49 CFR § 176.72 - Handling of break-bulk hazardous materials.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s176.72"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 176.72 - Handling of break-bulk hazardous materials."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "176.72"
section_name: "Handling of break-bulk hazardous materials."
chapter_name: "PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS"
part_number: "176"
part_name: "CARRIAGE BY VESSEL"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.97."
regulatory_source: "Amdt. 176-1, 41 FR 16110, Apr. 15, 1976, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "176"
---


# 176.72 Handling of break-bulk hazardous materials.

(a) A metal bale hook may not be used for handling any package of hazardous materials.

(b) The use of equipment designed to lift or move cargo by means of pressure exerted on the packages may not be used for handling any package of hazardous materials if the device can damage the package or the package is not designed to be moved in that manner.

(c) Pallets, slings, cargo nets and other related equipment used in loading packages of hazardous materials must give adequate support to the packages. The packages must be contained so that they are not able to fall during loading.