# INDSPEC Chemical Corporation — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 02-0195  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 2002-10-03

02-0195 response to INDSPEC Chemical Corporation concerning 178.710.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

:
•
U.S.Department
of Transportation
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington. D.C.
20590
esearch an
diministration
OCT 3
2002
Ms. Vicki H. Weightman
INDSPEC Chemical Corporation
Reference No.: 02-0195
1010 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Dear Ms. Weightman:
This is in response to your letter requesting clarification on the requirements for IBCs under the
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). I apologize for the delay in
answering and hope it has not caused you any inconvenience.
Your questions are paraphrased and answered below:
Q1. Does a successful vibration test indicate a flexible IBC is sift proof?
Al. A flexible IBC must be capable of withstanding the vibration test without rupture or
leakage. If there is no rupture and or release of material, the IBC is considered sift proof.
Q2. What is the definition of water resistant?
A2. The HIMR, at § 171.8, define "water resistant" as "having a degree of resistance to
permeability by and damage caused by water in liquid form."
Q3. Is a coated flexible IBC considered water resistant?
coating must resist the penetration of water in order to meet the HMR standard.
A3. The purpose of the coating is to make the IBC "water resistant" or "waterproof." The
Q4. Is a 13H2 flexible IBC considered sift proof and water resistant under the current HMR?
A4. The marking "13H2" on a flexible IBC indicates that the IBC is made of woven plastic and
coated. It is the opinion of this office that the IBC meets the requirements for "sift-proof" and
'water-resistant" in $ 178.704 if the IBC resists the penetration of water and is capable of
passing the vibration test without rupture or leakage.
178,710
020195

<<<PAGE 2>>>

•
•
I trust this satisfies your inquiry. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Hattie L. Mitchell
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

<<<PAGE 3>>>

JUL. 22.2002 1:11PM
INDSPEC HARMARVILLE
NO. 8270
P. 2
INDSPEC
Chemical Corporation
T010 William Pilt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 • Telephone 412-826-3666 • FAX 412-826-9699
CREAD IT
Cortorn
July 22, 2002
172.102
1PЗ
178.710
Mr. Edward T. Mazzullo
Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
IBC
U.S. Department of Transportation
Research and Special Programs Administration
02-0195
400 7th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20590-0001
Fax: 202-366-3012
Dear Mr. Mazzulio,
I am writing to you to request a written regulatory interpretation regarding special
states that Flexible IBCs must be sift proof and water resistant or must be fitted with a
provisions for Flexible IBCs identified under 49CFR172.102, IP Codes. Specifically IP3
sift proof and water resistant liner.
Currently, Flexible IBCs require a vibration test. Does the vibration test indicate that the
Flexible IBC is sift proof?
What is the definition for water resistant? Is a coated Flexible IBC water resistant:
for sift proof and water resistant?
Under the current DOT regulations, does the 13H2 Flexible IBC meet the requirement
I appreciate your time in this interpretation. I can be reached at 412-826-3669 if there
are any questions.
Sincerely,
INDSPEC Chemical Corporation
VHW/pib
icki H. Weightma

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2002/020195.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `d5580ad7078bc7a191ace0e919514d86066ea5eba4869a2d77828c524bcac31b`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T10:07:32.817Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-02-0195`

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