Interpretation Response #12-0047 ([Robertshaw Industrial Products] [Ms. Natalie Pike])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Robertshaw Industrial Products
Individual Name: Ms. Natalie Pike
Location State: TN Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
August 9, 2012
Ms. Natalie Pike
Quality Manager
Robertshaw Industrial Products
1602 Mustang Drive
Maryville, TN 37801
Ref. No. 12-0047
Dear Ms. Pike:
This responds to your February 2, 2012 request for written clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to the shipment of thermal assemblies. You state that you offer for transportation thermal assemblies that are shipped by themselves or as part of a temperature regulator. In addition, you state that depending on the operating temperature range and bulb size required for the thermal assembly, the chemicals and quantities may vary. Your thermal assemblies contain chemicals such as ethyl ether, normal propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and acetone. You also add that the thermal assemblies are filled with up to or over 1 liter of liquid in each assembly. Specifically, you ask what would be the most appropriate way to ship your thermal assemblies by ground and air under the HMR.
The materials described in your letter could be offered for transportation as fully regulated Class 3 (flammable liquid) hazardous materials as contained in the thermal assemblies. For example, a thermal assembly containing acetone, could be described under the proper shipping name "Acetone" and packaged in an authorized non-bulk packaging as prescribed in § 173.202 of the HMR.
The HMR also provides a number of exceptions for the transportation of Class 3 materials, based on flashpoint, quantity, and how they are packaged and offered for transportation. Consequently, Class 3 materials may be offered for transportation and transported in accordance with the small quantity exception provided in § 173.4, or the limited quantity exception provided in § 173.150. Please note that limited and small quantity packages intended for transportation by aircraft must also be prepared in accordance with §§ 173.27(f) and 173.4a, respectively. If none of the HMR packaging provisions are practical for your thermal assemblies, you may consider applying for a special permit as prescribed in § 107.105, or online at: https://hazmatonline.phmsa.dot.gov/Online%20Approvals/pages/welcome.aspx. The exceptions are described in greater detail as follows:
Small Quantity Exception.
Under the small quantity exception prescribed in § 173.4, high-integrity packagings containing small amounts of hazardous materials that are packaged as specified are not subject to regulation under the HMR when transported by highway or rail. Eligible Class 3 materials are placed in inner packagings or are contained in articles in amounts up to 30 mL (1 ounce) that are further placed in strong outside packagings. The inner packagings must not be liquid full at 55 °C (131 °F) and must have removable closures held securely in place with wire, tape, or other positive means. Cushioning and absorbent material that will not react chemically with the hazardous material and is capable of absorbing the entire contents must surround either each inner packaging or the inside of the outer packaging. The completed package must be capable of withstanding without leakage, or a substantial reduction in effectiveness, the drop tests prescribed in § 173.4(a)(6) from a height of 1.8 meters (5.9 feet). The gross mass of the completed package must not exceed 29 kg (64 pounds). A shipper certifies the completed package conforms to the small quantity exception by marking the outside of the package with the statement "This package conforms to 49 CFR 173.4."
Limited Quantity Exception.
A limited quantity is the maximum amount of a hazardous material for which there is a specific labeling and packaging exception indicated in Column (8A) of the § 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table (HMT). See § 171.8. Section 173.150(b) authorizes Class 3 materials to be offered for transportation and transported as a limited quantity when packaged in inner packagings containing up to 1 L (0.3 gallons) for a Packing Group II material and up to 5 L (1.3 gallons) for a Packing Group III material, further packaged in strong outer packagings weighing no more than 30 kg (66 pounds) gross mass. When complete, packages must conform to the general packaging requirements prescribed in
§§ 173.24 and 173.24a. For transportation by aircraft, the Class 3 material must be eligible for transportation aboard passenger-carrying aircraft, and the package must conform to the general requirements for transportation by aircraft prescribed § 173.27(f). Limited quantity packages are excepted from labeling, unless transported by aircraft, and placarding, as prescribed in subparts E and F of part 172, respectively.
Dangerous Good in Equipment, Machinery, or Apparatus.
The thermal assemblies you describe may be eligible for transportation as "UN3363, Dangerous goods in apparatus," provided the requirements prescribed in § 173.222 are met, the applicable requirements specific to air transport are met, and the devices do not contain any materials forbidden for transportation aboard a passenger-carrying or cargo-only aircraft, as applicable. The requirements prescribed in § 173.222 for such articles are in addition to any applicable requirements prescribed in § 172.102(c)(1), Special Provision 136, for such articles.
I trust this satisfies your inquiry. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
T. Glenn Foster
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division
173.4, 173.27, 173.202