# Mr. Tom B. Jacobsen — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 03-0016  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 2003-02-28

03-0016 concerning 173.6.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

of Transportation
U.S. Department
FEB 2 8 2003
400 Seventh St., S.W.
Research and
Washington, D.C. 20590
Special Programs
Administration
Mr. Tom B. Jacobsen
0854 West Battlement Parkway, #L108
Reference No. 03-0016
Parachute, CO 81635
Dear. Mr. Jacobsen:
This is in response to your January 17, 2003 letter and January 24, 2003 telephone calls with a
member of my staff asking if environmental gas samples you describe as "Gas sample, non-
pressurized, flammable, r.o.s., 2.1, UN 3167," qualify for the materials of trade (MOTS)
exception in § 173.6 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180).
You state the samples are composed of a mixture of flammable gas and air (e.g., 10-20% pure
methane diluted with 80-90% regular air). You also state you collect them at atmospheric
vehicle to a local testing laboratory.
pressure in 3-liter, polyminyl fluoride film "tedlar" bags and transport them by private motor
The answer is no. Your proposed packaging does not meet the packaging requirements in
§ 173.306; therefore, use of your packaging will require an exemption from the HMR.
Procedures for submitting an application for exemption are contained in § 107.105 of the HMR.
Under § 173.6(a)(2) and (b)(5), to qualify as MOTS the flammable gas sample must be
transported in a cylinder with a gross weight of 100 kg (200 pounds) or less that conforms to the
packaging, qualification, maintenance, and use requirements for cylinders under the Hazardous
Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Under Column 8A of the Hazardous
Materials Table (§ 172.101), the entry "Gas sample, non-pressurized, flammable, n.o.s., not a
refrigerated liquid, 2.1, UN 3167," provides for transportation in a packaging prescribed in
§ 173.306. Section 173.306(a)(4) allows non-pressurized flammable gas samples to be
transported in hermetically sealed glass or metal inner packagings of not more than 5 L (1.3
gallons) overpacked in a strong outer packaging.
I hope this satisfies your request.
Sincerely,
Hotter. mithell
Hattie L. Mitchell, Chief
Regulatory Review and Reinvention
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
13.l
030016

<<<PAGE 2>>>

CITY MARKET #28
ID: 19702859713
JAN 17'03
17:53 No. 008 P.01
Edmonson
January 17, 2003
3173.6 (a)C)
Mr. Edward T. Mazzull
MOT Exceptions
C/o Hattle Mitchell
03-00.14
Dear Mr. Mazzull:
49 CFR 173.6(a)(2) allows for handling up to 100 kg gross weight
the exception for Division 2.1 materials apply to all Divislon 2.1
Division 2.1 cylinders under the Materials of Trade Exception. Would
materlals. In particular, I am asking does the Materlals of Trade
Exception apply to Division 2.1 UN3167 Gas sample, non-pressurized,
Your assistance is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Tom B. Jacobsen
0854 West Battlament Pkwy,, L108
Parachute, Colorado 81635
307 871 2366

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2003/030016.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `4b76fefc86bcf80d6c4f1bc92f776f822d525eb2996ec14c2f61e3608d230667`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T17:44:55.915Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-03-0016`

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