# New York University — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 98-0220  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1998-08-12

98-0220 response to New York University concerning 173.216.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

•
.. -
of Transportation
U.S.Department
Washinglon, D.C.
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
20590
Special Programs
Research and
Administration
AUG 1 2 1998
Mr. Elliot Greenberg
Senior Safety Specialist
Ref. No. 98-0220
New York University
64 West 3rd Street,
Suite 210
New York, NY 10012-1423
Dear Mr. Greenberg:
This is in response to your letter dated July 28, 1998,
requesting clarification of the applicability of the Hazardous
Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171-180) to shipments of
manufactured products containing asbestos.
Asbestos contained in manufactured articles, (e.g., vinyl floor
tiles or roofing papers), or immersed or fixed in
a natural or
artificial binder material (e.g., cement or asphalt) is not
subject to the HMR (S 173.216(b)). You stated in your letter
that all of the asbestos containing materials that you offer for
transportation are in manufactured products.
products are not subject to the HMR.
Therefore, these
I hope this satisfies your 'request.
Sincerely,
Transportation Regulations Specialist
Office Of Hazardous Materials Standards
172101(0)
173.216(6)
...

<<<PAGE 2>>>

BAH
New York University
1 private university in the public service
§172.101 (A) Asbestos
Environmental Services
64 West 3rd Street, Suite 210
New York, NY 10012-1092
98-02201
Telephone: (212) 998-1423
Facsimile: (212) 673-9740
July 28, 1998
Mr. Edward T. Mazzullo, Director
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
U.S. Department of Transportation
Research and Special Programs Administration
- -
400 7* Street SW
Washington, DC 20590
Re: HMR 49 CFR Parts 171-180
Dear Mr. Mazzullo:
This is in regard to a telephone conversation I had with Ms. Jodi George, of your office, on
July 27, 1998, requesting written clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations 49 CFR
Parts 171-180. The University periodically offers asbestos containing waste materials, as a
result ot abatement, to a transporter for removal to an approved landfill sight located in
another state. The materials being offered for transportation can consist of a mixture of
asbestos containing floor covering, roofing materials and/or pipe insulation, depending on the
nature of the abatement project. The waste materials vary in percentage of asbestos content.
The question we have is: since all of the asbestos containing materials are in manufactured
products (floor tile, pipe insulation, roofing papers) would their transportation be excepted
from the requirements of the HMR 49 CFR Parts 171-180 based on 49 CFR subchapter C,
-
Part 173.216(b).
Your written response to this question will be greatly appreciated.
Elliot L. Greenberg
Senior safety Specialist

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980220.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `d28c86b9677002f8e86e2cd4fbf75d6856355dd2c4c393431d2b3ab2c321962c`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-23T20:04:33.487Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-98-0220`

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