USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Interpretation Response #01-0106 ([Antimicrobial Division] [Mr. James P. Ringo])

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

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date:

Company Name: Antimicrobial Division

Individual Name: Mr. James P. Ringo

Location State: OK Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

JUN 13, 2001

 

Mr. James P. Ringo                     Ref. No. 01-0106
Technical and Regulatory Director

Antimicrobial Division
1818 West Lindsey, Suite C-180
Norman, OK 73069

Dear Mr. Ringo:

This is in response to your letter and subsequent telephone conversations with Eric Nelson of my staff requesting clarification of the small quantity exceptions under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask whether your packaging and inner receptacle qualifies for the small quantity provisions of § 173.4. The inner receptacle is comprised of a split­ compartment poly-textile pouch that contains sodium chlorite solid in one compartment and anhydrous citric acid in the other compartment. This pouch is placed in a poly/foil/paper pouch, which is then placed in a polyethylene plastic bag.

A material may be transported under the small quantity exceptions if it is prepared in accordance with the quantity limits and packaging requirements in § 173.4, which includes the requirement that inner receptacles be made of plastic at least 0.008 inches thick, or glass, earthenware, or metal. Based on
the information you submitted, we agree that your package may be transported under the small quantity exception provided the quantity of hazardous materials is less than 30 grams (1 ounce) and aU other provisions in § 173.4 are met. Packing a nonhazardous material in excess of the 30 grams in the same package is permitted provided the package conforms with the requirements of § 173.21. Based on the information you submitted, we agree that a mixture of sodium chlorite solid and anhydrous citric acid is unlikely to produce dangerous quantities of chlorine dioxide gas under normal shipping conditions, and thus, would not be in violation of the prohibition in § 173.21(e).

I hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

 

John A. Gale
Transportation Regulations Specialist
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

173.4

Regulation Sections

Section Subject
173.4 Small quantities for highway and rail