Interpretation Response #06-0239 ([Severn Trent Laboratories, Inc.] [Mr. William J. Geibel])

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

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 03/20/2007

Company Name: Severn Trent Laboratories, Inc.

Individual Name: Mr. William J. Geibel

Location State: PA Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

Mar 20, 2007

Mr. William J. Geibel                 Reference No. 06-0239
Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator
Severn Trent Laboratories, Inc.
301 Alpha Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Dear Mr. Geibel:

This responds to your e-mail and conversation with a member of my staff concerning how to transport nitric acid, other than red fuming, with not more than 20 percent nitric acid, under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask whether this material may be transported using the small quantity exceptions provided in § 173.4 of the HMR and the dangerous goods in excepted quantities provisions of Part 1, Section 2.4, of the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Technical Instructions).

The answer is yes. In a final rule published under Docket No. PHMSA-06-25476
(HM-215I) on 12/29/06, a new entry “UN 2031, Nitric acid, other than red fuming, with not more than 20 percent nitric acid, PG II was added to the § 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. In accordance with this entry, the material is authorized to be transported by passenger and cargo aircraft in amounts up to 1 L and 30 L per package, respectively. Paragraph (a)(11) of  § 173.4 permits use of the small quantity exception for transportation by aircraft if the hazardous material is authorized for transportation on board passenger aircraft. This same entry’ and provision exists under the Dangerous Goods List, Table 3-1, of the ICAO Technical Instructions. Section 171.11 of the HMR authorizes the use of the ICAO Technical Instructions as an alternative to the HMR for air shipments and for transportation by motor vehicle either before or after transportation by aircraft under certain conditions. Provided the nitric acid you described conforms to all applicable requirements, it may be transported by all modes under the small quantity exception prescribed in § 173.4 of the HMR and by aircraft under the dangerous goods in excepted quantities provision prescribed in Part , Section 2.4, of the ICAO Technical Instructions.

I hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely

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

173.4

Regulation Sections