Interpretation Response #03-0285 ([Blue Rhino Corporation] [Mr. Richard J. Arthur])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Blue Rhino Corporation
Individual Name: Mr. Richard J. Arthur
Location State: NC Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
Nov 24, 2003
Mr. Richard J. Arthur Ref No.: 03-0285
Director of Regulatory Compliance
Blue Rhino Corporation
104 Cambridge Plaza Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Dear Mr. Arthur:
This is in response to your letters dated November 3, 2003, regarding transportation of cylinders containing a residue of propane under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180).
Section 173.29(b)(2)(ii) requires that a cylinder be sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapor to remove any potential hazard to be considered as not regulated under the HMR. The methods and limits used for determining what qualifies as a "cleaned and purged" under the HMR are intentionally not defined because they vary greatly depending on the properties of the particular hazardous material and type of packaging. In the case of propane, other variables such as purge medium, temperature conditions and cylinder volume are also factors. We would consider a propane cylinder to be sufficiently cleaned and purged when the vapors in the cylinder are no longer capable of sustaining combustion.
If cylinders have been cleaned and purged of residue, as provided by § 173.29(b)(2)(ii), they are not subject to any requirements of the HMR. When cylinders are transported as non-regulated, the DOT markings and labels on the cylinders must be removed or covered, or the cylinders must be transported in a manner that the packaging is not visible as prescribed in § 173.29(b)(1).
If the cylinders are not purged, they remain subject to the requirements in the HMR. However, as provided by § 173 .29(c), such cylinders are not subject to requirements for placarding and shipping papers when collected and transported by a contract or private carrier for reconditioning or reuse.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if you require additional assistance.
Sincerely,
Susan Gorsky
Senior Transportation Regulations Specialist
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
Regulation Sections
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 173.29 | Empty packagings |