Interpretation Response #15-0166 ([ICC Compliance Center] [Ms. Sändra Miller])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: ICC Compliance Center
Individual Name: Ms. Sändra Miller
Location State: NY Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
December 15, 2015
Ms. Sändra Miller
Regulatory Specialist
ICC Compliance Center
2150 Liberty Drive
Suite 1
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Reference No. 15-0166
Dear Ms. Miller:
This responds to your email, dated August 10, 2015, in which you request clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically you ask for guidance concerning 49 CFR 172.332(c)(1). Your questions are paraphrased and answered as follows.
Q1. The quoted size for UN numbers is 88 mm (3.5 inches), with no tolerances mentioned. What are the acceptable tolerances for the size of the numbers (e.g., UN and other regulations refer to “at least…mm high”)?
A1. As specified in 49 CFR 172.332(c)(1), the size of the numerals of the identification number displayed on a placard must be 88 mm (3.5 inches) in black Alpine Gothic or Alternate Gothic No.3 on a white background 100 mm (3.9 inches) high and approximately 215 mm (8.5 inches) wide. For identification numbers that are lost, damaged, or destroyed during transportation, § 172.338 states that the marking may be done by hand without regard to the size and font requirements if the hand written markings are legible and written with an indelible marking material.
In addition, Subpart C of Part 171 authorizes, with certain conditions and limitations, the offering for transportation and the transportation in commerce of hazardous materials in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Technical Instructions), the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, the Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials (IAEA Regulations). Therefore, provided the applicable requirements of §§ 171.12, 171.22, 171.23, 171.24, and 171.25 are met, markings conforming to the international standards may be used in place of a corresponding marking conforming to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart D.
Q2. There are 2 specific fonts specified. Are there any provisions to accept other fonts with similar appearance?
A2. See A1.
I hope this satisfies your request. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Duane Pfund
International Standards Coordinator
Office of Standards and Rulemaking
172.332(c)(1), 172.338, 171.12, 171.22, 171.23, 171.24, 171.25