{"operation":"document","citation":"13-0225","title":"iSi Automotive Austria GmbH — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2014-07-18","effective_on":null,"summary":"13-0225 response to iSi Automotive Austria GmbH concerning 173.166.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-13-0225.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-13-0225.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-13-0225","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2014/130225.pdf","body":"<<>>\n\nU.S. Department\nof Transportation\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nMaterials Safety\nPipeline and Hazardous\nAdministration\nJUL 1 8 2014\nMr. Jürgen Tröscher M.A.\nSupply Chain Manager\niSi Automotive Austria GmbH\nScheydgasse 30-32.\n1210 Vienna\nAustria\nReference No. 13-0225\nDear Mr. Tröscher:\nThis is in response to your November 20, 2013 email requesting clarification of the\nHazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to air bag\ninflators and air bag modules. In your letter, you state that you have air bag inflators which\nhave received an explosive (EX) approval from the Associate Administrator of the Pipeline\nand Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). You state that the air bag\ninflators, approved with specific packaging instructions for the inner and outer packaging,\nare assembled into an air bag module. You further state that this air bag module, with the\ninstalled inflator, will not fit into the approved packaging for the air bag inflator. You ask\nwhether the previously approved air bag inflator can be installed in a module, then shipped in\na package listed in § 173.166(e).\nThe answer is no. When an EX approval associated with an air bag inflator has no\nprescribed packaging indicated, then either the air bag inflator or air bag module with the\ninflator would be permitted to be placed in a packaging listed in § 173.166(e). However,\nsince the air bag inflator you describe has an EX approval letter that requires a prescribed\npackaging instruction, the air bag inflator cannot be assembled into an air bag module and\nshipped in a package listed in § 173.166(e). In this case, the air bag module with inflator can\nonly be shipped in accordance with the specified packaging in the EX approval. To ship the\nair bag inflator installed in an air bag module in packaging other than that prescribed in the\nEX approval, a new or modified EX approval would be required.\nI hope this satisfies your request.\nSincerely,\nFicsta\nT. Glenn Foster\nChief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch\nStandards and Rulemaking Division\n\n<<>>\n\nAndrews.\n8173.166\nDrakeford, Carolyn (PHMSA)\nAir Bags Modules\nSent:\nFrom:\nINFOCNTR (PHMSA)\n13-0225\nTo:\nWednesday, November 20, 2013 1:42 PM\nSubject:\nDrakeford, Carolyn (PHMSA)\nAttachments:\nFW: Information about approval for Head Airbag Module\nModule AU416.pdf; pic1.png; pic1.png\nAirbag Inflator 1,5-2, 1 mol.pdf; Airbag Inflator 2,4 mol.pdf; Airbag Module AU316.pdf; Airbag\nHi Carolyn,\nThis caller requested we submit this e-mail as a formal letter of interpretation.\nThanks,\nVictoria\nFrom: Tröscher Jürgen [mailto:Juergen.Troescher@isi-automotive.com]\nSent: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 9:47 AM\nTo: Fink, William (PHMSA); INFOCNTR (PHMSA)\nSubject: AW: Information about approval for Head Airbag Module\nDear Mr. Fink,\nThank you for your fast reply.\nI have a question concerning packaging of Airbag Inflators and Airbag Modules.\nReffering to the \"Code of Federal Regulations\" 49 CF § 173.166 (d) (2) An air bag module containing an inflator that has\nbeen previously approved for transportation is not required to be submitted for further examination or approval an\napproval for Airbag Modules is not necessary when the Airbag Inflator is already approved.\nAs you can see in the attached file Airbag Inflator 1,5-2,1 mo/ there is instructed a specific packaging requirement (inner\npackaging and outer packaging). → Do I also have to use exactly that packaging for Airbag Modules? If yes, this is in\npractice not possible because of the difference of volume between Inflator and Module. But in some Classifications of\nExplosives (as you can see in the attached file: Airbag Inflator 2,4 mol) there is the note that all combinations of packaging\nlisted in 49 CFR section 173.166(e) are authorized for Airbag Inflators and Airbag Modules they contain.\nAdditionally we applied for an Classification of Explosives for Airbag Modules (although an Classification of Explosives is\nalready existing for the Airbag Inflator which is part of the Airbag Module). There is also a difference in information (as\nyou can see in the attached files: Airbag Module AU316 and Airbag Module 416). One of these Classifications notes again\nthat all combinations of packaging according to in 49 CFR section 173.166(e) is allowed. The other classification describes\na defined packaging. When I have an approved Inflator for several types of packaging and an approved Module for just\nexact this packaging which one is the correct shipping type? Remember \"Code of Federal Regulations\" 49 CF § 173.166\n(d).\nMaybe the following picture is more clear for you regarding to my question:\n1\n\n<<>>\n\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag inflator\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag Module\nall types of packaging are allowed\nClassification of Explosives\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbeg Inflator\nAirbag Module\n(not) required\nspecific type of packaging\not required when transportation in exact that typ\nrequired when another type of packaging is used\nof packaging is possible\nfor transportation\ndescribed please feel free to contact me.\nThank you in advance for your support regarding to our questions. If you have any questions or is anything not explicitly\nBest regards,\nJürgen Tröscher M.A.\nSupply Chain Manager\niSi Automotive Austria GmbH\nScheydgasse 30-32\n1210 Vienna\nAustria\nTel. +43-1-246 44-299\nFax. +43-1-246 44-30\njuergen.troescher@isi-automotive.com\nwww.isi-automotive.com\nCommercial Court Vienna, FN 254200z, Registered Office Vienna, VAT No ATU 61325603\n2\n\n<<>>\n\nVon: William. Fink@dot.gov [mailto: William.Fink@dot.gov]\nAn: Tröscher Jürgen\nGesendet: Donnerstag, 07. November 2013 13:39\nBetreff: RE: Information about approval for Head Airbag Module\nMr. Jurgen,\nThe information provided is not sufficient to fully answer your questions.\nYou have not provided a copy of the approval. After the words, \"This classification is only valid when packaged as follows:\nWhat comes after the .... The packaging notes limit the number of units per outer package and will call out specific\ndunnage and inner and intermediate packaging requirements.\nPlease submit your questions in accordance with CFR49 105.20 see link below-\nhttp://www.gpo.gov/fdsvs/pkg/CFR-2007-title49-vol2/xml/CFR-2007-title49-vol2-sec105-20.xml\nWilliam R. Fink\nTransportation Specialist\nUS DOT PHMSA\nWILLIAM.FINK@DOT.GOV\n202-366-1108\nFrom: Tröscher Jürgen [mailto:Juergen.Troescher@isi-automotive.com]\nTo: Fink, William (PHMSA)\nSent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 2:48 AM\nCc: Coleman, Renee (PHMSA)\nSubject: AW: Information about approval for Head Airbag Module\nDear Mr. Fink,\nThank you for your fast response. I hope you are the right person to address another question concerning the \"Code of\nFederal Regulations\":\niSi Automotive is producer of air bag inflators and air bag modules and we already applied some DOT Classifications of\nExplosives.\nIn the last Classification of Explosives for an air bag inflator we got there are specific constraints according to the\npackaging. There we can find a detailed description of the packaging we have to use: This classification is only valid when\npackaged as follows: ...\nOn the other hand in the \"Code of Federal Regulations\" 49 CF § 173.166 (d) (2) An air bag module containing an inflator\nthat has been previously approved for transportation is not required to be submitted for further examination or approval.\nWe kindly ask you to answer following questions according to above mentioned abstracts:\n3\n\n<<>>\n\n• Do we need a specific Classification of Explosives for our air bag modules when the air bag inflator for this modul\nalready has an existing Classification of Explosives? No, not when packaged in accordance with the approval. see\n49 CFR 173.166\n• Do we need for different packaging different Classification of Explosives (for air bag modules and also for air bag\ninflators)? The packaging must be as specified in the approval.\n• Is another Classification of Explosives for alternative packaging for air bag inflators obligatory when the\nClassification of Explosives for the air bag inflator is linked with a specific packaging and amount of parts? Yes it is,\nwhen the specific packaging requirements are not met.\nIs another Classification of Explosive for air bag modules obligatory when the Classificiation of Explosives for the\nair bag inflator is linked with a specific packaging and amount of parts? Only when the mandatory specific\npackaging instructions cannot be complied with.\nThank you in advance for your support regarding to our questions. If you have any questions or is anything not explicitly\ndescribed please feel free to contact me.\nKind regards,\nJürgen Tröscher M.A.\nSupply Chain Manager\nScheydgasse 30-32\nisi Automotive Austria GmbH\n1210 Vienna\nAustria\nTel. +43-1-24644-299\nFax. +43-1-246 44-30\njuergen.troescher@isi-automotive.com\nwww.isi-automotive.com\nCommercial Court Vienna, FN 254200z, Registered Office Vienna, VAT No ATU 61325603\nGesendet: Mittwoch, 06. November 2013 19:23\nVon: William. Fink@dot.gov [mailto:William.Fink@dot.gov]\nAn: Tröscher Jürgen\nBetreff: RE: Information about approval for Head Airbag Module\nCc: William.Fink@dot.gov\nMr. Troesher,\nPlease note that approvals may require up to 120 days to process.\nUS DOT Tracking Number 2013080280 is currently with our Tech Group being reviewed.\nApplication approvals on average have been running 100 to 120 days.\nThis application is currently at the 90 day mark.\n4\n\n<<>>\n\nYou are correct- An air bag module containing an inflator that has been previously approved for transportation is not\nrequired to be submitted for further examination or approval.\nBill Fink\nFrom: Coleman, Renee (PHMSA)\nTo: Fink, William (PHMSA)\nSent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 11:34 AM\nCc: Juergen.Troescher@isi-automotive.com\nSubject: FW: Information about approvoal for Head Airbag Module\nImportance: High\nFyi\nBill please see below. Thank you.\nRenee\nRence Coleman\nPipeline and Hazardous\nMaterials Safety Administration\nU.S. Department of Transportation\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Bldg,\nRoom E23-406; Washington, D.C. 20590\nrenee.coleman@dot.gov\nT: 202-366-4511, F: 202-366-3753\nFrom: Tröscher Jürgen [mailto:Juergen.Troescher@isi-automotive.com]\nTo: Coleman, Renee (PHMSA)\nSent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 11:17 AM\nSubject: Information about approvoal for Head Airbag Module\nImportance: High\nDear Mrs. Coleman,\nI could not reach Mr. Bill Think so I hope you can forward this e-mail to him or to somebody who can help us.\nWe filled out an application for Approval for Head Airbag Module AU316 and got the Tracking Number 2013080280 on 08-\n05-2013.\nBecause of the progress in our project we have the obligation to send products to our customer and therefore it would be\nnecessary to have the DOT-Approval for our packaging material.\nThere is also another question we have concerning the approval:\nWe already have an existing DOT-Approval for our Head Airbag inflator but not for the module. At § 173.166 in 49 CFR\nCh. 1 we found this: An air bag module containing an inflator that has been previously approved for transportation is not\nrequired to be submitted for further examination or approval.\n5\n\n<<>>\n\nOn the other hand there is an approval just for a specific packaging and filling degree. It is not possible to send an air bag\nmodule with this filling degree in this kind of packaging because of lack of space.\nThank you in advance for your help.\nIf you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.\nBest regards,\nJürgen Tröscher M.A.\nSupply Chain Manager\nScheydgasse 30-32\niSi Automotive Austria GmbH\n1210 Vienna\nAustria\nTel. +43-1-246 44-299\nFax. +43-1-246 44-30\njuergen.troescher@isi-automotive.com\nwww.isi-automotive.com\nCommercial Court Vienna, FN 254200z, Registered Office Vienna, VAT No ATU 61325603\n\n<<>>\n\nbalal\nrequired\nrequired\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag Module\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag Module\n(not)\nnot required when transportation in exact that type\nof packaging is possible\nrequired when another type of packaging is used\nfor transportation\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag Inflator\nall types of packaging are allowed\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag Inflator\nspecific type of packaging\n- Dimen\n\n<<>>\n\nrequired\nrequired\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag Module\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag Module\n(not)\nnot required when transportation in exact that type\nof packaging is possible\nrequired when another type of packaging is used\nfortransportation\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag Inflator\nall types of packaging are allowed\nClassification of Explosives\nAirbag Inflator\nDENTURERA CANUAN\nspecific type of packaging\n\n<<>>\n\nlIVUUI\nU.S. Department\nof Transportation\nEast Building, PHH-32\nMaterials Safety Administration\nPipeline and Hazardous\n1200 New Jersey Avenue. Southeast\nThe US Department of Transportation\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nCompetent Authority for the United States\nCLASSIFICATION OF EXPLOSIVES\nthe following items are classed in accordance with Section 173.56, Title 49, Code of\nBased upon a request by iSi Automotive GmbH, Scheydgasse 30-32, 1210 Wien, Austria,\nand a copy of this approval must be retained and made available to DOT upon request.\nFederal Regulations (49 CFR). A copy of your application, all supporting documentation\nU.N. PROPER SHIPPING NAME AND NUMBER:\nAir bag modules, UN3268\nU.N. CLASSIFICATION CODE: 9\nEX2010080133\nREFERENCE NUMBER\nPRODUCT DESIGNATION/PART NUMBER\nHead Airbag Module (BAM 0589-P1-0005)\nNOTES: All combinations of packagings listed in 49 CFR Section 173.166(e) are\nauthorized.\nDATED: 10/21/2010\nHarpret # Nigh\nFor Dr. Magdy El-Sibaie\nAssociate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety\nTracking No: 2010080385\nPage 1 of 1\n\n<<>>\n\n/1O0UI MU ÓI0\nMusweronverpackung\nof Transportation\nU.S. Department\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, Southeast\nEast Building, PHH - 32\nPipeline and Hazardous\nMaterials Safety Administration\nThe US Department of Transportatio\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nCompetent Authority for the United State\nCLASSIFICATION OF EXPLOSIVES\nBased upon a request by iSi Automotive GmbH, Scheydgasse 30-32, 1210 Wien, Austria\nthe following items are classed in accordance with Section 173.56, Title 49, Code of\nFederal Regulations (49 CFR). A copy of your application, all supporting documentatior\nand a copy of this approval must be retained and made available to DOT upon request.\nU.N. PROPER SHIPPING NAME AND NUMBER:\nAir bag inflators, or Air bag modules UN3268\nU.N. CLASSIFICATION CODE: 9\nREFERENCE NUMBER\nEX2012070341\nPRODUCT DESIGNATION/PART NUMBER\nHeadairbag module AU316 (0589-P1-0011)\nNOTES: Pressure vessels used in the devices given in this approval must be in\nSections 173.301,173.302 or 173.306(a)(1).\ncompliance with requirements for the gas or gases they contain as prescribed in 49 CFR\nThis classification is only valid when packaged as follows:\nInner Packaging - Trays, fiberboard, each containing not more than five (5) articles.\npackagings.\nOuter Packaging - UN 4G fiberboard box containing not more than four (4) inner\nDATED: 11/09/2012\nHarpret Ki angh\nFor Dr. Magdy El-Sibaie\nAssociate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety\nTracking No: 2012070465\nPage 1 of 1\n\n<<>>\n\nof Transportation\nU.S. Department\n1200 New Jersey Avenue. Southeast\nEast Building, PHH - 32\nMaterials Safety Administration\nPipeline and Hazardous\nThe US Department of Transportation\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nCompetent Authority for the United States\nCLASSIFICATION OF EXPLOSIVES\nBased upon a request by iSi Automotive GmbH, Scheydgasse 30-32, 1210 Wien, Austria,\nthe following items are classed in accordance with Section 173.56, Title 49, Code of\nand a copy of this approval must be retained and made available to DOT upon request.\nFederal Regulations (49 CFR). A copy of your application, all supporting documentatior\nU.N. PROPER SHIPPING NAME AND NUMBER:\nAir bag inflators, or Air bag modules, UN3268\nU.N. CLASSIFICATION CODE: 9\nREFERENCE NUMBER\nEX2010050038\nPRODUCT DESIGNATION/PART NUMBER\nAirbag inflator cool inflator CI17 (2.4 mole)\nNOTES: Pressure vessels used in the devices given in this approval must be in\ncontain.\nDATED: 09/10/2010\nHarpreet\ndingh\nFor Dr. Magdy El-Sibaie\nAssociate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety\nTracking No: 2010050087\nPage 1 of 1\n\n<<>>\n\nof Transportation\nU.S. Department\nEast Bullding, PHH - 32\nMaterials Safety Administration\nPipeline and Hazardous\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, Southeast\nCompetent Authority for the United States\nThe US Department of Transportation\nWashington, D.C. 20550\nCLASSIFICATION OF EXPLOSIVES\nBased upon a request by iSi Automotive Austria GmbH, Scheydgasse 30-32, 1210 Wien,\nof Federal Regulations (49 CFR). A copy of your application, all supporting\nAustria the following items are classed in accordance with Section 173.56, Title 49, Code\nupon request.\ndocumentation and a copy of this approval must be retained and made available to DOT\nU.N. PROPER SHIPPING NAME AND NUMBER:\nAir bag inflators, or Air bag modules, UN3268\nU.N. CLASSIFICATION CODE: 9\nREFERENCE NUMBER\nEX2012070340\nPRODUCT DESIGNATION/PART NUMBER\nCool Inflator Fusion 1.5-2.1 mol (0589-P1-0004)\nNOTES: Pressure vessels used in the devices given in this approval must be in\nSections 173.301,173.302 or 173.306(a)(1).\ncompliance with requirements for the gas or gases they contain as prescribed in 49 CFR\nThis classification is only valid when packaged as follows:\nInner Packaging - Trays, molded plastic, each containing not more than ten (10) articles.\npackagings in up to thirteen (13) layers of four (4) each.\nOuter Packaging - UN 4A steel box containing not more than fifty-two (52) inner\nDATED: 09/28/2012\nHarrest K\ndingh\nFor Dr. Magdy El-Sibaie\nAssociate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety\nTracking No: 2012070464\nPage 1 of 1","truncated":false,"body_characters":17841}