1910.1201: Keeping DOT Hazmat Markings
Employers who receive hazardous material packages, freight containers, rail cars or vehicles marked, labeled or placarded under DOT rules must keep those markings until the packaging is cleaned and purged or the materials are removed enough to prevent hazards. Markings must stay readily visible. For non-bulk packages that will not be reshipped, a label meeting the Hazard Communication Standard is acceptable.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1201 is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1201, "Retention of DOT markings, placards and labels", is an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It has 5 numbered paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
Show the full text of 1910.1201 (5 paragraphs)
(a) Any employer who receives a package of hazardous material which is required to be marked, labeled or placarded in accordance with the U. S. Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171 through 180) shall retain those markings, labels and placards on the package until the packaging is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential hazards. 1 citations
(b) Any employer who receives a freight container, rail freight car, motor vehicle, or transport vehicle that is required to be marked or placarded in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations shall retain those markings and placards on the freight container, rail freight car, motor vehicle or transport vehicle until the hazardous materials which require the marking or placarding are sufficiently removed to prevent any potential hazards.
(c) Markings, placards and labels shall be maintained in a manner that ensures that they are readily visible. 3 citations
(d) For non-bulk packages which will not be reshipped, the provisions of this section are met if a label or other acceptable marking is affixed in accordance with the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
(e) For the purposes of this section, the term “hazardous material” and any other terms not defined in this section have the same definition as in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171 through 180).
[59 FR 36700, July 19, 1994]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1201, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Safety and Health regulations over large dairy farms. (1997-07-10)
- Hazard Communication Standard requirements for labeling fire extinguishers. (1995-03-15)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When can DOT labels be removed from a hazmat package?
Not until the packaging is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove potential hazards.
Does this apply to trucks and rail cars?
Yes. Placards on freight containers, rail freight cars, motor vehicles, and transport vehicles must be kept until the hazardous materials are sufficiently removed.
What about small packages not being reshipped?
For non-bulk packages that will not be reshipped, a label or marking under the Hazard Communication Standard meets the rule.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1201 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.