DOT Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
DOT Class 6 covers toxic and infectious substances. Division 6.1 is toxic (poisonous) material that can cause death or serious injury if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and Division 6.2 is infectious substances that contain or are reasonably believed to contain pathogens.
How it is defined
- Division 6.1 classification relies on oral and dermal LD50 and inhalation LC50 data, which also drive the packing group.
- Division 6.2 covers pathogens that can cause disease in humans or animals, including clinical and medical waste.
- Poison gases are in Division 2.3, not 6.1.
Summary of 49 CFR Parts 171 to 180. The regulations and the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101) control any shipment.
Label and placard
- Colors
- White background, black symbol
- Symbol
- Skull and crossbones (6.1); three crescents around a circle (6.2, the biohazard symbol)
Both divisions use a white diamond; see the division pages.
Packing groups
PG I (very severe), II (serious) and III (relatively low) for Division 6.1. No packing groups for Division 6.2. How packing groups work.
Common examples
- Pesticides and many toxic solids and liquids (6.1)
- Cyanide salts, arsenic compounds, methanol in some cases (6.1)
- Medical or clinical waste, diagnostic specimens (6.2)
How it relates to GHS
Division 6.1 broadly matches GHS acute toxicity Categories 1 to 3 (skull and crossbones, GHS06). Infectious substances have no GHS hazard class.
DOT classes and GHS classes are assigned under different rules, so a product can have different severity labels in each. See also all GHS hazard classes.
Safe handling reminders
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection as the SDS directs.
- Segregate toxic materials from food and from incompatible chemicals.
- Have first aid and medical contact information ready.
Where to find it on an SDS
Section 14 shows Class 6, Division 6.1 or 6.2, UN number, packing group and ERG guide number. Look in Section 14: Transport information. Hazard classification for the workplace is in Section 2. You can also see how a UN number points to a response guide on the UN and NA numbers page.
Divisions in Class 6
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 6.1 and 6.2?
Division 6.1 is toxic material that can harm people chemically if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed. Division 6.2 is infectious substances containing pathogens.
General reference only. It does not replace the supplier's SDS or the current federal regulations.