{"operation":"document","citation":"14-0109","title":"VEGA Americas, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2014-08-21","effective_on":null,"summary":"14-0109 response to VEGA Americas, Inc. concerning 172.406.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-14-0109.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-14-0109.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-14-0109","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2014/140109.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nof Transportation\nU.S. Department\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nMaterials Safety\nPipeline and Hazardous\nAdministration\nAUG 2 1 2014\nMr. John F. Birch\nRadiation Safety Program Specialist\nVEGA Americas, Inc:\n4141 Rosslyn Dr.\nCincinnati, Ohio 45209\nReference No. 14-0109\nDear Mr. Birch:\nThis is in response to your June 3, 2014 letter requesting clarification of the Hazardous\nMaterials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to labeling requirements.\nSpecifically, you ask whether the three parts of § 172.406(b) must all be met in order to use\nthe exception for label size. The exceptions for § 172.406(b) are as follows: (1) a package\nthat contains no radioactive material and which has dimensions less than those of the required\nlabel; (2) a cylinder; and (3) a package which has such an irregular surface that a label cannot\nbe satisfactorily affixed\nThe answer is no. Section 172.406(b) allows for exceptions to the labeling requirements in\n§ 172.406. While typically the use of the word \"and\" in the HMR indicates all requirements\nmust be met, that is not the situation of § 172.406(b). In order to use the exception found in\n§ 172.406(b), one must meet only one of the criteria. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials\nSafety Administration (PHMSA) may consider clarifying this requirement in a future\nrulemaking.\nI hope this satisfies your request.\nSincerely,\nT. Glenn Foster\nChief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch\nStandards and Rulemaking Division\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\nLooking Forward\nVEGA Americas, Inc.\n[ toll ] 800. FOR.LEVEL\n4241 Allendorf Drive\n[tel] 513.272.0131\nCincinnati, OH 45209 USA\n[fax] 513.272.0133\nwww.vega-americas.com\namericas@vega.com\nOffice of Hazardous Materials Standards,\nPipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration,\nAndrews\nAttn: PHH-10, U.S. Department of Transportation,\n$172.406 (b)\nEast Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,\nWashington, DC 20590-0001\n_abelino\n14-0700\nI am writing to request clarification with regard to 49 CFR 172.406(b), which states:\n(b) Exceptions. A label may be printed on or placed on a securely affixed tag, or may be\naffixed by other suitable means to:\n(1) A package that contains no radioactive material and which has dimensions less\nthan those of the required label;\n(2) A cylinder; and\n(3) A package which has such an irregular surface that a label cannot be\nsatisfactorily affixed.\nMore specifically I would like to know whether the three exceptions are separate and stand alone.\nThe way some in our organization read this list of exceptions is that the first exception applies to\ncontainers that are empty of radioactive materials and are smaller than the dimensions of the\nrequired labels, the second exception applies to cylinders regardless of whether they are empty of\nradioactive materials, and the third exception applies to containers with surfaces too irregular for\nthe required labels regardless of whether they are empty of radioactive materials.\nOthers in our organization read this list to mean that the second and third exceptions are tied to\nthe first. This would mean to them that the first exception is for containers too small for the\nrequired labels and empty of radioactive materials, the second exception is for cylinders empty\nof radioactive materials, and the third exception is for containers with surfaces too irregular for\nthe required labels and empty of radioactive materials.\nClarification with regard to this list of exceptions in the regulations would be very much\nappreciated as it will enable our organization (manufacturer of fixed nuclear gauges) to\nstreamline our shipping procedures. Thank you for your consideration and review of this issue.\nSincerely,\nJohn F. Birch\n513-72-42270 4529)\nj.birch@vega.com\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\nDrakeford, Carolyn (PHMSA)\n:\nSent:\nFrom:\nINFOCNTR (PHMSA)\nSubject:\nTo:\nTuesday, June 03, 2014 4:34 PM\nDrakeford, Carolyn (PHMSA)\nAttachments:\nrequest for interpretation on 49 CFR 172.406(b).docx\nFW: request for clarification\nHi Carolyn,\nThis caller requested we submit this e-mail as a formal letter of interpretation.\nThanks,\nVictoria\nFrom: Birch, John [mailto:j.birch@vega.com]\nSent: Tuesday, June 03, 2014 8:39 AM\nTo: INFOCNTR (PHMSA)\nSubject: request for clarification\nPlease find my attached letter (MS Word format) regarding clarification concerning exceptions for placing labels on\nshipments of Class 7 material.\nSincerely,\nJohn F. Birch\nJohn F. Birch\nRadiation Safety Program Specialist\n4141 Rosslyn Dr.\nVEGA Americas, Inc.\nPhone: 513-272-4222\nCincinnati, Ohio 45209\nEmail: i.birch@vega.com\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\nHMS 7 15 14\nHAZARDOUS MATERIALS\nINFORMATION CENTER\n(800) HMR49-22\n2023064814 local\nFax 202-366-3753\ninfocntr@dot.gov\nFAX-ON-DEMAND\n(800) 467-4922X2\nJaime Espinoza\nSenior Policy Advisor\n202-366-9608\nColleen Abbenhaus\nSupv. Compliance Investigator\nWester Ragion,\n909937-3279 1 Fax 90-3905142\nSean Lynum, Director\nKameron wara, Cheri estigatior\nVacant, Sr. Investigatior\nWilliam Arrington, Investigator\nAprily ampia, investigator\nRene Silva, Investigator\nPatrick Lease, Investigator\nDale Lewis, Investigator\nJack Whitley, HMSAT\nSouthwest Region, PHH-45\nHouston, TX\n713-272-2820 / Fax 713-272-2821\nRobert Strollo, Acting Director\n*Antwela Cato, Admin. Asst.\nVacant, Chief Investigator\nRobert Strollo, Sr. Investigator\nThomas Lynch, Investigator\nAlan Carson, Investigator\nDavid Smith, Investigator\nDollie DeWalt, Investigator\nShawn Daniels, Investigator\nTay Rucker, Investigator\nChevella Smith, Invesligator\nFelix Gonzalez, investigator\nMichael Roberts, HMSAT\nSouthern Rogion, PHH-46\nAtlanta, GA\n404-832-1140 / Fax 404-832-1168\nJohn Heneghan, Director\n*Janetta Whatley, Admin. Asst.\nMarc Nichols, Chief Investigator\nVacant, Sr. Investigator\nEdward Rastetter, Investigator\nWilliam Stevens, Investigator\nBob Burns, Investigator\nRobert DiGiacomandrea, Investigator\nErnest Quail, Investigator\nKimberly TaiSee, Investigator\nMatt Ripley, Investigator\nRandy Dick, Invesligator\nStu Streck, HMSAT\nDEPUTY ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR\nFIELD OPERATIONS, PHH-3*\nWilliam Schoonover\n202-366-0656\nFIELD SERVICES SUPPORT\nРHH-40\n202-366-4700\nFax 202-366-7435\nRick Raksnis, Director\n*Tara Guido, Sr. Admin. Asst.\nENFORCEMENT,\nPHH.41\nMichael Donahue,\nEnforcement Officer\nLeAndrew Wilson, Investigative Analyst\nJose Rufino, Co-Op Student\nWillie Gunter, Investigator\nFITNESS. PHH-47\nVacant, Acting Branch Chief\nGail Twitty, invesligative Analyst\nBen Smith, Investigator\nVacant, Sr. Invesligative\nINVESTIGATOR\nQUALIFICATIONS, PHH-48\nVincent Mercadante, NFTO\nDavid Clark, Investigator\nNorm Winningham, Investigator\nJames Widener, Investigative Analyst\nEastern Region, PHH-42\nWest Trenton, NJ\n609-989-2256 / Fax 609-989-2277\nMarc Nichols, Acting Director\n*Carolyn Callaghan, Admin. Asst.\nMitchell Brown, Chief Investigator\nVacant, Sr. Investigator\nAnthony Lima, Sr. Investigator\nVacant, Investigator\nMargaret Carson, Investigator\nPatrick Durkin, Investigator\nKatelin Maits, Investigator\nAndrew Cooke, Investigator\nJessica Snyder, Investigator\nAnthony Murray HMSAT\nContral Region, PHH-43\nDes Plaines, IL\n847-294-8580 / Fax 847-294-8590\nKipton Wills, Director\n*Angie Bend!, Admin Asst.\nBob Clatterbuck, Chief Investigator\nVacant, Sr. Investigator\nVacant, Investigator\nTed Turner, Investigator\nTerry Pollard, Investigator\nMark Razny, Investigator\nTiffany Ziemer, Investigator\nTimothy Buffum, Investigator\nLaura Kwilinski, Investigator\nDan Richards, Investigator\nShirley McNew, HMSAT\nTonya Stevenson,\nPolicy Advisor\n202-366-0683\n*Chanelle Dumas,\nExec. Asst.\n202-366-0656\n*Darcia Stewart,\nE21-310\nPROGRAM DEVELOPMENT\nРHH-60\n202-366-1074\nFax 202-366-3753\nBen Supko, Acting Director\n*Tanika Dyson, Executive Asst.\nMichael Burkhardt, Acting Bus. Arch.\nRISK, DATA & PROGRAM\nMANAGEMENT, PHH-61\nKevin Leary, Acting Chief\nGabriela Rohick, Economist\nMark Johnson, Economist\nBUDGET AND ADMINISTRATIVE\nSERVICES, PHH-62\nDell Sidbury, Chief\n*Chris Biggers, Executive Asst.\nYolanda Braxton, Prog. Analyst Trainee\nVacant, Admin. Officer\nCarolyn Strong, Accountant\nFrank Lisak, Prog. Support Asst.\nMaria Howard, Executive Asst.\n* Falma Hanafi, Executive Asst.\nE21-316\nASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR\nРHH-1\nMagdy El-Sibaie\n202-366-0656\nE23-304\nOUTREACH, TRAINING AND GRANTS\nPHH-50\n202-366-4900\nFax 202-366-7342\nAaron Mitchell, Director\n*Jasmin Clarke, Sr. Admin. Asst.\nOUTREACH AND TRAINING,\nTom Kiddy, Chief\nSuzette Paes, Outreach Officer\nVacant, Training Officer\nRuben Ingram, T&/ Spec.\nAlex Armstrong, T&/ Spec.\nJean Allen, T&/ Spec.\nStephen Martinez T&/ Soec.\nPeter Heitzmann, Prog. Spec.\nGRANTS/REGISTRATION, PHH-52\n202-366-1109\nFax 202-366-5713\nLisa O'Donnell. Acting Chief\n*Angel Henriquez, Sr. Admin.Asst.\nVacant, Sr. Grants Spec.\nShakira Mack, Program Analys!\nAndre White, Grants Spec.\nCarla Sheppard, Grants Spec.\nLisa Reichenbacher, Grants Spec.\nSuezet Edwards, Prog. Spec.\nFlor Paz, Prog. Analyst Trainee\nDEPUTY ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR\nPOLICY AND PROGRAMS, PHH-2\nRyan Posten\n202-366-0656\nE21-304\nAPPROVALS AND PERMITS\nРHH-30\n202-366-4511\nFax 202-366-3308\nRyan Paquet, Director\nArthur Pollack, Ops. Coordinator\nMichael Burkhardt, Ops. Coordinator\nRenee Coleman, Admin. Support Asst.\nGENERAL APPROVALS\nAND PERMITS, PHH-31\n202-366-4535\nDonald Burger, Chief\nMichelle Ford. Trans. Assistant\nAndrew Eckenrode, Trans. Spec.\nDiane LaValle, Sr. Trans. Spec.\nKenny Herzog, Trans. Spec.\nStacey Grey. Trans. Spec.\nMichael Nicks, Trans. Spec.\nTony Gale, Trans. Spec.\nENERGETIC MATERIALS, PHH-32\nVallary Maxey, Acling Chief\nHarpreet Singh, Chief\nVacant, Trans Spec.\nDarral Relerford, Trans. Spec.\nPRESSURE 3564515, PHH-33\nDuane Cassidy, Chief\n202-385046 Fax202566-3753\n*Barbara Alston\nE21-312\nENGINEERING AND RESEARCH\nPHH-20\n202-366-4545\nFax 202-366-3650\nHarpreet Singh, Acting Director\nTiffany Fosselt, Sr. Admin Asst.\nRichard Boyle, Phys. Sci.\nJim Williams, Hith. Physicist\nMichael Conroy, Phys. Sci.\nAndrea Dunham, Chemist\nENGINEERING, PHH-22\nCheryl West Freeman, Chief\nMark Toughiry, Mech. Engr.\nStan Staniszewski, Mech. Engr.\nBrian Moore, Gen. Engr.\nLeonard Majors, Gen. Engr.\nBenjamin Moore, Gen. Engr\nReassa Gen and Engr\nRESEARCH&\nDEVELOPMENT, PHH-23\nJuane Pfund\nInternational Standards\nCoordinator\n202-366-4471\nJ.s. Department\nof Transportation\nHazardous Materials\nSafety Administration\nWebsite: hazmat.dot.gov\nSTANDARDS AND RULEMAKING\nPHH-10\n202-366-8553\nFax 202-366-7435\nCharles Betts, Director\nShantell Goodall, Sr. Admin. Sup. Ass!.\nRobert Benedict, Acting Sr. Reg Advisor\nBen Supko, Sen Reg. Advisor\nRebecca Broussard, Policy & Prog. Analyst\nSTANDARDS DEVELOPMENT,\nPHH-11\nDirk Der Kinderen, Acting Chief\nRobert Bendict Chief\nDeborah Boothe, Trans. Reg. Spec.\nDirk Der Kinderen, Trans. Reg. Spec.\nLisa O'Donnell, Trans. Reg. Spec.\nKevin Leary, Trans. Reg. Spec.\nNeal Suchak, Trans. Reg. Spec.\nVacant, Trans. Reg. Spec.\nREGULATORY REVIEW\nAND REINVENTION, PHH-12\nGlenn Foster, Chief\nEileen Edmonson, Trans. Reg. Spec.\nVictoria Lehman, Trans. Reg. Spec.\nAlice Dodd, Acimin. Support Asst.\nSTANDARDS, PHA: 13\nDuane Pfund, Int Sid. Coord\nStd. Coord.\nSteve Webb, Int'i Std. Coord\nAaron Wiener, int'i Std. Coord\nPipeline and\n\"Contract Staff","truncated":false,"body_characters":11070}