Interpretation Response #99-0087 ([New York State Police] [Trooper George Okst])

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

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 03/10/2000

Company Name: New York State Police

Individual Name: Trooper George Okst

Location State: NY Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

March 10, 2000

Trooper George Okst                  Ref. No. 99-0087
New York State Police
Troop F
55 Crystal Run Rd.
Middletown, NY 10941

Dear Trooper Okst:

This is in response to your request for clarification of 49 CFR 177.834 (j) regarding the closure of manholes and valves on an MC 307 multi-cargo tank motor vehicle.  Your request is based on a letter we received from Mr. Bob Bonich of Suttles Truck Leasing, Inc.  Specifically, you ask whether a manhole closure on an individual cargo tank that has been emptied and cleaned must be securely closed if the other cargo tanks contain hazardous materials.

The answer is no.  A cargo tank motor vehicle as defined in § 171.8, means a motor vehicle with one or more cargo tanks permanently attached to or forming an integral part of the motor vehicle.  Each "cargo tank" is a bulk packaging.  In accordance with § 173.29 (b), an empty packaging that has been cleaned of residue and purged of vapors and that meets the provisions in subparagraphs (b)(1) and (b)(3) is excepted from all other requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180).  In the case of a multi-cargo tank motor vehicle, each individual cargo tank is a separate packaging.  Therefore, the manhole closure on an empty and clean cargo tank meeting the requirements of § 173.29(b) need not be securely closed.

I hope this information is helpful.  Please contact this office if you need additional assistance.

Sincerely,

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

177.834

Regulation Sections