Analyze an SDS

DOT Class 8: Corrosive Materials

DOT Class 8 covers corrosive materials: liquids or solids that cause full-thickness destruction of human skin at the site of contact within a specified period, or liquids that severely corrode steel or aluminum. Acids and bases such as sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide are typical.

How it is defined

  • The hazard is classified by skin corrosion in standard tests or by corrosion of steel and aluminum surfaces.
  • Packing group depends on how quickly the material destroys skin: PG I within a very short exposure, PG II after a longer exposure and PG III after a longer exposure still (or by metal corrosion rate).
  • Many corrosives are also toxic or oxidizing and carry subsidiary labels.
  • Class 8 includes acids, bases, some halogenating agents, and some batteries and fuel cell cartridges.

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
Upper half white, lower half black
Symbol
Liquid from two test tubes attacking a hand and a piece of metal

A diamond with a white upper half, black lower half, a corrosion symbol and the number 8.

Packing groups

PG I (severe), PG II (moderate) and PG III (minor), based on time to destroy skin or the rate of corrosion of steel or aluminum. How packing groups work.

Common examples

  • Sulfuric, hydrochloric and nitric acids
  • Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide
  • Ammonia solutions
  • Battery acid
  • Formic and acetic acid (concentrated)

How it relates to GHS

Class 8 corresponds to GHS skin corrosion Category 1 (with sub-categories 1A, 1B and 1C aligned with packing groups I, II and III) and corrosive to metals, shown with the corrosion pictogram (GHS05).

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 goggles, face shield, suitable gloves and an apron.
  • Always add acid to water, never water to acid.
  • Store acids and bases separately and use secondary containment.
  • Make sure an eyewash and safety shower are accessible.

Where to find it on an SDS

Section 14 shows Class 8, UN number (such as UN1830 for sulfuric acid), 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the packing groups for Class 8?

PG I is assigned to the most severe corrosives, PG II to moderate and PG III to minor, based on how quickly a material destroys skin or how fast it corrodes steel or aluminum.

General reference only. It does not replace the supplier's SDS or the current federal regulations.