# Waysmos USA — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 23-0032  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 2023-08-16

23-0032 response to Waysmos USA concerning 173.22.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety
Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
August 16, 2023
Mike Kiamanesh
Waysmos USA
2032 Robert Browning St.
Austin, TX 78723
Reference No. 23-0032
Dear Mr. Kiamanesh:
This letter is in response to your March 24, 2023, letter requesting clarification of the Hazardous
Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to the transport of a liquid fire
suppression agent that you manufacture. In your letter, you state that the material is not a
hazardous material and you provide a safety data sheet as supporting documentation. Further,
you state that you would like to transport the liquid material in a non-DOT specification cylinder
instead of your current practice of using a 55-gallon steel drum. You note that internationally
these cylinders are used to transport pressurized liquified gases such as other fire suppression
agents. You state that this change in manner of transport is to facilitate filling of the associated
fire suppression system upon delivery. Specifically, you request confirmation that this shipment
is not subject to the requirements of the HMR and that the use of these cylinders is permitted.
In accordance with § 173.22, it is the shipper s responsibility to properly classify a hazardous
material. If you have determined that the liquid fire suppression agent is not a hazardous material
in accordance with applicable HMR criteria, then it is not subject to the HMR and may be
transported in the packages you noted without restriction from the HMR.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Dirk Der Kinderen
Chief, Standards Development Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division

<<<PAGE 2>>>

Casey
23-0032
From: INFOCNTR (PHMSA)
To: Hazmat Interps
Subject: FW: Request for interpretation - Using liquid in gas cylinder
Date: Friday, March 31, 2023 10:43:15 AM
Attachments: 926L-6mm cylinder.pdf
SDS-FK-5-1-12-US-Version-4.1-2021-05-07.doc (5).pdf
Hello,
Please see attached and below request for letter of interpretation.
Also here is the mailing address:
Michael Kiamanesh
2032 Robert Browning St, Austin, TX 78723
737-999-3367
Thanks,
Jonathon, HMIC
From: Mike Kiamanesh <mike@waysmosusa.com>
Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 2:03 PM
To: INFOCNTR (PHMSA) <INFOCNTR.INFOCNTR@dot.gov>
Subject: Request for interpretation - Using liquid in gas cylinder
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Do
not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content
is safe.
Hi DOT,
I am interested in importing a fire suppression agent that we manufacture called FK-5-1-12 (SDS
attached), in non-dot approved gas cylinders (drawing of cylinder attached).
The molecule FK-5-1-12 as you can see on the SDS is not considered hazmat, right now the most
common way of transporting it is as general cargo in 55 gallon steel drums.
Why we want to use the cylinders is because our customers want a larger bulk packaging where they
do not need to switch containers (drums) as much when filling their fire suppression system
cylinders. For reference the drums each hold about 250kg of the FK-5-1-12 while the cylinder we
want to use holds 1000kgs.
These cylinders are used internationally (not in USA) to bulk transport pressurized liquified gases,
such as another fire suppression agent HFC-227ea. We just want to start using them in the USA for
moving this non pressurized non hazmat bulk liquid fire suppression agent.
Let me know anything else you need from me. I am available anytime for a call as well.

<<<PAGE 3>>>

Regards
Mike
737-999-3367

<<<PAGE 4>>>

Safety Data Sheet
Section 1 – Chemical Product and Company Identification
Product Name FK-5-1-12
Chemical Name 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-Nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone
Synonym FLUOROKETONE, Perfluoro(2-Methyl-3-Pentanone), NOVEC1230™
Product Use Fire extinguishing agent
Manufacturer Address Shanghai Waysmos Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.
388 Liangle Road, Laogang, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
Email sales@waysmos.com
Telephone +86-571-85069383
Fax +86-571-85069385
Section 2 –Hazard Identification
Hazard classification This material is not considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communication
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Hazard pictograms
Signal word Warning
Hazard statements Precautionary statements
Other Hazard H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
P261: Avoid breathing vapours.
P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing.
Overheating and over pressurizing may cause gas release or violent container
bursting.
Section 3 – Composition/Information on Ingredients
Ingredient name CAS No. %(weight)
1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5,-Nonafluoro-4-(t
rifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone 756-13-8 ≥99. 0
Section 4 – First Aid Measures
Revision date: May.7,2021 Version 4.1
1

<<<PAGE 5>>>

Safety Data Sheet
Inhalation
Skin
Eyes Ingestion Note to physician Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for
breathing.
If not breathing, if breathing is irregular or if respiratory arrest occurs, provide
artificial respiration or oxygen by trained personnel.
If unconscious, place in recovery position and get medical attention immediately
Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash immediately with
plenty of soap and water.
Get medical attention if frostbitten by liquid or if irritation persists
Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes
Get medical attention if irritation occurs
DO NOT induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a physician. Get medical
attention immediately if symptoms develop.
Immediate medical attention is not required
When symptoms persist or in all cases of doubt seek medical advice
Section 5 – Fire Fighting Measures
Extinguishing media Special hazards arising from
the substance or mixture
Special protective equipment
for firefighters
Product is a fire extinguishing media. Use media appropriate for surrounding
material
Thermal decomposition may cause toxic products
Containers may explode in heat of fire.
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus with a full face-piece operated in
positive pressure mode and chemical-protective clothing. Prevent fire
extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water
system
Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures
Personal precautions, protective
equipment and emergency
procedures
Environmental precautions Methods and material for
containment and cleaning up
Reference to other SECTIONs
Refer to section 8 of SDS for personal protection details. Wear mask and
appropriate protective clothing for daily operation. Prevent skin and eye
contact. Keep unprotected persons away. If outside do not approach from
downwind.
Do not discharge into drains/surface waters/groundwater
Evacuate area. Keep upwind. Stop leak if without risk. Ventilate area
especially low places remove open flames and heating elements. Disperse it
with floor level forced air
See SECTION 7 for information on safe handling
See SECTION 8 for information on personal protection equipment
See SECTION 13 for information on disposal
Section 7 – Handling and Storage
Revision date: May.7,2021 Version 4.1
2

<<<PAGE 6>>>

Safety Data Sheet
Handling Storage Avoid direct contact with the substance. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Ensure there is sufficient ventilation of the area. Do not handle in a confined
space. Avoid the formation or spread of mists in the air. Contents may be
under pressure, open carefully. Do not breathe thermal decomposition
products. For industrial or professional use only. Do not eat, drink or smoke
when using this product. Do not drag, slide or roll containers. Do not drop
containers or permit them to strike against each other. Never apply flame or
localized heat directly to any part of the container.
Store in dry, cool, well ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed. Keep
out of direct sunlight and ultraviolet, keep away from incompatible materials,
water, keep away from sources of heat or ignition. Containers should be
properly stored and secured to prevent falling or being knocked over.
Section 8 –Exposure Controls/Personal Production
8.1 Control parameters
Occupational exposure limit values 8.2 Exposure controls
Appropriate engineering controls 150 ppm, 8 hr TWA
Personal protective equipment
Respiratory Protection Skin Protection Eye Protection Environmental exposure controls Use only with adequate ventilation. Use process enclosures, local exhaust
ventilation or other engineering controls to keep worker exposure to
airborne contaminants below any recommended or statutory limits
Self-contained breathing apparatus or full facepiece supplied-air respirator
must be available in case of emergency.
Wear protective gloves/clothing to prevent contact
Safety glasses/chemical splash goggles
Do not empty into drains
Section 9 – Physical and Chemical Properties
9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
Appearance Liquid
Color colorless
Odour Low odor
pH Not available
Melting point -108°C
Boiling point 49 °C
Flash point Not available
Evaporation rate > 1(BUOAC = 1.0)
Flammability (solid, gas) Not flammable
Upper/lower flammability or
Not available
explosive limits
Vapour pressure 40.4 Kpa (25°C)
Specific gravity（H2O=1 1.6 g/cm3
Solubility(ies) Not available
Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water log Kow = 2.11
Revision date: May.7,2021 Version 4.1
3

<<<PAGE 7>>>

Safety Data Sheet
Auto-ignition temperature Not available
Viscosity 0.6 mPa.s (25°C)
Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity
Reactivity Chemical stability Possibility of hazardous reactions Conditions to avoid Incompatible materials Hazardous decomposition products Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions (see
SECTION 7, handling and storage)
Stable under normal conditions of use
No known hazardous reactions
Keep away from heat and ignition sources. Protect from sunlight
Strong oxidizing materials, Strong acids and bases
Thermal decomposition can lead to release of irritating or toxic
gases/vapors: carbon oxides, hydrogen fluoride
Section 11 – Toxicological Information
11.1 Information on toxicological effects
Acute Toxicity
Ingredient name LD50
Oral(rat)
LD50 Dermal
(rat) LC50 Inhalation (rat)
1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-Nonafluoro-4-(triflu
oromethyl)-3-pentanone
> 2,000
mg/kg > 2,000 mg/kg >1,227 mg/l/4h (>10% by
volume)
Skin corrosion/irritation No information available
Serious eye damage/irritation No information available
Respiratory or skin sensitization No information available
Germ cell mutagenicity No information available
Reproductive toxicity No information available
STOT-single exposure No information available
STOT-repeated exposure No information available
Aspiration hazard No information available
Carcinogenicity Not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Section 12 – Ecological Information
Toxicity (Ecotoxicity Fish, LC 50 ) >1200 mg/l (Zebra Fish, 96h)
Degradability Atmospheric lifetime is approximately 0.014 years(5 days)
Bioaccumulation/ Accumulation No data available
Mobility in Environmental Media Not available
Other adverse effects Ozone Depletion Potential (CFC 11 = 1.0): 0.00
Global Warming Potential (CO2 = 1.0): 1.00
Section 13 –Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Method
Disposal must be made according to local and national regulations. Empty containers should be taken for local
recycling, recovery or waste disposal.
Revision date: May.7,2021 Version 4.1
4

<<<PAGE 8>>>

Safety Data Sheet
Section 14—Transport Information
ITEM
LAND
☐ EU: ADR/RID
☐ US: DOT
SEA
IMDG
AIR
ICAO / IATA
UN-Number General cargo General cargo General cargo
Packaging Group
Special precautions for user None determined
Section 15—Regulatory Information
15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
Listed in international inventories:
Ingredient name TSCA DSL NDSL ELIN
CS ENCS CHIN
A KECL PICC
S AICS
1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-Nonafluoro
-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-penta
none
YES YES NDA YES YES YES YES YES YES
Section 16 – Other Information
In accordance with good practices of personal cleanliness and hygiene handle with the care and avoid unnecessary
contact with this product.
This information is being supplied to you under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 and is
offered in good faith as typical values and not as a product specification. The information contained herein is based
on the data available to us and is believed to be true and accurate.
No warranty expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of this data. The hazards connected with the use of the
material or the results to be obtained from the use thereof are made. Shanghai Waysmos Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.
assumes no responsibility for damage or injury from the use of the product described herein
Revision date: May.7,2021 Version 4.1
5

<<<PAGE 9>>>

Hole site
Sprayer position
Hole site
-

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/2026-05/23-0032.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `703e28d12510830e58e0a09b9e11f79ff403c67d0dc47c6d53f14b2cefb5c841`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T11:41:14.889Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-23-0032`

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