{"operation":"document","citation":"16-0037","title":"US Zinc — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2016-07-18","effective_on":null,"summary":"16-0037 response to US Zinc concerning 171.2, 172.204, 173.35.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-16-0037.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-16-0037.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-16-0037","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2016/160037.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nof Transportation\nU.S. Department\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\nMaterials Safety\nPipeline and Hazardous\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nAdministration\nJUL 1 8 2016\nMr. John Williams\nDirector of HSE\nUS Zinc\n2727 Allen Parkway, Suite 800\nHouston, TX 77019\nRef. No.: 16-0037\nThis is in response to your email dated March 1, 2016, concerning the applicability of the\nHazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) to the transportation of zinc\ndust that does not meet the test criteria for Division 4.3.\nDepending on the properties of the material, zinc dust may be described, as appropriate, as\n\"UN1436, Zinc powder or Zinc dust, 4.3, PG I, II or III\", \" UN3077, Environmentally\nhazardous substance, solid, n.o.s., 9, PG III\", or as not regulated. The test method and criteria\nfor classifying a material as Division 4.3 are contained in § 173.124(c). If the material\nevolves flammable or toxic gases when in contact with water, to the extent that it meets the\nprescribed criteria it would be classed as Division 4.3. Based on the test results you\nsubmitted on zinc dust, we agree that this particular tested material does not meet the\nDivision 4.3 criteria.\nBased on the data you provided, the diameter of the zinc particles is less than 100\nmicrometers (0.004 inches), if the quantity in one package, or transport vehicle if not\npackaged, equals or exceeds 1000 pounds (the reportable quantity for zinc listed in Appendix\nA to § 172.101), the material would be regulated as a hazardous substance (see § 171.8). If\nthe material does not equal or exceed the reportable quantity and does not meet the criteria\nfor any other hazard class or division then it is not subject to the HMR.\nI hope this answers your inquiry. If you need additional assistance, please contact the\nStandards and Rulemaking Division at (202) 366-8553.\nSincerely,\nDun Alone 1. 17f\nDuane A. Pfund\nInternational Standards Coordinator\nStandards and Rulemaking Division\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\n3 / 71. 180\nлачу\nHMT\nDodd, Alice (PHMSA)\n16-0037\nSent:\nFrom:\nGoodall, Shante CTR (PHMSA)\nTo:\nTuesday, March 01, 2016 1:31 PM\nDodd, Alice (PHMSA)\nSubject:\nFW: Zinc dusts as Hazardous Materials\nAttachments:\nZinc Dust Analysis Data 160210.pdf; 80303 U S ZInc Dust flamability test.pdf; DOT\nexempt letter from 172 table for Dust haz if pass Divn 4 testing pdf\nPlease log in\nFrom: Betts, Charles (PHMSA)\nTo: Goodall, Shante CTR (PHMSA)\nSent: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 12:48 PM\nSubject: FW: Zinc dusts as Hazardous Materials\nPlease log and assign for response.\nFrom: John Williams [mailto: john.williams@uszinc.com]\nTo: Betts, Charles (PHMSA)\nSent: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 12:44 PM\ndensicy\n14g1ci3\nSubject: RE: Zinc dusts as Hazardous Materials\n1.\nUS Zinc is requesting a Letter of Interpretation clarifying for ourselves and transport companies that the Zinc Dust we\npackage in containers (bags, cans, FIBC, etc) all under 1000 Ibs should not be classified as \"Zinc Dust, 4.3 UN1436\" and\nDO NOT meet the requirements of HMR 49 CFR 171-180 as Hazardous materials. Enclosed is analysis of our dust\nshowing typical particle size distribution and chemical composition. Also enclosed is the most current flammability\ntesting showing that our materials should be considered non-flammable solids as per Division 4.2 & 4.3 of\n49CFR173. The zinc dust is transported in FIBC super sacks under 1000 pounds and at times in 5 gallon cans and\nbuckets.\nYour Letter of interpretation will be very helpful in explaining the DOT position on shipping this material in the USA.\nSincerely,\nJohn Williams\nDirector of HSE\nUS Zinc\nFrom: lad.falat@dot.gov[mailto:lad.falat@dot.gov]\nSent: Wednesday, January 20, 2016 7:37 AM\nTo: John Williams <john.williams@uszinc.com>\nCc: Benjamin Davis <Beniamin. Davis@uszinc.com>; rachel.meid|@doi.gov; charles.betts@doi.gov\nSubject: RE: Zinc dusts as Hazardous Materials\nDear Mr. Williams,\nIt does indeed appear that you could use a more recent Letter of Interpretation. In order to ensure that the regulations\nhave not changed over the last 23 years regarding your material, I recommend a PHMSA technical review of the current\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\nHMR regarding the material. Please submit by email a request for a Letter of Interpretation to Charles Betts\n(Charles.Betts@dot.gov), PHIMSA Director of Standards and Rulemaking, describing your material in detail, including\nparticle size distribution, relevant testing, and method and size of packaging (weight of contents). Please include\ndocuments that you attached here originally, as well as your specific questions regarding sections of the HMR. Your\nprevious Letter of Interpretation should expedite the process.\nBest Regards,\nLad Falat, Ph.D.\nDirector, Engineering and Research\nU.S. DOT / PHMSA / Office of HazMat Safety:\nPHH-20 / E21-314\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\nWashington, DC 20590-0001\n202-366-1655\nFrom: John Williams [mailto:john.williams@uszinc.coml\nSent: Friday, January 15, 2016 1:35 PM\nTo: Meidi, Rachel (PHMSA); Falat, Lad (PHMSA)\nCc: Benjamin Davis\nSubject: Zinc dusts as Hazardous Materials\nImportance: High\nMs. Meidi & Mr. Falat,\nAn issue comes up on a continuing basis with regards to the zinc dust we transport both within the USA and\ninternationally. We have previously had our products tested and have done so again (see attached). Our tests prove\nthat our tested dusts do not liberate hydrogen gas when in contact with water, thus should not be classified as \"Zinc\nDust, 4.3 UN1436\", nor does the particle size of our materials (less than 100 micrometer (0.004 inches)) nor the size of\nour packages less than 1000 Ibs per package, meet the requirements of HMR 49 CFR 171-180.\nWe have an attached letter that we have been handing out to truck drivers to allay the fears they have of being stopped\nand cited for transporting HMR, but some of them are looking for a more recent letter if one could be provided. Also,\nour shipments to International ports come under scrutiny for the same reason, so such a letter would certainly assist\nport inspectors to better understand our product and where they fit in the transport segment.\nI appreciate any assistance you can lend in this matter.\nBet Regards,\nJohn Williams\nDirector of HSE\njohn.williams@uszinc.com\nOffice - 281-840-5376\nMobile - 713-775-9163\n'US.ZING\n-65:77*\n\"This message and its attachments may contain confidential and/or privileged information.\n2\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\nIf you are not the addressee,\nand delete this message, \"Please, advise the sender inmediately ky replying to the en\n\"Este mensaje y sus anexos pueden contener información confidencial o privilegiada. Si ha\nrecibido este e-mail por error por favor bórrelo y envíe un mensaje al remitente.\"\n\"Esta mensagem e seus anexos podem conter informação confidencial ou privilegiada. Caso\nmensagem. \"\n• destinatário, solicitamos a imediata notificação ao remetente e exclusão da\n\"This message and its attachments may contain confidential and/or privileged information.\nmail and delete this message, \"'Lease, advise the sender immediately by replying to the e-\nIf you are not the addressee,\n\"Este mensaje y sus anexos pueden contener información confidencial o privilegiada. Si ha\nrecibido este e-mail por error por favor bórrelo y envíe un mensaje al remitente.\"\n\"Esta mensagem e seus anexos podem conter informação confidencial ou privilegiada. Caso\nmensagem. \"\nnão seja o destinatário, solicitamos a imediata notificação ao remetente e exclusão da\n\n<<<PAGE 5>>>\n\nUSZING®\ndie?\n0041\nZinc Dust Typical Properties (actual product analysis)\nZinc\nTrace Impurity Composition\nBulk Screening (% of total)\nLot#\nTotal Zn % | Metallic %\nP6%\nCd%\nFe%\n+100 Mesh\n+200 Mesh\n+325 Mesh\nFischer #\n601149\n99.21\n96.28\n0.049\n0.009\n0.003\n0.00\n0.00\n2.00\n5.5\n601128\n99.25\n96.48\n0.045\n0.008\n0.001\n0.00\n0.02\n3.23\n5.6\nMethods\nASTM D521\nIn-House\nASTM D521\nASTM B214\n| ASTM B330\n100% < 00triches\n95% Stuller thun\nIt Hieve\nParticle Size Distribution Data (See Note 1)\nCumulative % of total\n47 мм 9518\nStatistical Measures (microns)\nLot#\n< 2 um\n< 5 um\n< 10 um\n< 30 um\n< 60 um\nD10\nD50\nD90\n601149\n0.9%\n23.3%\n60.2%\n93.3%\n1.9%\n23.1%\n62.5%\n99.3%\n93.4%\n98.5%\n3.6\n8.2\n601128\n24.4\n3.6\n8.1\n22.2\nVote 1: Particle size distribution data presented in this section was determined using the manufacturers recommended settings using a Malvern dry-feed lase\ndiffraction particle sizer. This test does not correspond with an ASTM spec for Zinc Dust\nThe information contained herein has been compiled to the best of US Zinc's knowledge, but is presented without any obligation.\nus zinc assumes no liability for infringement of any patent which may result from the use of this information or products.\nOffice: U.S. ZINC\nTel:\n(713) 926-1705\n2727 Allen Parkway\nFax:\nSuite 800\n(713) 924-4824\nemail:\ndustinfo@uszinc.com\nHouston, Texas 77019\nweb site:\nwww.uszinc.com\n(PDS-PS-ZnDust)\nReview date 02102016 by BLD\nRevision 7\n\n<<<PAGE 6>>>\n\nCertificate of Analysis\nSINCE 1985\n1050 FLETCHED HOUSTON TEN TO\nQuality Controlled Through Analysis\nTEL: (281) 495-2400\nбогасаная\nFAX: (281) 495-2410\nCLIENT:\nU.S. Zinc\nREQUESTED BY:\nCLIENT PROJECT:\nPURCHASE ORDER NO:\nMr. Gari Stinson\nSAMPLE:\nLABORATORY NO:\n80303-001\nREPORT DATE:\nDecember 04, 2015\nPENDING\nBaghouse Dust BH11-100615\nTEST\nRESULT\nAppendix E to part 173- Guidelines for Classification and Packing Group (United Nations)\nTesting according to CFR Title 49, Sub Chapter C\nAssigned of Class 4 Materials:\n4.) Division 4.2\na)Pyrophoric materials\nMaterials liable to Spontaneous Combustion:\nMaterial classifies as non-pyrophoric solid\nMaterial does not ignite after dropping or within 5 minutes of settling:\na)Self Heating Materials\nSolid Material placed in circulating oven @140 °C for 24 hours:\nSolid material classifies as non-self heating materials.\nNo spontaneous ignition occurred and the temperature of the sample remained constant.\nThis material is therefore considered non-flammable Solids (Under Division 4.2)\nAppendix E to part 173- Guidelines for the Classification and Packing Group (United Nations)\nlesting according to CFR Title 49, Sub Chapter C.\nAssigned of Class 4 Materials:\n4.) Division 4.3\na) Solid material was grounded into a powder form.\nDangerous when wet material:\n1.) Sample was placed in a trough of distilled water @ 20 °C:\nNo gases evolved and no spontaneous ignition occurred.\n@ 20°C in a evaporating dish:\nMaterial is made in to a 2 cm pile and a drop of water is place on the top:\nNo gases evolved and no spontaneous ignition occurred.\n4.) Water placed in a dropping funnel with enough material to produce 100 mL of gas.\nNo gases evolved and no spontaneous ignition occurred.\nThe Volume of the gas evolved is measured over a 7 hour period @ 1 hour intervals\nNo gases evolved and no spontaneous ignition occurred\nThis material is therefore considered non-flammable Solids (Under-Division 4.3)\nRespectfully submitted\nFor Texa\nOiTest Laboratories, L.P\nA. Phillip Scrurbakhsty\nDirector of Laboratory Operations\nQuality Management System Certified to ISO 9001:2008, and ISO 17025:2005\nCert. No.: 0005085, 17025\nThese analyses, opinions or interpretations are based on material supplied by the client to whom, and for whose exclusive\nofficers assume no responsibility and make no warranty for proper operations of any petroleum, oil, gas or any other material\nand confidential use this report is made. Results related only to the items tested. Texas OilTech Laboratories, L.P. and its\nINTERNATIONAL\nin connection with which this report is used or relied on. This report may not be reproduced, except in full without prior written\nAI\napproval by Texas OilTech Laboratories, L. P.\nPage 1 of 2\n\n<<<PAGE 7>>>\n\nCertificate of Analysis\nTECH\nSINCE 1985\n1050 FALSTONE BO, HOUSTON, TENS 702\nQuality Controlled Through Analysis\nTEL: (281) 495-2400\nDoretarian\nFAX: (281) 495-2410\nCLIENT:\nU.S. Zinc\nREQUESTED BY:\nCLIENT PROJECT:\nPURCHASE ORDER NO:\nMr. Gari Stinson\nPENDING\nLABORATORY NO:\n80303-002\nREPORT DATE:\nSAMPLE:\nBaghouse Dust BH19-100615\nDecember 04, 2015\nTEST\nRESULT\nAppendix E to part 173- Guidelines for Classification and Packing Group (United Nations)\nTesting according to CFR Title 49, Sub Chapter C\nAssigned of Class 4 Materials:\n4.) Division 4.2\nMaterials liable to Spontaneous Combustion:\na)Pyrophoric materials\nMaterial does not ignite after dropping or within 5 minutes of settling:\nMaterial classifies as non-pyrophoric solid.\nNo spontaneous ignition occurred and the temperature of the sample remained constant.\nSolid Material placed in circulating oven @140 °C for 24 hours:\nSolid material classifies as non-self heating materials.\nThis material is therefore considered non-flammable Solids (Under Division 4.2)\nAppendix E to part 173- Guidelines for the Classification and Packing Group (United Nations)\nTesting according to CFR Title 49, Sub Chapter C.\nAssigned of Class 4 Materials:\n4.) Division 4.3\nDangerous when wet material:\na) Solid material was grounded into a powder form.\n5.) Sample was placed in a trough of distilled water @ 20 °C\n6.)\nSmall quanity of sample was placed in the center of the filter paper which is floated flat on surface of distilled water\nNo gases evolved and no spontaneous ignition occurred\nNo gases evolved and no spontaneous ignition occurred\n@ 20°C in a evaporating dish:\n7) Material is made in to a 2 cm pile and a drop of water is place on the top:\n) Water placed in a dropping funnel with enough material to produce 100 mL of g\nNo gases evolved and no spontaneous ignition occurred.\nNo gases evolved and no spontaneous ignition occurred.\nle Volume of the gas evolved is measured over a 7 hour period @ 1 hour interva\nThis material is therefore considered non-flammable Solids (Under-Division 4.3)\nRespectfully submitted\nFor Texas Oil\nLaboratories, L.P.\nDirector of Laboratory Operations\nA. Phillip Sorurbakhst\nQuality Management System Certified to ISO 9001:2008, and ISO 17025:2005\nThe confidentis use this reports metal Rese related may trial suiteris tested. Texas to rech aboratores . and ise\nofficers assume no responsibility and make no warranty for proper operations of any petroleum, oil, gas or any other material\nINTERNATIONAL\nin connection with which this report is used or relied on. This report may not be reproduced, except in full without prior written\napproval by Texas OilTech Laboratories, L.P.\nPage 2 of 2\n\n<<<PAGE 8>>>\n\nU.S. Department\nResearch and\nof Transportation\nlashington, 0.0\nSpecial Programs\nAdministration\nJUN 2 1993\nMr. Richard Gunther\nU.S. Zinc\nEnvironmental Engineer\nP.O. Box 611\nHouston, IX 77001-0611\nDear Mr. Gunther:\napplicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR: 49 CFR Parts 171-180\nthis 1s in response to your letter dated January 19, 1993, concerning the\nto the transportation of zino dust that does not meet the test criteria for\n173, Appendix E, paragraph 4.\nbe classed as Division 4.3.\nust, we agree that this particular tested material does not meet the Divisio\nBased on the test results you submitted on zin\n4.3 criteria.\nIf the diameter of the zinc particles is less that 100 micrometers (0.004 inches)\nexceeds 1000 pounds, the material is a hazardous substance.\nnd the quantity in one package, or transport vehicle if not packaged, equals o1\nmeets neither criteria, then it is not subject to the HMR.\nIf youx material\nIf we\ncan be\nof further\nassistance, please contact us.\nincereli\nothe s. mitttell\n• Hattie I. Mitchell\nExemptions and Regulations Terminatior\n)ffice of Hazardous Materials Standard:","truncated":false,"body_characters":15367}