# Alloy Products Corporation — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 02-0221  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 2002-12-04

02-0221 response to Alloy Products Corporation concerning 178.601.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

Washington, D.C. 20590
400 Seventh St., S.W.
Research and
special Programs
dministratior
DEC 4 3002
Mr. Peter El-Sabaaly
Director of Engineering
Ref. No. 02-0221
Alloy Products Corporation
P.O. Box 529
Waukesha, WI 53187-0529
Dear Mr. El-Sabaaly:
This responds to your August 16, 2002 letter requesting clarification on package testing requirements
under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask if
the vibration standard under § 178.608 is required for the design qualification testing only and not the
periodic retesting of packagings.
Your understanding of vibration standard is that the vibration test is required for the design qualification
testing only and does not apply to the periodic retesting. Your understanding is incorrect. All
performance tests for design qualification testing and periodic retesting under §§ 178.603, 178.604,
178.605, 178.606, or 178.607, must be performed in accordance with provisions in § 178.601(c)(1)
and (c)(2) at the frequency specified in 178.601(e). These performance tests are required to be
performed and packages must successfully pass these tests before they can be certified as a UN
performance packaging authorized to carry hazardous materials.
However, as specified in § 178.608, each non-bulk packaging must be capable of withstanding,
without rupture or leakage, the vibration test procedure outlined in this section. This capability can be
demonstrated through the packaging performance history using this type of packaging or by performing
the vibration test. The vibration test is not required to be performed for non-bulk packagings. For
certain bulk packagings, such as intermediate bulk containers, the vibration test must be conducted for
both design qualification and periodic retesting.
I hope this answers your inquiry.
Sincerely,
See I thi
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
178.60|
020221
43008020

<<<PAGE 2>>>

Boothe
ALLOY PRODUCTS CORP.
$118.601
Stainless Steel Craftsmen Since 1929
desting,
Waukesha, WI 53187-0529
P.O. Box 529
(414) 542-6603
Friday, August 16, 2002
Fax (414) 542-5421
Department of Transportation
Office of Hazardous Material and Technology
400 7" Street Southwest
Room # 8430
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia
Reference: Bureau of Explosives, Tariff # BOE-6000
Attention : Mr. Thomas G. Allen
Dear Mr. Allen
Pring to de a guan ate tearing per Subin , a pril required i section
Question:
During periodic testing per section 178.601,6,2, are we required to perform the vibration test as
well?
My interpretation is that the vibration test is required for the design qualification testing only and
it does not apply to the periodic testing. Am I correct?
I am looking forward for your response. Thank you
Regards,
Peter Il. Jaborly
Peter El-Sabaaly
Director of Engineering
DOT vibration.peter

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2002/020221.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `5ba72efba2f534169adb50e03e9dc51f445ffddb07820b1a76bfde9a82b9a482`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-24T09:21:57.997Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-02-0221`

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