{"operation":"document","citation":"18-0154","title":"Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2019-08-07","effective_on":null,"summary":"18-0154 response to Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance concerning 172.101, 172.102, 180.407.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-18-0154.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-18-0154.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-18-0154","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/standards-rulemaking/hazmat/interpretations/71956/180154.pdf","body":"<<>>\n\n0\nU.S. Department\nof Transportation\nPipeline and Hazardous\nMaterials Safety\nAdministration\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\nWashington, DC 20590\nAUG O rl 20\\9\nCollin B. Mooney, MPA, CAE\nExecutive Director\nCommercial Vehicle Safety Alliance\n6303 Ivy Lane, Suite 310\nGreenbelt, MD 20770-6319\nReference No. 18-0154\nDear Mr. Mooney,\nThis letter is in response to your December 4, 2018, emails and letter requesting clarification of\nthe Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to the\nrequalification testing of cargo tanks. Specifically, you ask four questions concerning the 10-\nyear internal visual inspection and the 10-year pressure test required for MC 331 cargo tanks in\ndedicated propane service prescribed in§ 180.407(c).\nWe have paraphrased and answered your questions as follows:\nQ 1. You ask whether the 10-year internal visual inspection and pressure retest intervals in the\n§ 180.407( c) Table only apply to MC 331 bobtail tank trucks (i.e., the cargo tank is\npermanently mounted on a truck chassis), with a capacity less than 3,500 gallons in\ndedicated propane service, or if they also apply to MC 331 cargo tanks mounted on\ntrailers.\nAl. The 10-year retest exception in§ 180.407(c) applies to all MC 331 cargo tanks of3,500\ngallons or less, constructed of the specified non-quenched and tempered (NQT) steel(s),\nand used in dedicated propane service. In addition, the 10-year retest requirement applies\nto all MC 331 cargo tanks meeting the exception whether the cargo tank is permanently\nmounted on a truck chassis, trailer, or other structure.\nQ2. You ask whether a motor carrier may fill a cargo tank with \"UNI 978, Propane, 2.1\n(flammable gas)\" and use the exception provided in § 172.102( c )(1 ), Special Provision\n19, to qualify the cargo tank for the 10-year pressure retest and internal visual inspection.\nA2. Provided the cargo tank is in dedicated propane service, the answer is yes. Special\nProvision 19 permits the identification number \"UNI 075\" to be used in place of the\nidentification number specified for the hazardous material in column 4 of the § 172.101\nHazardous Materials Table (HMT) (e.g., \"1978\"}. Further, when one proper shipping\nname entry in column 2 of the HMT references another entry by use of the word \"see,\"\n\n<<>>\n\nQ3. A3. Q4. A4. any entry in Roman type that follows may be used as the proper shipping name for that\nhazardous material ( e.g., Propane, see Petroleum gases, liquefied or Liquefied petroleum\ngas). Thus, propane may be described as \"UN1978, Propane,\" \"UN1075, Propane,\"\n\"UN1075, Petroleum gases, liquefied,\" or \"UN1075, Liquefied petroleum gas.\"\nPlease note the 10-year pressure retest exception does not apply to other gases with\nSpecial Provision 19 assigned to them in column 7 of the HMT (e.g., Butane or\nPropylene). Special Provision 19 requires that the identification number \"1075\" be used\nconsistently in all places the identification number appears (e.g., shipping papers,\npackage marking, and/or emergency response information).\nYou ask whether the product must be 100 percent propane, or if it can be described as\npropane and be a mix of propane and other liquefied petroleum gases if propane is the\nprimary gas in the mixture and the material is shipped as propane, consistent with\nindustry standards.\nThe propane transported does not need to be 100 percent pure propane to meet the\nrequirements of the 10-year retest exception. The propane may be in a gas mixture\nprovided the proper shipping name is \"Propane\" when not using one of the alternate\nproper shipping names or identification number permitted under Special Provision 19.\nYou ask whether carriers must keep a copy of the full-size equivalent (FSE) Charpy V-\nnotch (CVN) energy test data required for cargo tanks in dedicated propane service, made\nof the required NQT steel(s), in the vehicle to take advantage of the 10-year retest in\n§ 180.407(c).\nThe answer is no; the HMR do not require carriers to maintain a copy of the test data on\nthe transport vehicle. The HMR do not specify, or limit, the location( s) where such test\ndata may be kept. However, in accordance with§ 180.417(b)(3) of the HMR, each\nowner of a cargo tank and, except for a motor carrier who leases a cargo tank for less\nthan 30 days, each motor carrier who uses a cargo tank must retain copies of the test data\nto be eligible for the IO-year retest in§ 180.407(c). In other words, if the cargo tank\nowner and motor carrier, when the cargo tank is leased for 30 days or more, does not\nretain a copy of the test report, the cargo tank must be retested every 5 years in\naccordance with§ 180.407(c).\nI hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.\nSincerely,\n~~~V>~\nT. Glenn Foster\nChief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch\nStandards and Rulemaking Division\n\n<<>>\n\ni::. -<-Li JttD~O.rL\nDodd, Alice (PHMSA) From: DerKinderen, Dirk (PHMSA)\nSent: To: Subject:\nAttachments:\nTuesday, December 04, 2018 11:53 AM\nJanuary, Ikeya CTR (PHMSA); Dodd, Alice (PHMSA)\nFW: PHMSA 10-Year Test and Inspection Interpretation Request\nPHMSA 10-Year Test and Inspection Interpretation Request.pdf\n/ f-0 /51/\nPlease enter into the interp database and assign.\nFrom: collinm cvsa.org\nSent: Tuesday, December 04, 2018 11:10 AM\nTo: INFOCNTR (PHMSA) ; Kelley, Shane (PHMSA) \nCc: Mitchell, Aaron (PHMSA) ; DerKinderen, Dirk (PHMSA) ;\nadrienneg cvsa.org \nSubject: PHMSA 10-Year Test and Inspection Interpretation Request\nSorry folks, resending with corrected emails and with the attached interpretation request.\nThank you.\nCollin\nDirect: 301-830-6149\nMain: 301-830-6143\nMobile: 703-407-3223\nFrom: Collin Mooney\nSent: Tuesday, December 4, 2018 11:07 AM\nTo: infocntr@dot.gov; shane.kelley@dot.gov\nCc: aaron.mitchell@dot.gov; Dirk.DerKinderen@dot.gov; Adrienne Gildea \nSubject: PHMSA 10-Year Test and Inspection Interpretation Request\nGood morning everyone,\nThe Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance {CVSA) requests an interpretation pertaining to the 10-year Internal Visual\nInspection and the 10-year Pressure Test on MC331 cargo tanks in dedicated propane service. The attached letter\noutlines our request, which includes a PDF of a PowerPoint presentation in order to provide some additional background\ninformation on this issue.\nCVSA works to closely monitor, evaluate and identify potentially unsafe transportation processes and procedures as well\nas to help facilitate and implement best practices for enhancing safety on our highways. Commercial motor vehicle\nsafety continues to be a challenge and we need the involvement of all affected parties to help us better understand\nthese issues and put into place practical solutions. We appreciate the agency's commitment to safety and stakeholder\ninvolvement.\nThank you.\nCollin B. Mooney, MPA, CAE\nExecutive Director\nCommercial Vehicle Safety Alliance\n1\n\n<<>>\n\n6303 Ivy Lane, Suite 310\nGreenbelt, MD 20770-6319\nDirect: 301-830-6149\nMain: 301-830-6143\nMobile: 703-407-3223\ncollinm@cvsa .org\nwww.cvsa.org\n2\n\n<<>>\n\nCommercial Vehicle Safety Alliance\nImproving uniformity in commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement\nl ♦ I•\nDecember 4, 2018\nShane Kelley\nDirector\nStandards and Rulemaking (PHH-10)\nPipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\nWashington, DC 20590\nDear Mr. Kelley,\nThe Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) requests an interpretation on the four questions listed below\npertaining to the 10-year Internal Visual Inspection and the 10-year Pressure Test on MC331 cargo tanks in\ndedicated propane service. The issue was discussed at the recently completed CVSA 2018 Annual Conference\nand Exhibition in Kansas City, Missouri.\nCVSA is a nonprofit association comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal commercial motor\nvehicle safety officials and industry representatives. The Alliance aims to achieve uniformity, compatibility and\nreciprocity of commercial motor vehicle inspections and enforcement by certified inspectors dedicated to driver\nand vehicle safety. Our mission is to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and uniformity throughout\nCanada, Mexico and the United States, by providing guidance and education to enforcement, industry and policy\nmakers.\nOn June 2, 2016, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published the HM-218H\nFinal Rule. One of the rule changes allowed certain cargo tanks, made of NQT steel that were less than 3500\ngallons, to extend the internal visual inspection and pressure test intervals to 10 years. Later, on June 18, 2018,\nPHMSA published a correction and amendment to the HM-218H Final Rule, clarifying and amending some of the\nregulatory language applicable to the 10-year internal visual inspection and pressure test. This rulemaking was\nthe result of a petition for rulemaking from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). The NPGA petition was\nthe result of a study completed by Battelle on behalf of NPGA.\nAfter reviewing the NPGA petition, Battelle study, HM-215H final rule and HM-215H correction and amendment\ndocument, the CVSA Hazardous Materials Committee determined that the following questions must be\naddressed, so this rule can be enforced and complied with in a consistent manner.\n6303 Ivy Lane, Suite 310 Greenbelt, Maryland 20770 301-830-6143 www.cvsa.org\n\n<<>>\n\n1) The regulations only refer to cargo tanks. Is the intent for this to apply only to bobtails or can it also apply\nto trailers?\n2) Can a motor carrier load a cargo tank with propane and use special provision 19, which would allow the\nproper shipping name to be Petroleum Gases Liquified or Liquified Petroleum Gas and still qualify for the\n10-year pressure test and internal visual inspection?\n3) Does the product have to be 100 percent propane, or can it be classed as propane and be a mix of\npropane and other liquified petroleum gases if propane is the primary gas in the mixture and the material\nis shipped as propane, consistent with the industry standard?\n4) Are carriers required to keep a copy in the vehicle of the full-size equivalent (FSE) Charpy V-notch (CVN)\nenergy test data required for cargo tanks in dedicated propane service made of NQT SA-202 and NQT SA-\n455 steel, per Note 5 in § 180.407?\nThe attached pdf document is from a PowerPoint presentation given to our Hazardous Materials Committee at\nour 2018 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Kansas City, Missouri. This information provides some additional\nbackground information on this issue.\nCVSA works to closely monitor, evaluate and identify potentially unsafe transportation processes and procedures\nas well as to help facilitate and implement best practices for enhancing safety on our highways. Commercial\nmotor vehicle safety continues to be a challenge and we need the involvement of all affected parties to help us\nbetter understand these issues and put into place practical solutions. We appreciate the agency's commitment\nto safety and stakeholder involvement.\nIf you have further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 301-830-6149 or\nby email at collinm@cvsa.org.\nRespectfully,\nCollin B. Mooney, MPA, CAE\nExecutive Director\nCommercial Vehicle Safety Alliance\nCc: Aaron Mitchell\nDirk DerKinderen\n2\n6303 Ivy Lane, Suite 310\nGreenbelt, Maryland 20770 301-830-6143 www.cvsa.org\n\n<<>>\n\nMC-331 Cargo\nTanks\n10 year internal Visual Inspection\nand Pressure dest\n4201 Commercal Vehicle Satiny Misco Alight pair\n\n<<>>\n\nBackground\nHM-218H published 6/2/16\n• Contained provisions for 10 year internal visual\ninspection and pressure test on certain cargo tanks in\ndedicated propane service.\nHM-218H Corrections and Amendments published\non 6/18/18\n• Clarified the 10 year test and inspections by correcting\nand amending some of the regulatory language.\n\n<<>>\n\nBackground\n• In 2001, NPGA conducted a survey on whether any\nfailures occurred on tanks with 5 year pressure test.\nNone on tanks< 3500 gallons water capacity (bobtails).\n• NPGA retained Battelle to do a study on the concept of\nextending the inspection period of cargo tanks with the\nfollowing limitations:\n• constructed to specification MC 330 or MC 331\n• constructed with non-quenched and tempered steel\n• with a capacity of less than 3500 gallons\n• in dedicated propane service\n\n<<>>\n\nBackground\n• Battelle conducted a two phase study.\n• Battelle published the final report in September 2011.\n• The study supported making changes to regulations\nwith specific parameters.\n\n<<>>\n\nBackground\nBattelle recommended changing the regulations with the\nfollowing parameters.\n• In dedicated propane service\n• Sized less than 3500 gallons water capacity\n• Meeting DOT MC-331 specifications\n• Constructed of one or more of the following materials:\n• Non-quenched and tempered (NQT) SA-612 steel\n• Non-quenched and tempered (NQT) SA-202 or SA-455 steels,\nprovided the materials have full-size equivalent (FSE) Charpy-vee\nnotch (CVN) energy test data that demonstrate 75% shear-area\nductility at 32F with an average of three or more samples greater\nthan 15 ft-lb FSE, with none less than 10 ft-lb FSE.\n\n<<>>\n\nBackground\nOn January 3, 2012, NPGA petitioned PHMSA\nto make changes to the regulations.\n• Bobtails making propane deliveries to the end\nuser.\n• Not highway transports, which make deliveries\nto bulk facilities.\n• Mentions no trailers.\n• Makes the same recommendations to PHMSA as\nthe final Battelle report.\n\n<<>>\n\nBackground\nNPGA petition letter recommendations.\n• This study supports NPGA's recommendation to extend the\nrequalification period from 5 years to 10 years for MC-331\nspecification cargo tanks that meet the following requirements:\n• Used in dedicated propane service;\n• Have a water capacity less than 3,500 gallons; and\n• Constructed of one or more of the following materials:\n• Non-quenched and tempered (NQT} SA-612 steel;\n• Non-quenched and tempered (NQT} SA-202 or SA-455 steels, provided the\nmaterials have full-size equivalent (FSE) Charpy-vee notch (CVN} energy test data\nthat demonstrate 75% shear-area ductility at 32 degrees F with an average of three\nor more samples greater than 15 ft-lb FSE, with none less than 10 ft-lb FSE.\n\n<<>>\n\nBackground\nFinal Rule language\n• The NPGA submitted a petition (P-1604)\nrequesting that PHMSA modify the pressure\ntest and visual inspection test requirements\napplicable to certain MC 331 specification\ncargo tanks in dedicated propane delivery\nservice, commonly known as bobtails, found\nin § 180.407(c).\n\n<<>>\n\nBackground\nFinal Rule language continued\n• Based on the results of this study, the NPGA and Battelle\nrecommend that PHMSA modify the requalification period\nfrom five years to ten years for MC 331 cargo tanks that: (1) Are\nused in dedicated ro ane service; (2) have a water capacity\nless than ,5 ga ons; an are constructed of non-\nquenched and tempered (NQT) SA-612 steel and NQT SA-202\nor SA-455 steels, provided the materials have full-size\nequivalent (FSE) Charpy Vee notch energy test data that\ndemonstrates 75 percent shear-area ductility at 32 03 with an\naverage of three (3) or more samples greater than 15 ft-lb FSE\nnone with less than 10 ft-lb FSE.\n\n<<>>\n\nFinal rule corrected language in §180.407\nCOMPLIANCE DATES-INSPECTIONS AND T EST UNDER§ 180.407(c)\nTest or inspeclion\n(cargo tank specification, configuration. and service)\nDate by which first test\nmust be completed\n(see Nole 1)\nInterval\nperiod\nafter first test\nExternal Visual Inspection:\nAU cargo tanks designed to be loaded by vacuum with full opening rear heads ..\nAll other cargo tanks .\nlnt&mal Visual Inspection:\nAll Insulated cargo tanks. except MC 330, MC 331 , MC 338 (see Nole 4) ..\nAll cargo tanks transporting lading corrosive to the tank .\nMC 331 cargo tanks Jess th.an 3,500 gallons water capacity in dedicated propane service con-\nstructed of nonquenched and tempered NOT SA-612 steel (see Note 5).\nAll other cargo tanks, except MC 338\nLining Inspection:\nAll lined cargo tanks transporting lading corrosive to lhe tank .\nLeakage Test:\nMC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks In chlorine wrvlce .\nAll other cargo tanks except MC 338 ..\nPressure Test:\n(Hydrostatic or pneumatic) (See Notes 2 and 3) . .. .. ... .. . .. . ....... ....... ........ .... . ............... .\nAll cargo tanks which are insulated with no manhole or insulated and lined, except MC 338\nAll cargo tanks design9d to be lr.>aded by vacuum with lull opening £ear heads .\nMC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks In chlorine service .\nMC 331 c.argo tanks less than 3.500 gallons water capacity In dedicated propane service con-\nstructed of nonquenched and lempere>>\n\nFinal rule corrected language in §180.407\nCOMPLIANCE DATES-INSPECTIONS AND T EST UNDER§ 18O.4O7(c)\nTest or inspection\n(cargo tank spaclficalion, configuration. and service}\nDate by which llrst test\nmust be complete<:t\n(see Nole 1)\nInterval\nperiod\nafter first test\nExternal Visual Inspection:\nAH cargo 1anKs designed to be loaded by vacuum with full opening rear heads ..... All other cargo tanks September 1, 1991 .\nSapleml>er 1, 1991 .\n6 months.\n1 ye&r,\nInternal Visual Inspection:\nAll Insulated cargo tanks. except MC 330, MC 331 , MC 338 {see Note 4\nAll cargo tanks transport1n · ·\nMC 331 ca an s ess than 3,500 gallons water capacity in dedicated propane service con·\nstructed ol nonquenched and tempered NOT SA-612 steel (see Note 5).\nAH other cargo tanks, except MC 338\nLining Inspection:\nAU lined cargo tanks transporting lading corrosive to lhe tank .\nLeakage Test:\nMC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks In chlorine service\nAll other cargo 1anks except MC 338 ..\nPressure Test:\n(Hydrostatic or pneumatic) (See Notes\nAll cargo tanks which are insul I h no manhole or insulated and lined, except MC 338 .\nAl! cargo tanks desi r e loaded by vacuum with lull opening r~ar heads ...... .\nMC 330 and cargo tanks in chlorine service .\nMC 331 rgo tanks less lhan 3.500 gallons waler capaclly in dedicated propane service con-\n1 year\n2 years.\n2 years.\n10 years.\nstructed of nonquenched and tempered NOT SA-612 steel (See Note 5}.\nAll other cargo tanks Septemt>e, 1 , 1995 .. .\n5 years.\nThickness Test:\nAU unlined cargo tanks lransporting material corrosive to the tank, except MC 338 . September 1, 1992 .\n2 years.\nth:~~ee 1Ja~~ 8 (~r::e~1n!cttr~bj~~~~~~~IT~c:,?!~,i~~~:n~~e~- ~n;i~~~l~~~1r,~; r~gl:1 :~~!u1\n~n~~~i~~ ~,\n0 f:sT~~- ~2t:?re a;i\ncompliance date listed In table I, !he earlier date applies.\nN ote 2: Pressure lesling is not required for MC 330 or MC 331 cargo tanks In dedicated sodium metal service.\nNote 3: Pressure tesling is not required for uninsulated lined cargo tanks, with a design pressure MAWP 15 psig or less. which receive an ex-\nternal visual inspection and lining lnspecttOn al leas! once each year.\nwit~o~e 9 t~~~~~f~u~~~f~i{~gn~~~r~!~~,~~~hin~~~~:~s~::~~~e~f\n8e\n5~i~Fth~~~~~~k. eit he1 nn Internal visual lnspectiF9J\"r'J:,~hv~6 ~~1J~~~)tt~~eFfe~est data that demonstrated 75% shear-area ductl!ity at 32 ~F with an aver-\nMC 331 cargo tanks\nDedicated propane service\n\n<<>>\n\nLanguage presents issues at the roadside\nbased on two issues.\n1) Bobtails\n2) Dedicated propane service\n\n<<>>\n\nSpecial provision 19\nFor domestic transportation only, the\nidentification number \"UN1075\" may be used\nin place of the identification number specified\nin column (4) of the §172.101 table. The\nidentification number used must be consistent\non package markings, shipping papers and\nemergency response information.\n\n<<>>\n\nSpecial Provision 19 gases\nUN 1011 Butane\nUN 1012 Butylene\nUN 1055 lsobutylene\nUN 1969 lsobutane\nUN 1978 Propane\nUN 1977 Propylene\n\n<<>>\n\nSpecial Provision 19 gases\nAll six gases or mixtures of the gases\nmay be shipped as:\nUN1075, Petroleum gases liquefied or\nUN1075, Liquified petroleum gas\n\n<<>>\n\nCurrently if a bobtail cargo tank meets the\nrequirements for the 10 year internal visual\ninspection and pressure test the shipping papers,\ncargo tank marking and emergency response\ninformation should all refer to Propane regardless\nof whether UN 1075 or UN 1978 is used.\n• In this case there is no violation.\n\n<<>>\n\nThe propane industry\nPropane delivered to the end user for\nresidential or business use is normally\nnot 100% pure.\nIt's still classified and shipped as\npropane because propane is the primary\ningredient.\n\n<<>>\n\nPropane used by the end user\nSafety Data Sheet Breakdown from seven different manufactures\n1· Propane% *Butane% Ethane%\ntrs~\n■\" Propane\n~,.~;.i:%f-,m!:\n■ Propane 0-2.5 0-7\n■ Propane\n■ Propane 100\n■: Propane\n■ Propane >=90 <2.5 <6\n■ Pro ' pane ij\"is <6\n*Includes lsobutane\n**Includes propene\n**Propylene%\n-~ 0-10 ~\nf\n0-10\n1, 2, 6 and 7 are typical end\nuser propane (residential)\n3, 4 and 5 are for\nindustrial use requiring\nmore purity\n\n<<>>\n\nEmergency Response\n• Emergency response procedures are the\nsame for all of the liquified petroleum gases\n(LPGs).\n• The 2016 DOT Emergency Response\nGuidebook sends you to guide 115 for all of\nthe LPGs.\n\n<<>>\n\nThis brings us to three questions we need PHMSA to\nclarify.\n1) The regulations only refer to cargo tanks. Is the intent for this\nto apply only to bobtails or can it also apply to trailers?\n2) Can I load a cargo tank with propane and use special\nprovision 19, which would allow the proper shipping name to\nbe Petroleum gases liquified or Liquified petroleum gas and\nstill qualify for the 10 year tests and inspections?\n3} Does the product have to be 100% propane or can it be\nclassed as propane and be a mix of propane and other\nliquified petroleum gases as long as proeane is the primary\ngas in the mixture and the material is shipped as propane?\n()\"his is the industry standard.)\n\n<<>>\n\nWe need a recommendation from the\ncommittee to draft a letter requesting an\ninterpretation on these three issues.\nThe action item will be taken to the\nboard and the letter drafted once we get\nboard approval.\n\n<<>>\n\n© 20LH Commercial Ver\nice Safety Alliance All nuts.","truncated":false,"body_characters":22967}