Interpretation Response #02-0086 ([Paul Merrick])

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

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 10/18/2002

Company Name:

Individual Name: Paul Merrick

Location State: TX Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

Oct 18, 2002

Mr. Paul Merrick                 Reference No. 02-0086
3923 Todd Lane
Suite 305
Austin, TX 78744,

Dear Mr. Merrick:

This is in response to your e-mail to Ms. Sandra Webb, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards, regarding the requirements applicable to DOT 39 non refillable cylinders under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180).

You state a fabricator will perform all manufacturing functions except that you will perform the following functions: 1) witness all specification tests (§ 178.35(c)(3)(v)); 2) verify that each cylinder is properly marked according to the specification (§ 178.35 (c)(3)(viii)); 3) complete the manufacturer's report (§ 178.35(c)(4) and (g)); and 4) mark the cylinder with the specification markings (§ 178.65(i)). In addition, you state that you will test the pressure relief device before filling the cylinders with R134a (1,1,1 2-Tetrafluoroethane) as prescribed in § 173.34(d). You asked about your responsibilities for fulfilling these and certain other requirements under the HMR.

In response to inquiries, I offer the following remarks:

1. The company whose registration "M" number is marked on the cylinder is considered the cylinder manufacturer.  The registration number must be obtained from the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.  By marking the "DOT 39" specification marking on the cylinder, as the manufacturer, you are certifying that the cylinder was fabricated, tested and inspected in full conformance with the specification requirements in §§ 178.35 and 178.65. Please note that under § 178.35(b)(1) and(c)(3)(v), a competent inspector of the manufacturer must be present to witness all specification tests.  Also, in your situation, the complete inspector's report, required by § 178.35, will consist of the fabricator's report plus a report showing the results of the pressure test and any other operations performed by you.
2. Regarding DOT-E11289, the exemption authorizes the named exemption holder to manufacture, mark, and sale certain cylinders to the DOT 39 specification with certain deviations.  Since you are unclear about this exemption, we are unable to offer any comments.
3. Regarding the requirement in § 173.34 pressure relief devices on charged cylinders must be tested for leaks before being shipped from the filling plant. The test may be performed using any suitable method, such as a gas leak detector, soap or other suitable leak-detection fluid.
4. Regarding your question on whether training is required to perform the above requirements, the answer is yes.  Any person performing any function subject to the HMR may not perform that function unless training according to Subpart H of Part 172.  A hazmat employer is responsible for providing hazmat training for each hazmat employee.  The definition for a hazmat employee (see § 171.8) includes anyone who during the course of employment manufactures, tests, reconditions, repairs, modifies, marks, or otherwise represents a packaging as qualified for use in the transportation of hazardous materials.  This training must include general awareness and safety training.  In addition, each hazmat employee must be provided function-specific training concerning the requirements of the HMR applicable to the function or functions the employee performs. See § l72.704. Sections 107.341 and 107.371 of 49 CFR prescribe penalties for violation of the HMR.

I hope this information is helpful.  Please contact us if we can be of further assistace.

Sincerely,

Hattie L. Mitchell
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

178.65

Regulation Sections