Interpretation Response #21-0109
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Western Global Canada Ltd.
Individual Name: Ahmed Khan
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
March 14, 2022
Mr. Ahmed Khan
Engineering Team Coordinator
Western Global Canada Ltd.
251 Saulteaux Crescent #101
Winnipeg, MB R3J 3C7
Canada
Reference No. 21-0109
Dear Mr. Khan:
This letter is in response to your November 17, 2021, email requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to the transportation of diesel fuel in a UN31A metal intermediate bulk container (IBC) in the United States. We have paraphrased and answered your questions as follows:
Q1. You ask whether a UN31A metal IBC is an authorized packaging for the transportation of diesel fuel.
A1. The answer is yes, provided the diesel fuel is:
(1) a flammable liquid in packing group (PG) III as defined in § 173.120(a), or a combustible liquid as defined in § 173.120(b); and
(2) described as "UN1202, Diesel fuel, 3, PG III," "NA1993, Diesel fuel, 3, PG III," or "NA1993, Diesel fuel, Combustible liquid, PG III."
These identification numbers direct shippers to special provision "IB3" in column 7 (Special Provisions) of the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT; § 172.101), which states that authorized IBCs include metal (31A, 31B, and 31N); rigid plastics (31H1 and 31H2); and composite (31HZ1, 31HA2, 31HB2, 31HN2, 31HD2, and 31HH2). Please note that there is an additional requirement when utilizing special provision "IB3" that only liquids with a vapor pressure less than or equal to 110 kPa at 50 °C (1.1 bar at 122 °F) or 130 kPa at 55 °C (1.3 bar at 131 °F) are authorized, except for UN2672 (see special provision "IP8").
Q2. You ask whether a UN31A metal IBC containing diesel fuel may be transported on a barge, trawler, or ship within the coastal areas of the United States.
A2. The answer is yes, provided all applicable vessel requirements in part 176 of the HMR are met. Please note the additional requirements in subpart F of part 176 specific to barges and the regulations on the transfer to and from the containers while onboard vessels in 46 CFR § 98.30.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
T. Glenn Foster
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division
172.101 173.120(a) 173.120(b)