DOT Hazard Class

Class 9

Miscellaneous

49 CFR §173.140

Placard: White-with-black-vertical-stripes-top-half placard, no symbol; lithium-battery subclass uses Class 9A label

ERG entries

200

Divisions

—

Packing groups

II · III

Compat groups

—

Definition

A material which presents a hazard during transportation but which does not meet the definition of any other hazard class (Classes 1-8). Includes materials that are toxic in the marine environment, elevated-temperature materials, lithium batteries, and genetically modified microorganisms.

Primary hazards

Lithium batteries — fire and thermal runaway hazard
Elevated-temperature materials — burn hazard on contact
Marine pollutants — environmental damage to aquatic life
Dry ice — asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces (CO2 sublimation)

Public safety response

Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 m (75 ft). For lithium-battery fires, allow to burn — copious water may be used to cool adjacent packages. For elevated-temperature material spills, evacuate downwind; keep out of low areas.

Common materials in this class

Lithium metal / lithium ion batteries (UN3090/UN3091/UN3480/UN3481), dry ice (UN1845), asbestos, PCBs (UN2315/UN3432), molten sulfur (UN2448), molten aluminum, GMOs, marine pollutants.

UN3480Lithium ion batteries UN3481Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment UN1845Carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice)UN3082Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s.UN3257Elevated temperature liquid, n.o.s.

Packing groups

II: Medium danger (rare in Class 9)
III: Minor danger (typical for marine pollutants, elevated-temperature material, PCBs)

Special provisions / notes

Lithium batteries have specific SP 188/PI 965-970 exemptions for small cells. Elevated-temperature material (liquid ≥ 100 °C or solid ≥ 240 °C, or liquid Class 3 above its flash point) carries the HOT marking. Marine pollutants get the fish-and-tree symbol in addition to the Class 9 placard for bulk shipments.

Definition

Primary hazards

Lithium batteries — fire and thermal runaway hazard
Elevated-temperature materials — burn hazard on contact
Marine pollutants — environmental damage to aquatic life
Dry ice — asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces (CO2 sublimation)

Public safety response

Common materials in this class

Lithium metal / lithium ion batteries (UN3090/UN3091/UN3480/UN3481), dry ice (UN1845), asbestos, PCBs (UN2315/UN3432), molten sulfur (UN2448), molten aluminum, GMOs, marine pollutants.

Packing groups

II: Medium danger (rare in Class 9)
III: Minor danger (typical for marine pollutants, elevated-temperature material, PCBs)