# Aristech Chemical Corporation — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 98-0338  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1999-03-24

98-0338 response to Aristech Chemical Corporation concerning 172.704.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

.. =
of Transportation
U.S.Department
Washington, D.C.
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
. 20590
Research and
Special Programs
Administration
MAR 2 4 1999
Mr. Michael D. Alston
Logistics Specialist - Hazardous Materials
Rei. No. 98-0338
Aristech Chemical Corporation
600 Grant Street,
Room 1020
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Dear Mr. Alston:
This is in response to your letter dated November 3, 1998
regarding S$ 172:704 and 172.204 (d) of the Hazardous Materials
Regulations
wish to verity that the training requirements apply to an
(HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180): Specifically. you
individual who signs the shipper!s certification required
under $ 172.204(a).
Your underständing is correct. The training requirements
apply to hazmat employees who perform functions that are
subject to the requirements of the HMR (S. 172.702 (b)); this
includes the employee who signs the shipping paper
certification.
I hope this satisfies your request.
Sincerely,
Transportation Regulations specialist
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
172.704

<<<PAGE 2>>>

600 Grant Street
Aristech Chemical Corporation
Pitsburgh. PA 15219-2704
ARISTECH H
SP.ta4
November 3, 1998
98-0338
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety
Attention: Standards,DHM-10
Research and Special Programs Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 7" Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590-0001
:
Dear Sir(s),
Hazardous Materials Regulations.
I am writing this letter to request an interpretation of a regulation contained in CFR Title 49-
The section 172.204 d Shipper's Certification - Signature: states that the certifications required
by paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section:
(1) Must be legibly signed by a principal, officer, 'pärtner or employee of the shipper or his
agent.
Do the persons. stated in section 172:204 d. (1) need to receive training in General Awareness,
Function Specific and Safety training as required by 172704?.. " 1a.;. i
Your response to this request would be appreciated. Recently, I was informed by a former.
Department of Transportation Inspector that the persons in question did. not need training
according to section 172.704, however, I firmly believe this to be incorrect.
You may respond to:
Aristech Chemical Corporation
Michael D. Alston
Logistics Specialist-Hazardous Materials
S00 Grant Street, Room -1020
412-433-7948
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-433-7544 (Fax)
•
Sincerely,
litter
•
Michael D. Alston
•
Logistics Specialist-Hazardous Materials
CC:
P.C. Rine
E.H. Weber
Aristech Total Performance
ЛАТР

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980338.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `9e8b854713ba1ebc3464fdb78efca65a7c59e3da6368d1e7d8dc181abceaf9c6`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T11:41:27.689Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-98-0338`

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