In a shipping paper, an 'X' in the HM column means:

• A. The entry is for a hazardous material
• B. The entry is not hazardous
• C. The entry is for radioactive material
• D. The entry is a damaged item

Answer: (A)

An X in the hazardous materials (HM) column on a shipping paper is a flag that the entry is a hazardous material. This signals that hazmat rules apply to that shipment, so you must follow the required procedures for labeling, packaging, marking, and placarding as needed, carry and refer to the proper shipping papers with hazard class and UN information, and have the emergency response information readily available. It also means you should be prepared to use the Emergency Response Guidebook if there’s an incident. This mark isn’t indicating radioactive material or a damaged item; those have other indicators.