Requirements for retest and inspection of intermediate bulk containers.

(a) General. Each intermediate bulk container constructed in accordance with a UN standard for which a test or inspection specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section is required may not be filled and offered for transportation or transported until the test or inspection has been successfully completed. This paragraph does not apply to any intermediate bulk container filled prior to the test or inspection due date. The requirements in this section do not apply to DOT 56 and 57 portable tanks.

(b) Test and inspections for metal, rigid plastic, and composite intermediate bulk containers. Each intermediate bulk container is subject to the following test and inspections:

(1) The leakproofness test prescribed in § 178.813 of this subchapter must be conducted every 2.5 years starting from the date of manufacture marked on each intermediate bulk container intended to contain liquids or intended to contain solids that are loaded or discharged under pressure.

(2) An external visual inspection must be conducted initially after production and every 2.5 years starting from the date of manufacture on each intermediate bulk container to ensure that:

(i) The intermediate bulk container is marked in accordance with requirements in § 178.703 of this subchapter. Missing or damaged markings, or markings difficult to read must be restored or returned to original condition.

(ii) Service equipment is fully functional and free from damage which may cause failure. Missing, broken, or damaged parts must be repaired or replaced.

(iii) The intermediate bulk container, including the outer packaging if applicable, is free from damage which reduces its structural integrity. The intermediate bulk container must be externally inspected for cracks, warpage, corrosion or any other damage which might render the intermediate bulk container unsafe for transportation. An intermediate bulk container found with such defects must be removed from service. The inner receptacle of a composite intermediate bulk container must be removed from the outer intermediate bulk container body for inspection unless the inner receptacle is bonded to the outer body or unless the outer body is constructed in such a way (e.g., a welded or riveted cage) that removal of the inner receptacle is not possible without impairing the integrity of the outer body. Defective inner receptacles must be replaced with a receptacle meeting the design type of the intermediate bulk container or the entire intermediate bulk container must be replaced. For metal intermediate bulk containers, thermal insulation must be removed to the extent necessary for proper examination of the intermediate bulk container body.

(3) Each metal intermediate bulk container must be internally inspected at least every five years to ensure that the intermediate bulk container is free from damage which might reduce its structural integrity.

(i) The intermediate bulk container must be internally inspected for cracks, warpage, and corrosion or any other defect that might render the intermediate bulk container unsafe for transportation. An intermediate bulk container found with such defects must be removed from hazardous materials service until restored to the original design type of the intermediate bulk container.

(ii) Metal intermediate bulk containers must be inspected to ensure the minimum wall thickness requirements in § 178.705(c)(1)(iv)(A) of this subchapter are met. Metal intermediate bulk containers not conforming to minimum wall thickness requirements must be removed from hazardous materials service.

(c) Initial visual inspection for flexible, fiberboard, or wooden intermediate bulk containers. Each intermediate bulk container must be visually inspected prior to first use, by the person who places hazardous materials in the intermediate bulk container, to ensure that:

(1) The intermediate bulk container is marked in accordance with requirements in § 178.703 of this subchapter. Additional marking allowed for each design type may be present. Required markings that are missing, damaged or difficult to read must be restored or returned to original condition.

(2) Proper construction and design specifications have been met.

(i) Each flexible intermediate bulk container must be inspected to ensure that:

(A) Lifting straps if used, are securely fastened to the intermediate bulk container in accordance with the design type.

(B) Seams are free from defects in stitching, heat sealing or gluing which would render the intermediate bulk container unsafe for transportation of hazardous materials. All stitched seam-ends must be secure.

(C) Fabric used to construct the intermediate bulk container is free from cuts, tears and punctures. Additionally, fabric must be free from scoring which may render the intermediate bulk container unsafe for transport.

(ii) Each fiberboard intermediate bulk container must be inspected to ensure that:

(A) Fluting or corrugated fiberboard is firmly glued to facings.

(B) Seams are creased and free from scoring, cuts, and scratches.

(C) Joints are appropriately overlapped and glued, stitched, taped or stapled as prescribed by the design. Where staples are used, the joints must be inspected for protruding staple-ends which could puncture or abrade the inner liner. All such ends must be protected before the intermediate bulk container is authorized for hazardous materials service.

(iii) Each wooden intermediate bulk container must be inspected to ensure that:

(A) End joints are secured in the manner prescribed by the design.

(B) Intermediate bulk container walls are free from defects in wood. Inner protrusions which could puncture or abrade the liner must be covered.

(d) Retest date. The date of the most recent periodic retest must be marked as provided in § 178.703(b) of this subchapter.

(e) Record retention. The intermediate bulk container owner or lessee shall keep records of periodic retests and initial and periodic inspections. Records must include design types and packaging specifications, test and inspection dates, name and address of test and inspection facilities, names or name of any persons conducting tests or inspections, and test or inspection specifics and results. Records must be kept for each packaging at each location where periodic tests are conducted, until such tests are successfully performed again or for at least 2.5 years from the date of the last test. These records must be made available for inspection by a representative of the Department on request.