California 90045
Dear Mr. Webb:
This is in response to your letter regarding classification of a material containing "Oleoresin
capsicum," pressurized with "Nitrogen" in aerosol containers, and in liquid form, non-
pressurized, in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts
171-180). A Material Safety Data Sheet was enclosed. I apologize for the delay in
responding and hope it has not caused any inconvenience.
You stated that your office is pursuing a case with Code Red Industry of W. Palm Beach,
lorida, and would like to get a more accurate understanding of the nature of the materia
hich vou have observed in bottles in liquid form and in aerosol containers. You aske
whether the material should be classified as a hazardous material under the HMR.
Under the HMR, Oleoresin capsicum is not a tear gas material although when it is pressurized
the result is similar to an aerosol containing tear gas. Based on the information you provided,
tnis Uttice has taken the position that Oleoresin capsicum in aerosol type sprays, must be
transported as an aerosol. Currently, the § 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table (HMT)
includes the entry "Tear gas devices, with not more than 2 percent tear gas substances, by
mass", which references the entry for "Aerosols". The description for a mixture containing
"Oleoresin capsicum," pressurized with "Nitrogen" in aerosol form is "Aerosols, non-
flammable, 2.2, UN 1950."
In liquid form, non-pressurized, Oleoresin capsicum, used for temporary disabling purposes,
may meet the definition of a Class 9 material. A "Class 9" material is defined as a material
that does not meet the definition of any other hazard class but presents a hazard during
transportation which has an anesthetic, noxious or other similar property, such as an irritant
(see § 173.140). If Oleoresin capsicum in liquid form, non-pressurized, meets the Class 9
definition, the description would be "Environmentally hazardous substances, liquid, 1.o.s., 9,
UN 3082, III."
•..

<<<PAGE 2>>>

This Office is aware of misunderstanding as to how these materials are classed and described
under the HMR. Both definitions for Division 6.1 and Class 9 address irritating materials, but
do not specify criteria. Also, there is no specific entry in the HMT for such devices that are
not aerosols. This Office regards self-defense sprays which do not meet toxicity criteria for
Division 6.1 (§ 173.132) as meeting the criterion for Class 9 specified in § 173.140 (i.e.,
which could cause extreme annoyance or discomfort to a flight crew member so as to prevent
the correct performance of assigned duties), and proposed to add an entry in the HMT to
regulate them for transportation by aircratt only. On September 24, 1997, a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, entitled "Transportation of Hazardous Materials; Miscellaneous
Amendments" was published in the Federal Register (Docket HM-166Y; 62 FR 50222; copy
enclosed). To clarify that both the aerosol and non-aerosol self-defense sprays are subject to
the regulations, two new entries, "Self-defense sprays, aerosol, containing not more than 2%
tear gas substances, see "Aerosols" and "Self-defense sprays, non-pressurized, containing not
more than 2% tear gas substances" would be added in the HMT.
I hope this information is helpful. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
Enclosure

<<<PAGE 3>>>

10-02-97
14:16
•
•
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MEMORANDUM FOR: RSPA ATTN: Hazmat
October 2, 1997
Tele 172.101
FROM: Frank L. Webb, Special Agent, CASFO-LAX, 310-215-2280
SC: 174,178
We request your assistance in determining whether the attached MSDS items is or should be
classified as a dangerous good relevant to 49CFR. We are pursuing a case vs Code Red Industry
out of W. Palm Beach Fl. and would liko to get a more accurate reading of the nature of this
shipment. We've observed this material in liquid form (bottles), and in aerosol containers as well.
You may telephone Sue Ann Robinson or Frank L. Webb at 310-215-2280 or send co mail.
Thank you for your help.
•

<<<PAGE 4>>>

• * SEP-22-97 NON 10:22 AB.
10:02197
•14:20
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...P.BG
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
(Capsicum Aerosol Spray)
CODE RED INDUSTRIES, INC.
MSDS PREPARED BY:
4348 Okeachober Blud. BLDG E-B
CHROMTEC
DATE:
05/20/96
Wost Palm Beach, FL 33409
Tela. (561) 625-8901
(561) 697-8832
Fax (561) 624-1687
1.
IDENTIFICATION:
LABEL NAME:
N/A
CHEMICAL FORMULA:
OLEORESIN CAPSICUM
CAS N
8023-77-6
2.
NITROGEN
CAS*
007127379
3.
INERT INGREDIENTS
PHYSICAL DATA:
DESCRIPTION:
Red or Amber Liquid with a characteristic pungent odor
SOLUBILITY IN H2O:
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
H20 - 1. (3) 0.97 + or - (71 degrecs l)
STABILITY:
VAPOR PRESSURE:
FIRE, EXPLOSION AND REACTIVITY DATA
FLASH POINT & METHOD OF USED:
No Flame Projoction
DOT CLASSIFICATION:
Irritant
FLAMMABILITY LIMITS IN ATR:
FIRE. & EXPLOSION HAZARD:
Contents Under Pressure. Do not store above 120 degrees F.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES:
Use sell contained breathing apparatus and protoctive clothing:
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTIBLI OR DECOMPOSITION PRODUCT:
Burning produces carbon monoxide de carbon dioxide.
CONDITION & MATERIAL TO AVOID:
Temperatures above 120 degrees 8. it Oxidizing Agents
4.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
THRESIOLD LIMIT VALUE:
Nor Establlshed
PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMIT:
Not Established
HEALTH HAZARD:
1.
ACUTE:
Powerful Skin, Mucus Membrane & Fye Irritant
2.
CHRONIC:
Non reported to date.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE:
Skin, cya irritatior/impaired breathing
CONDITIONS ACCRAVATED BY EXPOSURE:
Transion skin imitation/eye closing/impairod breathing accompanied by
coughint

<<<PAGE 5>>>

14:17
:
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
(Capsicum Aerosol Spray)
CODE RED INDUSTRIES. INC.
MSDS PREPARED BY:
4349 Okaachobee Bivd, BLDG E-6
CHROMTEC
DATE:
05/20/96
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Tole. (561) 625-8901
(561) 697-8832
Fax (561) 624-1687
1.
IDENTIFICATION:
LABEL NAMI:
N/A
CHEMICAL, FORMULAS
1.
OLEORESIN CAPSICUM
CAS *
8023-77-6
2.
NITROGEN
CAS*
007122378
3.
INERT INGREDIENIS
2.
PHYSICAL DATA:
DESCRIPTION:
Red or Amber Liquid with a characteristic puntent odor
SOLUBILITY IN H2O:
Slight
SPECTIC CRAVITY:
1620 - 1. (3) 0.97 + or - (11 degrac
STABILITY:
Stable
VAPOR PRESSURE:
NA
3.
FIRE, EXPLOSION AND REACTIVITY NATA
FLASH POINT & METHOD OF USED:
...-
No Flamo Projection
DOT CTASSIPICATION:
Irritant
FLAMMABILITY LIMITS IN AIR:
NJE
FIRE A IXPLOSION HAZARD:
Contents Under Pressure. Do not sore above 120 degrces i.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES
Ust all contained breathing apparatur and profoclive clothing.
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTIBLI OR DICOMPOSITION PRODUCT:
Buming produces carbon monoxide & carbon diusido.
CONDITION & MATERIAL TO AVOID:
Temperahurer above 120 degrees H. & Oxidizing Agenus
4. HEALTHHAZARD DATA
THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE:
Not Established
PERMISSIDLE EXPOSURE LIMIT:
Not Established
HEALTH HAZARD:
ACUTI:
Pusseiful Skin, Mucus Membrano & Byo Irritant
CHRONIC: Non reported to dale.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE:
CONDITIONS AGCRAVATED BY EXPOSURE:
Transion skin imilation/eye closing/impaired breathing accompanied by
Skin, cys intation/impared breathing
coughing
•
•

<<<PAGE 6>>>

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<<<PAGE 7>>>

10-02÷97
14:19
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5.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: 27
EYE CONTACT: •
Remove Indyidual lo tissh air, I breakins is dimault sive oxyca and pock medical attention..
Remove contact lenses. Rinto eyes thoroughly with cool wator. If irritation persists or worsens, seck
SKIN CONTACT: -
iscolice altention.
INGESTION::*•
Give individual cool water. If condition parsists or worena, acek medical attention.
"'.
6.
CONTROL AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES:
RESPIRATOR PROTECTION:
PROTECTIVE GLOVES:
Not Roquirod
EYE PROTECTION: Not Required
VENTILATION TO BE USED:
Not Required
OTHIR PROTICTIVI CLOTHING
Local EXZUST
& EQUIPMENT:
HYGILNIC WORK PRACTICIS:
Use se directed on ine packago labet
7.
SPIN, LEAK AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES:
OR RELEASER:
IF MATERIAL IS SPILI.E.D
Good ventilation; contain spill with inert absortent malcrial: flush down arce with
WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS:
soap du states.
HANDLING AND STORAGE:
Disposal per local, rare de redaral ragulations
...
Do not store abovo 120° F. Do not activale unices necessary. Do not puncture or
OTHER PRECAUTIONS ANDI
incincrate pressurized can.....
OR SPECIAL HAZARDS:
Severe transient irritant to eye, mucous, respiratory membranes and to stin. Kcep out
of the reach of children.
PREPARED BY:
Martin Bensinger, CHROMTEC Б.
DATE: May 20, 1996
The information contained in this MSDS was obtained from current and repulable sources. Howerer, the data is provided without
conditions for use of this product and to assume liability for loss, injury, damace or expense resulting from in proper use of
any warranty, express or inplica, isgarding its correctness or accuracy. Is is the user's responsibility both to octerminte safe
this product,

<<<PAGE 8>>>

...
Re: Memorandum from Frank L. Webb dated October 2, 1997
Oleoresin Capsicum is not a tear gas. Howevèr, when it is pressurized in an aerosol the result is
similar to an aerosol containing tear gas. RSPA has taken the position that if the aerosol can be
used for temporary disabelling purposes, it should be considered the same as an aerosol with a
"real" tear gas. Domestically, it is described as Tear gas devices, 6.1, NA 1693, PG II.
Internationally it would be Tear gas substance, liquid, 6.1, UN1693
1/7/98
LAX Crite Gration Secur
Freed office
5757 Weil Centing Bears
Sinto 500
LA, CAL 90045
5140 215 2032
Charlie He soup we have to respond
in this manner; howerer le suggest me
infor them of our intent as proposed in
2HM-1664
XX E 02/10/98
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