Interpretation Response #98-0207 ([MMA] [Mr. William J. Schuchman])

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

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 07/22/1998

Company Name: MMA

Individual Name: Mr. William J. Schuchman

Location State: DC Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

JUL 22, 1998

Mr. William J. Schuchman                          Ref. No. 98-0207

MMA

10733 Big Bend Blvd.

51. Louis, MO 63122-6027

Dear Mr. Schuchman:

This is in response to your letter regarding requirements for compartmented cargo tank motoi vehicles under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR 171-180). Specifically, you asked if a damaged or otherwise unusable compartment of a cargo tank motor vehicle precludes the use of the remaining compartments in a cargo tank transporting liquids. I apologize for the delay in responding and hope it has not caused any inconvenience.

Whether a cargo tank motor vehicle composed of one or more cargo tanks can remain in service with a single damaged or otherwise unusable cargo tank depends upon the design of the cargo tank and the structural integrity of the cargo tank motor vehicle. Provided the car; tank motor vehicle's cargo tanks are designed as single, separate cargo tanks and the cargo tank motor vehicle's structural integrity has not been compromised and otherwise meets applicable requirements of Part 180, the undamaged sections of the cargo tank motor vehicle may remain in use in hazardous materials service.

If the damaged cargo tank would weaken the structural integrity of the cargo tank motor vehicle, the vehicle would not meet the requirements of Part 180 and could not remain in us in hazardous materials service (see § 180A05G)). A DOT or MC specification cargo tank motor vehicle that for any reason does not comply with the applicable specification may not be used to transport hazardous materials unless it is repaired, tested and inspected as require: by §§ l80A07(b) and 180A13(b).

I hope this information is helpful. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.

Sincerely,

Delmer F. Billings

Chief, Regulations Development

Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

171.2

Regulation Sections