Keep RQ compliance automatic by reviewing inventory, labeling, spill kits, and training every 90 days against the latest 49 CFR 172.101 Table 1. Step Action Citation Inventory Review Every 90 days, compare your stock list against 49 CFR 172.101 Table 1 to confirm each chemical’s current RQ. PHMSA…

What Does The Term RQ In The Hazmat Table Refer To?

The “RQ” in the Hazmat Table stands for Reportable Quantity — the exact weight of a hazardous material that triggers a federal spill-reporting call to the National Response Center within 15 minutes.

What “RQ” Really Means

Reportable Quantity is the federal threshold weight (shown in both pounds and kilograms) for a specific hazardous substance that requires immediate notification to the National Response Center (NRC) when spilled or released.

These values come straight from the Department of Transportation’s 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table and the EPA’s CERCLA regulations. Take benzene, for example — it has an RQ of 10 pounds. Ship 11 pounds? Suddenly you’re looking at marking the package “RQ” and making that NRC call.

Step-by-Step: Locate the RQ for Your Material

Use 49 CFR 172.101 Appendix A, Table 1 to find the exact RQ for your chemical; it’s listed in pounds and kilograms, and determines whether you must mark the package and report a spill.

Here’s how to nail this in under two minutes:

Open 49 CFR 172.101 Table 1 on the eCFR site.
Search for your chemical by CAS number or proper shipping name using Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac).
Check Column 2—“RQ (lbs)”—for the reportable quantity in both pounds and kilograms.
If your shipment meets or exceeds that weight, slap “RQ” on the shipping description and be ready to call the NRC within 15 minutes of any release.

Still stuck after trying the steps?

Check Table 2 for Extremely Hazardous Substances, use the Safety Data Sheet as a backup, or call the NRC Hotline for clarification on RQ thresholds and reporting.

Table 2 alternative: A handful of extremely hazardous substances show up in Table 2 with a Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) instead of an RQ. Use Table 2 for emergency planning, but still rely on Table 1’s RQ for spill reporting.
Safety Data Sheet fallback: Your product’s SDS always lists the RQ and an emergency contact number. Keep a printed copy in your truck or office — you’ll thank yourself when you need it fast.
NRC Hotline direct: Dial 1-800-424-8802 or submit the online form at nrc.uscg.mil if you’re unsure whether your quantity hits the RQ mark.

Prevention Tips

Keep RQ compliance automatic by reviewing inventory, labeling, spill kits, and training every 90 days against the latest 49 CFR 172.101 Table 1.

Step	Action	Citation
Inventory Review	Every 90 days, compare your stock list against 49 CFR 172.101 Table 1 to confirm each chemical’s current RQ.	PHMSA Regulations
Labeling Check	Ensure every drum, tote, and box carries the correct shipping name, hazard class, and “RQ” marking when the quantity meets or exceeds the RQ.	OSHA HazCom Standard

Contents

What “RQ” Really Means

Step-by-Step: Locate the RQ for Your Material

Still stuck after trying the steps?

Prevention Tips

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