What does “RQ” indicate on the shipping paper?

• A. Carrier must report a spill of this material
• B. The material is nonhazardous
• C. The shipment is exempt from hazmat rules
• D. The material requires a daily log

Answer: (A)

RQ on a shipping paper means reportable quantity. It marks a threshold for hazardous materials: if the shipment contains this material in an amount at or above its RQ, the carrier must report any release or spill to the proper authorities right away. The RQ value is specific to each material and is listed on the shipping paper; reporting is triggered when the quantity reaches that level. If a spill occurs and the amount shipped was at or above the RQ, you must notify the appropriate agency (often the National Response Center). If the quantity is below the RQ, reporting by quantity isn’t required, though you still follow general spill response procedures. This designation does not mean the material is nonhazardous, nor does it indicate exemption from hazmat rules or a requirement to maintain a daily log.