Interpretation Response #98-0083 ([USA Services, Inc.] [Mr. George Plum])

Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 04/17/1998

Company Name: USA Services, Inc.

Individual Name: Mr. George Plum

Location State: VA Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

APR 17, 1998

Mr. George Plum                          Ref. No. 98-0083
USA Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 12103
Norfolk, Virginia 23541-0103

Dear Mr. Plum:

This is in response to your letter of February 10, 1998, requesting clarification of the periodic retest requirements for cylinders under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180).  Specifically, you ask whether Halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane), a non-corrosive fire extinguishing agent, is a fluorinated hydrocarbon gas and would qualify for the exception in § 173.34(e)(13).

Yes, Bromotrifluoromethane is a fluorinated hydrocarbon gas.  Section 173.34(e)(13) states that cylinders made in compliance with DOT‑3A, DOT‑3AA, DOT‑3A480X, DOT‑4B, DOT‑4BA, DOT‑4BW, DOT-4E and used exclusively for fluorinated hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof which are commercially free from corroding components can be given a complete visual inspection instead of a periodic hydrostatic retest at the time periodic retest comes due.  Therefore, bromotrifluoromethane qualifies for the provisions in § 173.34(e)(13) allowing a periodic visual inspection instead of a periodic hydrostatic retest of the above identified cylinders.

I hope this answers your inquiry.  If you need additional assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

173.34(e)(13)

Regulation Sections