{"operation":"document","citation":"09-0301","title":"Tronox, LLC — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2010-04-28","effective_on":null,"summary":"09-0301 response to Tronox, LLC concerning 173.22.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-09-0301.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-09-0301.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-09-0301","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretations/2009/090301.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nU.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration\nAPR 28 2el0\n1200 New Jersey Ave, SE\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nMr. John Hatmaker\nDirector-Environment, Health & Safety\nTronox, LLC\nP.O. Box 26S859\nOklahoma City, OK 73126-S859\nRef. No.: 09-0301\nDear Mr. Hatmaker:\nThis responds to your e-mail regarding classification under the Hazardous Materials Regulations\n(HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-1S0) of\"F1ameless Ration Heater\" (FRH) containing a new\nformulation for providing hot meals to soldiers in the field, such as meals-ready-to-eat (MRE).\nSeveral attachments were included.\nAccording to your letter, the Department of Defense (DOD) transports \"Unitized Group RationExpress\"\n(UGR-E) for providing hot meals to soldiers in the field. This unit is capable of\nheating a meal that feeds IS soldiers. The heating element in this unit is a \"Flameless Ration\nHeater\" (FRH). Currently, the FRH used in the UGR-E contains magnesium-iron alloy powders\nthat are activated by aqueous sodium chloride to generate sufficient thermal energy to heat the\nfood rations to 140-l50°F. The Mg/Fe based FRH generates substantial amounts of flammable\ngases when tested with distilled water in accordance with the UN Manual ofTests and Criteria,\nto meet the definition of Packing Group I or II in Class 4, Division 4.3.\nAgain according to your letter, your client has developed a new formulation for the FRH. This\nformulation was tested by an accredited laboratory, following the procedures in the UN Manual\nof Tests and Criteria. The test results indicate that the client's ration heater composition is not a\nDivision 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet) material, and the results from an oxidizer test, UN Test\nMethod 0.1, classed the material as a Division 5.1 (Oxidizer), Packing Group III, as defined by\nthe UNIDOT criteria. You state that you understand that in accordance with the requirements in\n§ 173.22 ofthe HMR, it is the responsibility ofthe shipper to properly class a hazardous\nmaterial. You request PHMSA's approval to ship this new material formulation as an\nunregulated material, given its attached supporting documentation.\nBased on the information you provided, it is the opinion ofthis Office that your client's FRH\ndevice containing not more than 70-S0% manganese dioxide, 5-1S% magnesium, and 2-25%\ncarbon black meets the definition of a Division 5.1 (Oxidizer) material, as detailed by the results\nofUN Test Method 0.1. Your client's FRH is regulated for purposes oftransportation in\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\ncommerce and must be shipped in conformance with the applicable requirements ofthe HMR\nand, therefore, may not be shipped as an unregulated material.\nI hope this information is helpful. Ifwe can be of further assistance, please contact us.\nSincerely,\nlU~b~\nharles E. Betts\nief, Standards Development\nOffice ofHazardous Materials Standards\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\nName\nDrakeford, Carolyn (PHMSA)\nFrom: INFOCNTR (PHMSA)\nSent: Monday, December 07,20098:31 AM\nTo: Drakeford, Carolyn (PHMSA)\nSubject: FW: Letter of Interpretation Request for Tronox LLC\nAttachments: Tronox MSDS IHT US 2 2009 _2_.pdf; 2008Deo3DOT Ox report.pdf; 2009Mar26Stresau\nreport .pdf\nlohn W. Hatmaker 405-775-5431\n)irector Environment, Health & Safety 405-823-9628\njohn.hatmaker@tronox.com\nDecember 4. 2009\nE-MAIL\nu.s. DOT\nPHMSA Office of Hazardous Materials Standards\nEast Building\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.\nWashington, DC 20590-0001\nAttn: Office of Standards (PU\"H-I0)\nSubject:\nRequ~~t..fQr clarific<!tiQ.n oflIaz<!rdous M<!j:~rjal RegllJ<!tions (IIMRlJor lrallsportatiQllQf a Elam~l~ss\nRation Heate.rlERHLcontaining a ne-,·yJQImulatiQU\nAttachments:\n1. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)\n2. Stresau Laboratory Test Results per UN Manual ofTests and Criteria\n3. Stresau Laboratory Test Results per UN Oxidizer Test Method 0.1\nThe Department ofDefense (DOD) transports Unitized Group Ration- Express, UGR-E, for providing\nhot meals to soldiers in the field. This unit is capable ofheating a meal that feeds 18 soldiers. The\nheating element in this unit is a Flameless Ration Heater, FRH. The present FRH's use magnesium-iron\nalloy powders that are activated'by aqueous sodium chloride to generate sufficient thermal energy to\nheat the food rations to ~ 140-1500F. The MglFe based FRH generates substantial amounts of\nflammable gases when tested with distilled water in accordance with the UN Manual ofTests and\nCriteria, to meet the definition of Packing Group I or II in class 4, Division 4.3.\n1217/2009\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\nName Page 2 of2\nTronox is entering a business arrangement with a client that has successfully developed a new\nformulation for the FRH. This formulation was tested by an accredited laboratory, Stresau Laboratory\nInc., following the procedures in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. These results show that our\nclient's ration heater composition is not a Division 4.3 Dangerous When Wet Material. A copy ofthe\nStresau report is attached with this document along with the MSDS for this new formulation.\nAdditionally, the results from a DOT Oxidizer test also performed by Stresau Laboratory (See\nattachment 3 above) yielded a Packing Group III classification for this material.\nWe understand as described in sec 173.22 ofHMR: CFR Parts 171-180, that it is the obligation ofthe\nshipper to properly classify a material. Given the supporting documentations attached, we request your\napproval for shipping this new material formulation as unregulated under HMR.\nIfthere are any questions concerning our request, please let us know to allow us to provide additional\ndetails and clarifications.\nSincerely,\nJohn Hatmaker\nDirector-Environment, Health & Safety\nTronox, LLC\nP.O. Box 268859\nOklahoma City, OK 73126-8859\ncc: S. Haigh\nJ. Howard\nJWH\nTronox Confidentiality Notice!\nIfyou are not the intended recipient ofthis e-mail message, any use, distribution or copying of the\nmessage is prohibited.\nPlease let me know immediately by return e-mail if you have received this message by mistake,\nthen delete the e-mail message.\nThank you.\n12/7/2009\n\n<<<PAGE 5>>>\n\nMaterial Safety Data Sheet (US)\n1.\nIdentification\nProduct Name: Tronox® IHT\nChemical Name: Manganese dioxide, magnesium, and carbon black mixture\nProduct Use: Flameless Ration Heater (FRH)\nManufacturer: Tronox LLC.\nAddress: 3301 NW 150th Street\nOklahoma City, OK 73134 (US)\nwww.tronox.com\nEmergency Telephone Number: 1-405-775-5000 (24-hours)\nUS: CHEMTREC Emer enc Number: 1-800-424-9300\n2.\nHazards Identification\nHazard Statements: Caution!\nPrevention: Inhaling dust can cause irritation to respiratory\ntract and may lead to \"metal fume fever\", a flu-like\ncondition.\nThis product is abrasive to the eyes and skin.\nPrecautionary Statements\nIt is not likely that dust will be generated when.\nused as intended however if dust is generated\nensure effective ventilation. Avoid creating or\nbreathing dust.\nWear suitable protective gloves and clothing.\nWash thoroughly after handling.\nDo not eat drink or smoke in work area.\nUse class-D agents or other suitable agent for\nMagnesium fires throughout containment.\nResponse: Oxidizer, will undergo thermite ignition at temperatures\naround 650°C increasing intensity of a fire\ninvolving other materials.\nStorage: Store in a cool dry place separate from organic materials and other oxidizers.\nDisposal: Not regulated.\n3. Composition/Information on Ingredients\nComponent\nManganese Dioxide\nMagnesium\nCAS Number\n1313-13-9\n7439-95-4\nWeight %\n70-80\n5-18\nCarbon Black 1333-86-4 2-25\nSee section 11 ofthis document for toxicological information.\n4. First Aid Measures\nEye: May cause mild mechanical irritation.\nSkin: May cause mild mechanical irritation. Wash affected areas with plenty of water, and soap if available, for\nseveral minutes. Remove and clean contaminated clothing and shoes. Seek medical attention if irritation develops\nor persists.\nInhalation: Remove from area to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation develops or if\nbreathing becomes difficult.\nIngestion: Give 3-4 glasses of water, but DO NOT induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, give fluids again. Get\nmedical attention to determine whether vomiting or evacuation of stomach is necessary. Do not give anything by\nmouth to an unconscious or convulsing person\nIHT Page 1 of 4\n\n<<<PAGE 6>>>\n\nNote to physician: Chemical of exposure is manganese. Acute exposure can result in metal fume fever. Chronic\nexposure to dust can lead to manganism, a disease of the central nervous system, characterized by psychic\nneurologic disorders. Eye, skin, and respiratory diseases or disorders could be aggravated by repeated or prolonged\nexposure to the dust or fume from this substance. Iron deficiency may increase susceptibility to metal poisoning.\n5, Fire Fighting Measures\nMaterial will undergo thermite ignition at temperatures around 650°C increasing the intensity of a fire involving other\nmaterials. Evacuate all unnecessary people upwind from the fire and smoke. Move containers from area if it can be\ndone without risk. Cool fire-exposed containers with water from side.\nExtinguishing Media: Use class-D agents or other suitable agent for magnesium fires throughout containment.\nFire Fighting Equipment: Wear a NIOSH-approved, positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and full\nprotective gear. ~\n6. Accidental Release Measures\nWear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Avoid breathing dust. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.\nPrevent spread of material and keep dust level down as much as possible. Take up mechanically.\nOn Land: Shovel up or vacuum up using a vacuum cleaner with an efficient filter. Dispose of all contaminants\naccording to federal, state, and local regulations.\nIn Water: Recover as much as practical and dispose of waste at an industrial waste site.\n7. Handling and Storage\nHandling: Use with ventilation that will keep any dust concentration below the exposure limits. Keep container\nclosed. Do not allow dust or powder to accumulate on equipment or building surfaces.\nStorage: Store in a cool dry place separate from organic materials and other oxidizers.\n8. Exposure Controls/ Personal Protection\nUse process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engi\"neering controls to control airborne levels below\nrecommended exposure limits.\nCOMPONENT OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV\nTWA STEL TWA STEL\nManganese compounds, as Mn 5 mg/m\" N/E 0.2 mg/m\" N/E\nMagnesium, as magnesium oxide 15 mg/m\" N/E 10 mg/m\" N/E\nCarbon Black 3.5 mg/m\" N/E 3.5 mg/m\" N/E\nEngineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation system to meet exposure limits.\nPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)\nStandard precautionary measures should be observed for the handling of chemicals.\nHand and Skin Protection: Wear suitable protective gloves and clothing.\nEye Protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields or vented safety goggles. Have eyewash stations available\nwhere eye contact can occur.\nRespiratory Protection: When handling observe usual precautionary measures to avoid dust formation.\nIn operations where exposure limits are exceeded use an approved respirator selected by a technically qualified\nperson for the speCific work conditions.\nGeneral: Do not eat drink or smoke in work area. Practice good personal hygiene after using this material.\n9. Physical and Chemical Properties\nIHT Page 2 of4\n\n<<<PAGE 7>>>\n\nState: Solid (powder)\nColor: Blackl grey\nOdor: None\nMelting Point DC: 650\nBulk Density, Ib/cu. Ft: 84.7\nSpecific Gravity @ 20°C: 5\nWater Solubility: Insoluble\npH: N/A\n10. Stability and Reactivity\nStable at ordinary temperatures and pressures but may undergo thermite ignition at temperatures around 650°C.\nMaterial will react with water to generate heat if added and mainta,ined at a specific stoichiometric ratio but will not\nexplode or ignite.\nIncompatibilities: Organic materials, combustible materials, and strong oxidizers.\nHazardous Decomposition Products: When subjected to intense heat, temperature above 535 \"C, it will release\noxygen which would increase the intensity of a fire.\nConditions to avoid: Incompatible materials and intense heat.\n11. Toxicologicallnformalion\nFORUGR-E:\nOral Toxicity: Independent laboratory evaluations conducted is accordance with 49 CFR 173.132 Department of\nTransportation testing procedures to determine acute oral toxicity characteristics found a zero mortality rate in rats at a\ndosing level of 300mg/kg after 14 days.\nDermal Toxicity: Independent laboratory evaluations conducted is accordance with 49 CFR 173.132 Department of\nTransportation testing procedures to determine acute dermal toxicity characteristics found a zero mortality rate in\nrabbits at a dosing level of 1000mg/kg after 14 days. However, some specimens did experience redness and irritation\nto the skin at area of contact.\nCarbon black, a component of this mixture has been classified by the IARC to be \"possibly carcinogenic to humans\"\n(Category 2B). However, OSHA lists carbon black as non-carcinogenic.\nFor manganese dioxide: RTECS OP0350000\nOral lD50 (rat) >3,478 mg/kg\nInhalation TClo (mouse) 49 mg/m317 H (750 pre/1-18D preg)\nInhalation TClo (rat) 1,800 og/m3/24 H/35D-C\nIntravenous lDlo (rabbit) 45 mg/kg\nIntratracheal lDlo (rat) 50 mg/kg\nSubcutaneous lD50 (mouse) 422 mg/kg\nFor magnesium metal and magnesium oxide:\nNo LD50/lC50 information available relating to normal routes of occupational exposure.\nFor carbon black: RTECS FF5800000\nOral lD50 (rat) ............................... >15,400mg/kg\nDermal LD50 (rabbit) ................... >3000 mg/kg\n12. Ecological Information\nNone available\n13. Disposal Considerations\nExamine possibilities for re-utilization.\nUnited States RCRA Waste Code: Not regulated. Dispose of in approved industrial waste landfill. Observe all\napplicable federal, state, and local regulations.\nIHT Page 3 of4\n\n<<<PAGE 8>>>\n\n14. Transportation Information\nUnited States: Not regulated\n15. Regulatory Information\nUnited States\nOSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200): Manganese compounds, Hazardous\nSafe Drinking Water Act- Secondary Maximum Contaminant levels: Manganese, 0.05mg/l\nSARA Extremely Hazardous Substances (40 CFR 355): N/A\nSARA Hazard Category (40 CFR 370): Acute, Chronic, Fire\nSARA Toxic Chemicals (40 CFR 372): Manganese, 92%\nWorkplace Hazardous Materials Information System (CPR Section 33): Controlled Product; Class D2B\nInventory Status: This material meets requirements described in 40 CFR CH. 1710.3 for categorization as a mixture.\nIndividual components of this mixture are listed on the US TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory and the Canadian\nDomestic Substances List.\nToxic Substance Control Act- No specific regulations apply\nCERCLAISUPERFUND (40 CFR 117, 302): Listed, release reporting is not required\nState Regulations\nCalifornia Hazardous Substance list; Manganese compounds, magnesium, and Carbon black\nCalifornia OEls, Airborne Contaminants, Manganese compounds (0.2mg/m\\ carbon black (3.5mg/ m3 )\nCalifornia Proposition 65; Carbon black\nConnecticut Hazardous Material Survey; Magnesium\nIllinois Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employees and Chemical Safety Acts; Manganese compounds and carbon\nblack\nIndiana Occupational Health and Safety Standard; manganese compounds and carbon black\nKentucky Occupational Health and Safety Standard; manganese compounds and carbon black\nlouisiana Spill Reporting; Manganese compounds RQ 100lb into atmosphere\nMassachusetts Right to Know Substance List; Magnesium and carbon black\nMinnesota Hazardous Substance List; Manganese Compounds and carbon black\nNorth Carolina Exposure Limits for Air Contaminants; Manganese compounds and carbon black\nNew Jersey Right to Know Lists, Manganese compounds Substance No. 1157, carbon black Substance No. 0342\nOregon Rules for Air Contaminants; Manganese compounds (0.5mg/m3 ceiling limit), carbon black (3.Smgl m 3\n)\nPennsylvania Right to Know Hazardous Substance; Magnesium and carbon black\nRhode Island Hazardous Substance List; Manganese and magnesium and carbon black\nTexas Effects Screening levels; Manganese dust (2IJg/m\\ carbon black (3.Smgl m 3)\n16. Other Information\nHMIS Rating\nHealth\nFlammability\nPhysical Hazards\nPersonal Protection:\n1 (Chronic)\n1\n2\nThis document was prepared based on current knowledge and experience for the purpose of communicating Health,\nSafety, and Environmental information related to the proper handling of this product. This document does not imply\nany guarantee of product composition, properties, or performance. This safety data sheet replaces all previous\ninformation.\nUnited States Material Safety Data Sheet\nDate Created: 4 December 2009\nAuthored by: MSDS Authoring Team\nI\nIHT Page 4 of4","truncated":false,"body_characters":16606}