Analyze an SDS

DOT Division 6.2: Infectious Substances

Division 6.2 is the DOT division for infectious substances: materials known to contain, or reasonably expected to contain, pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi that can cause disease in humans or animals.

How it is defined

  • Infectious substances are divided into Category A (capable of causing permanent disability or life-threatening disease) and Category B (all others).
  • The division also covers regulated medical waste.
  • It is a biological, not chemical, hazard and is not part of GHS.

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
Biohazard symbol (three crescents around a circle)

A white diamond with the biohazard symbol and the number 6.

Packing groups

None. How packing groups work.

Common examples

  • Cultures of pathogenic organisms (Category A)
  • Diagnostic specimens (Category B)
  • Regulated medical waste

How it relates to GHS

GHS does not have a hazard class for infectious substances, so there is no GHS equivalent. Biological hazards are handled by separate biosafety rules.

See the GHS hazard classes for the classes that are covered.

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

  • Package in the triple-packaging system the regulations require.
  • Follow biosafety rules for the pathogen involved.
  • Report spills to the biosafety officer.

Where to find it on an SDS

Chemical SDSs rarely include Division 6.2. Biological material safety information is usually found in separate biosafety documents. 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 is Division 6.2?

Division 6.2 is the DOT division for infectious substances, meaning materials that contain or are reasonably expected to contain pathogens that can cause disease.

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