{"operation":"document","citation":"16-0001R","title":"Patriot Tank Lines Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2018-04-02","effective_on":null,"summary":"16-0001R response to Patriot Tank Lines Inc. concerning 178.337.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-16-0001r.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-16-0001r.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-16-0001r","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/standards-rulemaking/hazmat/interpretations/57766/160001r.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nU.S. Department\nof Transportation\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\nWashington, DC 20590\nMaterials Safety\nPipeline and Hazardous\nAPR 0 2 2018\nAdministration\nMark Mietz\nPatriot Tank Lines Inc.\n2737 Erie Drive\nWeedsport, NY 13166\nReference No. 16-0001R\nDear Mr. Mietz:\nThe Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is clarifying this previously issued\nletter of interpretation based on further review. In your December 22, 2015 email, you had\nrequested clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180)\napplicable to marking inlets and outlets on Department of Transportation (DOT) Specification\nMC331 cargo tank motor vehicles in accordance with § 178.337-9(c). Specifically, you asked\nwhether the marking required must be at the furthest point from the tank (i.e., the piping) or on\nthe cargo tank (wall). You also asked whether there is a size requirement for the marking and\nwhether it needs to be stamped or embossed.\nIn accordance with § 178.337-9(c), each cargo tank inlet and outlet, with the exception of\ngauging devices, thermometer wells, and pressure relief valves, must be marked \"liquid\" or\n\"vapor\" to designate whether it communicates with liquid or vapor when the cargo tank is filled\nto the maximum filling density. Provided the marking is readily visible, legible, durable to\nwithstand transport conditions, and clearly associated with the corresponding inlet or outlet, it\nwould satisfy the requirements of the HMR.\nIn our original response of June 3, 2016, we stated that the required marking(s) must be on the\ninlet/outlet equipment itself and in close proximity to its respective make/break connection point,\nrather than on the cargo tank wall. We have since reconsidered this position based on a better\nunderstanding of industry practice and ability to mark using stenciling or stickers that will not\nimpact the integrity or certification of the cargo tank. Thus, the marking(s) requirement may be\nsatisfied using various locations and methods including marking on the tank shell.\nI hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.\nSincerely,\nA C.\nShane Kelle\nDirector\nStandards and Rulemaking Division","truncated":false,"body_characters":2213}