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

Interpretation Response #02-0154 ([U. S. Department of Energy] [Kent Hancock])

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

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date:

Company Name: U. S. Department of Energy

Individual Name: Kent Hancock

Location State: MD Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

Aug 21,2002

Mr. Kent Hancock                 Reference No. 02-0154
Director, Office of Transportation
U. S. Department of Energy
19901 Germantown Road
Germantown, MD 20874-1290

Dear Mr. Hancock:

This responds to your May 14, 2002 letter requesting clarification on salvage drums and filling limits specified in §§ 173.3(c) and 173.24a(b) of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180).  Specifically, you ask if a salvage drum, which exceeds its maximum gross weight because it contains a leaking, non-bulk packaging, may be placed into commerce.

If after placement of a leaking, non-bulk packaging into a authorized salvage drum, the maximum gross weight of the salvage drum, is exceeded, it may not be placed into commerce.  Section 173.3(c) authorizes specified UN drums tested and marked for Packing Group III or higher performance standards and leakproof tested for use as a salvage drum.  As with any UN standard packaging, the packaging must be compatible with the lading and the authorized maximum gross weight of the packaging may not be exceeded.

I hope this answers your inquiry.

Sincerely,

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

173.3(c)

Regulation Sections