Hazmat glossary

Industry Terms

  • DG – Dangerous Goods
  • DGR – Dangerous Goods Regulations
  • ERG – Emergency Response Guidebook
  • HM – Hazardous Materials (“HazMat”)
  • HMR – Hazardous Materials Regulations
  • NA ID # – North American Identification Number (refers to four-digit codes that represent a proper shipping name of a hazardous material, used only in U.S., recognized in Canada; not for international use)
  • NOS or N.O.S. – not otherwise specified (refers to generic hazardous materials)
  • RQ – Reportable Quantity. Refers to materials designated as hazardous substances by EPA and regulated by DOT when transported in excess of certain threshold quantities that are defined in Tables 1 and 2 to Appendix A of 49 CFR 172.101.
  • SP or DOT-SP – U.S. DOT Special Permit, an alternative way to comply with regulations
  • UN ID # – United Nations Identification Number (refers to four-digit codes that represent an internationally recognized proper shipping name of a hazardous material)
  • VOCs – Volatile Organic Compounds – emissions or vapors from petroleum products

Agencies & Organizations

  • DOT or U.S. DOT – United States Department of Transportation
  • EPA – Environmental Protection Agency
  • FMCSA – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  • GPO – Government Printing Office
  • IATA – International Air Transport Association – refers to both the organization and its regulations for air transport
  • ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization – refers to both the organization and its regulations for air transport
  • IMDG – International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
  • IMO – International Maritime Organization
  • MARAD – Maritime Administration
  • OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • PHMSA – Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
  • TC – Transport Canada
  • TDG – Transport Dangerous Goods Code – the Canadian hazmat transportation regulations
  • TSB – Canadian Transportation Safety Board
  • USCG – United States Coast Guard

Rulemaking Terms

  • ANPRM – Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
  • EO – Emergency Order
  • FR – Final Rule or Federal Register, depending upon how it is used
  • MAP-21 – Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century – a collection of requirements set forth by the U.S. Congress, which mandates that the agencies of DOT must implement certain new procedures or requirements, among other things, by a specific date.
  • NPRM – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
  • SA – Safety Advisory