Spot “RQ” on a hazmat document or placard? It simply means Reportable Quantity. Any spill or release of a chemical at or above its RQ must be phoned in to the National Response Center (NRC) without delay.
Quick Fix Summary
Head straight to Column 2 of 49 CFR 172.101 Appendix A, Table 1. Grab the RQ in pounds or kilograms. When your shipment matches or beats that number, slap an “RQ” on the box and file the NRC report within 15 minutes of discovery.
What “RQ” Really Means
Reportable Quantity is the exact weight—stated in both pounds and kilograms—of a specific hazardous substance that kicks off federal notification duties under the EPA’s CERCLA and the Department of Transportation’s 49 CFR 172.101. Picture shipping 11 lb of benzene: you’d mark the package “RQ” and call the NRC, because benzene’s RQ is 10 lb.
Step-by-Step: Locate the RQ for Your Material
- Grab the latest 49 CFR 172.101 Appendix A, Table 1 (find it on the eCFR site).
- Hit Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac) and type the CAS number or proper shipping name.
- Look at Column 2—it’s labeled “RQ (lbs)”—for the reportable quantity in pounds and kilograms.
- If your load equals or exceeds that figure, slap “RQ” on the package and use the shipping description from Column 1.
Example
Imagine a 55-gallon drum of acetone (CAS 67-64-1) weighing 600 lb. Table 1 lists acetone’s RQ at 5,000 lb. Since 600 lb is below 5,000 lb, you skip the “RQ” mark and skip the 15-minute NRC call. Had the drum held 5,000 lb or more, you’d add “RQ” to the shipping name and report any release within a quarter-hour.
Still stuck after trying the steps?
- Alternative 1 – Check Table 2: A handful of extremely hazardous substances (EHS) live in Table 2, which uses a Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) instead of an RQ. If your chemical shows up only in Table 2, use the TPQ for emergency planning; for reportable releases, fall back on the RQ in Table 1.
- Alternative 2 – Consult the SDS: The safety data sheet (SDS) for the product lists both the RQ and an emergency contact number. Keep a copy in the cab or office for instant reference.
- Alternative 3 – Call the NRC Hotline: Dial 1-800-424-8802 or fill out the NRC online form if you’re unsure whether the quantity meets the RQ threshold.
Prevention Tips
| Step | Action | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory Review | Every 90 days, compare your stock list against 49 CFR 172.101 Table 1 to confirm each chemical’s RQ. | PHMSA Regulations |
| Labeling Check | Make sure 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 |
| Spill Kit | Stock absorbent pads, neutralizers, and PPE rated for the worst-case RQ material you haul. | EPA Spill Rule |
| Driver Training | Give drivers annual refresher training on RQ thresholds and NRC reporting; include a quiz with at least an 80 % pass rate. | FMCSA Hazmat Rules |
One more thing: RQ values come straight from federal—not state—rules, so always use the 49 CFR 172.101 edition that’s in force as of 2026.
