# Mr. John Ramsey — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 06-0031
- **title:** Mr. John Ramsey — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2006-05-23
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 06-0031 concerning 173.159.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-06-0031.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-06-0031.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-06-0031
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2006/060031.pdf
**body:**

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400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590
Hazardous Materials Safety
Pipeline and
Administration
MAY 23 2006
15170 Tomahawk
Mr. John Ramsey
Reference No.: 06-0031
Yukon, OK 73099
Dear Mr. Ramsey:
This is in response to your February 6, 2006 letter requesting clarification of the
a person may use the exception in § 173.159(e) for damaged electric storage batteries
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 100-180). Specifically, you ask if
placed within a compatible leakproof container.
Damaged wet electric storage batteries are not eligible for the exception in § 173.159(e)
if the damage has rendered them incapable of retaining battery fluid inside the outer
asing during transportation. However, a damaged battery may be shipped under the
exception § 173.159(e) if: (1) it has been drained of battery fluid to eliminate the
potential for leakage during transportation; (2) it is repaired and/or packaged in such a
incident to transportation; or, (3) the damaged or leaking battery is transported under the
manner that leakage of battery fluid is not likely to occur under conditions normally
drained from the battery prior to transportation must be classed, packaged and described
provisions of § 173.3(c). Battery fluid that has leaked from the battery, or that has been
as appropriate for the liquid, and may not be transported in the same transport vehicle as
batteries shipped under the exception in § 173.159(e).
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if you require additional assistance.
Sincerely,
/Chier, Standad Dis elanient
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
173.159 (e)
060031

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INFOCNTR <PHMSA>
hearu
From:
Ibmac@peoplepc.com
$173. (e)
Sent:
Monday, February 06, 2006 4:12 PM
To:
INFOCNTR <PHMSA>
Batteries
Subject: Batteries
00 - 0031
I called the information center and spoke to, I believe it was Jessica, and asked a question. The question dealt
leak proof container such as a plastic box and ship it under 173.159(e). (All other requirements of 173.159(e)
with the battery exception in 173.159(e). I asked if a person found a leaking battery could they put the battery in a
called John Gail and asked if the information i got was correct. He confirmed that there would be no violation to
would be met) I was told that it would not be a violation to ship a leaking battery as described above. I later
ship a leaking battery in a compatible, leak proof container. The person 1 was getting the clarification for wanted it
confirmed in writing. Would it be possible for your office to confirm the above in writing. Either by e-mail or letter.
My e-mail address is ramsey576@peoplepc.com. My phone number is 405-255-0312. My mailing address is
John Ramsey, 15170 Tomahawk, Yukon, Ok. 73099
John Ramsey
2/7/2006
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