Interpretation Response #08-0293 ([S.H. Bell Company] [Mr. Chris McKenzie])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: S.H. Bell Company
Individual Name: Mr. Chris McKenzie
Location State: OH Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
January 30, 2009
Mr. Chris McKenzie
S.H. Bell Company
2217 Michigan Avenue
East Liverpool, OH 43920
Ref. No.: 08-0293
Dear Mr. McKenzie:
This is in response to your letter dated November 19, 2008 and subsequent conversations with a member of my staff and a member of the Office of Hazardous Materials Technology, requesting clarification of the applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) to ferrosilicon with between 50 and 75 percent silicon. Specifically, you request confirmation from this Office that the test report and supporting documentation submitted with your letter provides sufficient verification that the tested materials your company receives are not subject to the requirements of the HMR.
As provided in § 173.22, it is the shipper's responsibility to properly classify a hazardous material. Such determinations are not required to be verified by this Office. However, based on the information you provided, including a description of the particle size of the material being tested, it is our opinion that the product your company receives containing ferrosilicon with between 50 and 75 percent silicon, and specifically tested in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Manual of Tests and Criteria, does not meet the definition in § 173.124(c) for a Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet) material. Therefore, provided the material does not meet any other hazard class definition, the tested material is not subject to the HMR and not regulated for purposes of the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if you require additional assistance.
Sincerely,
Hattie L. Mitchell
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
173.22, 173.124