# DuPont Global Logistics — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 13-0209
- **title:** DuPont Global Logistics — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2014-02-10
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 13-0209 response to DuPont Global Logistics concerning 173.24, 173.320.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-13-0209.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-13-0209.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-13-0209
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2013/130209.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
of Transportation
Pipeline and. Hazardous
Materials Safety
Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20590
FEB 1 0 2014
Mr. Kevin Greene
Hazardous Materials Consultant
DuPont Global Logistics
P.O. Box 525
Axis, AL 36505
Reference No.: 13-0209
Dear Mr. Greene:
This is in response to your November 5, 2013 letter and conversation with a member of my
staff requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts
171-180). Specifically you ask if the HMR authorize the installation of a 2 inch bung/vent
into a UN 1H1 plastic drum that would permit air to enter the drum, but not allow the
release of hazardous material from the drum. You note that the drum will be fitted with the
bung/vent prior to subjecting it to the tests specified in Part 178.
The HMR authorize openings for filling, emptying or venting in UN 1H1 plastic drums in
accordance with the provisions of§ 173.24(g). Please note that except for shipments of
cryogenic liquids as specified in§ 173.320( c) and of carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice), venting
of packages is not permitted when transportation by aircraft is involved. When venting is
authorized, provided the drum passes the appropriate design tests with the bung/vent in
place and does not allow the escape of hazardous material, the opening described in your
letter is acceptable.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to
contact this office.
Sincerely,
Duane Pfund
International Standards Coordinator
Standards and Rulemaking Division

<<<PAGE 2>>>

DuPont Global Logistics
P.O. Box525
Axis, Alabama 36505
DuPont Global Logistics
05 November 2013
Mr. T. Glenn Foster
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division
Attn: PHH-1 0
East Building
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.
Washington, DC 20590-0001
Request a written formal interpretation regarding the usEt of vents on plastic 1H1
drums as provided in 173.24(g)(1)(2)(3) of the HMR.
Dear Mr. Foster:
I have a 55-gallon plastic drum (1 H1/Y1.9/150) that will be used to transport a class 9
liquid (Marine Pollutant) by sea and air. The drum will be fitted with a 2" bung/vent that
will allow air to enter the drum but will not allow any liquid or gas to exit the drum. The
purpose of the vent is to allow air to enter the drum to avoid drum paneling (e.g. slight
sucking-in or collapsing) of the plastic drum body due to methyl soyote scavenging air
from the head space.
Based on my understanding of the provisions provided in part 173.24(g)(1 )(2)(3) of the
HMR, I may install a vent on my plastic drum that will allow air to enter the plastic drum
but will not permit any hazardous (i.e. poisonous, flammable)liquid or gas to exit the
drum. Is my understanding correct?
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact me if you require additional assistance.
Kevin M. Greene
Hazardous Materials Consultant
DuPont Global Logistics
P.O.Box 525
Axis, Alabama 36505
Phone: (251) 679.5330
Kevin.m.greene@dupont. com
- **truncated:** false
- **body characters:** 3050
