# National Technical Systems — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 99-0042  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1999-04-02

99-0042 response to National Technical Systems concerning 173.185.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
of Transportation.
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C.
20590
Research and
Special Programs
Administration
APR _ 2 1999
Mr. Steve Farrar
Ref. No. 99-0042
National Ordnance, Munitions
National Technical Systems
and Environmental Test Center
P.O. Box 3315
East Camden, AR 71701
Dear Mr. Farrar:
This is in response to your letter of February 10, 1999, requesting clarification on the requirements for
lithium batteries under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171-180).
Specifically you ask whether a 32 volt lithium battery must be subjected to the tests in the UN Manual
of Tests and Criteria, specifically paragraph 38.3.4.3.2.2.3.
The answer is no. A lithium battery that exceeds the referenced nominal voltage is not subject to those
tests. Such a battery would have each cell tested rather than the entire battery.
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
173.185
990042
09062059433

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1999/990042.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `f9c9f102d600bbfe60b623045dc6eaf84e09f1ac97eca887307d183022a38e08`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-23T22:17:30.245Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-99-0042`

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