# Artegraft, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 00-0229
- **title:** Artegraft, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2000-10-03
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 00-0229 response to Artegraft, Inc. concerning 171.8.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-00-0229.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-00-0229.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-00-0229
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2000/000229.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
400 Seventh St., S.W.
of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
Research and
Special Programs
Administration
OCT
3 2000
Ms. Cathy VanDerVeer
Ref. No. 00-0229
Artegraft, Inc.
P.O. Box 7305
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Dear Ms. VanDerVeer:
I am responding to your August 11, 2000 letter regarding the definition of a consumer commodity
under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) as it applies to Artegraft's
alcohol based "Sterilizing Solution."
You stated that your company's sterilizing solution is an alcohol based sterilant utilized in the
manufacturing process of an Artegraft. An Artegraft is an all collagen vascular access graft used by
physicians. The sterilizing solution is 50% ethyl alcohol with the remaining balance being water. The
product is a Class 3 (flammable liquid) in Packing Group III, in accordance with §§ 173.120 and
173.121, and described as "Ethyl alcohol solutions."
The product is packaged in 500-milliliter inner containers, placed in a Styrofoam box, and then
packaged in an outer fiberboard box. The boxes are overpacked in a fiberboard box with a higher
burst/edge crush strength. The outer packaging contains from 1 to 10 units depending upon the
quantities ordered. The total weight of the packages range from 4 pounds to 34 pounds. Specifically,
because the components of Artegraft's sterilant are similar to many alcohol based household sterilants,
you believe that the alcohol based sterilizing solution meets the definition of "Consumer commodity,
ORM-D."
The definition of a consumer commodity in § 171.8 includes a material that is packaged and distributed
in a form suitable for retail sale for consumption by individuals for purposes of personal use or
household use even if not specifically so intended. We agree that the Artegraft alcohol based sterilizing
solution described in your letter is suitable for household use and qualifies to be described and classed
as a "Consumer commodity, ORM-D."
I hope this satisfies your inquiry. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.
Sincerely,
my Hasells
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Regulations Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
000229

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Artegraft
Engrum
5/71.8
August 11, 2000
Consummer
Commodity
VIA US MAIL AND FACSIMILE
Mr. Edward Mazzullo, Director
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
U.S. Department of Transportation
Research and Special Programs Administration
400 7"* Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Mr. Mazzullo:
I am requesting formal written confirmation that the product known as the Artegraft Sterilizing
Solution is a consumer commodity within the meaning of 49 C.F.R. 171.8 (pg 76 in the 10-01-99
edition).
process of an Artegraft. An Artegraft is an all coilagen vascular access graft. This graft is utilized
The Artegraft Sterilizing Solution is an alcohol based sterilant utilized in the manufacturing
by physicians. The Sterilizing Solution is 50% ethyl alcohol with the remaining balance being
water. The MSDS for the alcohol is attached.
box and labeled appropriately. These packages are then packaged inside a fibreboard box.
The product is packaged in 500-mililiter containers. The containers are packaged in a Styrofoam
These boxes are then packaged inside of another fibreboard box with a higher burst/edge crush
strength. (Outer packaging varies from 1 to 10 units dependent upon order quantity) The total
weight of the packages range from 4 pounds to 34 pounds.
considered hazardous material under Title 49. The Artegraft is classified as "ethyl alcohol
I understand that because the packages contain 50% of ethyl alcohol, the Artegraft product is
solution and is assigned a packing group Ill. These classifications are determined under 49 CFR
173.120 and 173.121. The flash point of the solution is 78°F (Closed Cup). (see attached)
Artegraft can be considered a consumer commodity under 49 CFR 171.8. As such, if shipped in
We feel that because the steriliant solution resembles many alcohol-based consumer products.
limited quantities, Artegraft can lawfully be labeled "ORM-D" and shipped as a consumer
commodity under 49 CFR 173.150 (c). Shipments of ORM-D materials are not subject to the
shipping paper requirements (unless transported by air).
Artegraft, Inc.
P.O. Box 7305
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
732-422-8333 Fax 732-422-8647
800-631-5264

<<<PAGE 3>>>

Mr. Edward Mazzullo
Page 2
August 11, 2000
called Vapo-Steril that it could be shipped consumer commodity, Ref No. 99-0108. (see
For example, the Office of Hazardous Materials Standards issued an explanation of a sterilant
attached).
well as, our distributors. I would like to request a written response, as soon as possible, as to
Your response to the above inquiry has very significant impact on us, as the manufacturer, as
whether the Artegraft steriliant would qualify as a consumer commodity.
Sincerely,
CUDI
Office Manager
Cathy VanDerVeer
Attachments (3)
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- **body characters:** 4947
