# Linde Gas N.A., LLC — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 20-0067
- **title:** Linde Gas N.A., LLC — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2020-10-01
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 20-0067 response to Linde Gas N.A., LLC concerning 171.1, 172.400a, 172.406, 172.407.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-20-0067.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-20-0067.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-20-0067
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/standards-rulemaking/hazmat/interpretations/74436/200067.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety
Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
October 1, 2020
Kevin Funk
Shipping Tech Lead
Linde Gas N.A., LLC
470 West Antelope Road
White City, OR 97503
Reference No. 20-0067
Dear Mr. Funk:
This letter is in response to your August 25, 2020, email requesting clarification of the
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to an exception for
labeling cylinders. Specifically, you ask for clarification on the proper use of CGA C-7-2014,
Guide to Classification and Labeling of Compressed Gases regarding: (1) the option to use a
reduced size label; and (2) the correct placement of a reduced size label on the cylinder (i.e., the
shoulder or the sidewall). Lastly, you included a picture with your email demonstrating an
example of a cylinder with a reduced size label.
With respect to the Part 172, Subpart E labeling requirements, the general requirement for the
placement of a label is that it must be printed on or affixed to a surface (other than the bottom) of
the package (see § 172.406(a)(1)(i)). Further, as provided by § 172.407(c), the size requirement
states that the label must be at least 100 mm by 100 mm; however, if the size of the package so
requires, the dimensions of the label and its features may be reduced proportionally provided the
symbol and other elements of the label remain clearly visible.
With respect to the use of CGA C-7-2014, in accordance with § 172.400a, a label is not required
on a cylinder containing a Division 2.1, 2.2, or 2.3 material that is durably and legibly marked in
accordance with CGA C-7-2014, Appendix A (IBR, see § 171.7). CGA C-7-2014, Appendix A
requires a basic marking consisting of a diamond-shaped figure indicating the hazard class of the
contained gas combined with a panel containing the DOT proper shipping name of the contained
gas and the UN identification number. The panel must be located to the left of the diamond (see
section A.2, DOT/TC labels and markings). Further, CGA C-7-2014, Appendix A provides for a
reduced size label by stating the diamond figure in the basic marking must measure at least 30
mm (1.25 in) on each side (see section A.4, DOT/TC label dimensions and modifications).
Finally, the basic marking (which includes the reduced size label) must be located: (a) when
space permits, on the shoulder of the cylinder but not covering the current test date,
requalification date or any other required permanent markings; or (b) on the side of the

<<<PAGE 2>>>

cylinder at a point approximately two thirds of the distance from the cylinder bottom to the top
of the valve or cap (see section A.7, Additional requirement). Therefore, when conforming to
CGA C-7-2014, the label may be reduced in size and may be located on the side of the cylinder
without consideration of the size of the cylinder.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Dirk Der Kinderen
Chief, Standards Development Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division

<<<PAGE 3>>>

From: INFOCNTR (PHMSA)
To: Hazmat Interps
Subject: FW: REDUCED SIZE HAZARD LABELS
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 2:58:57 PM
Hello Alice,
See Below a Request for Letter of Interpretation.
Thanks,
Jonathon, HMIC
From: Kevin Funk [mailto:Kevin.Funk@linde.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 10:48 AM
To: INFOCNTR (PHMSA) <INFOCNTR.INFOCNTR@dot.gov>
Subject: REDUCED SIZE HAZARD LABELS
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hello PHMSA Expert:
I have enclosed a photo of a cylinder we purchased from one of our vendors recently. We were surprised and encouraged to see the use of reduced size labels on the sidewall of a cylinder that could easily support the use of standard 4 x 4 diamonds (square-on-point) as their hazard class label.
Could you please provide direction in support of the proper application of the C-7 system for use of reduced size labelling?
It is/was my understanding that reduced size labels can only be used as a “shoulder label” applied to the non-cylindrical portion of a cylinder and not the bottom.
They may also be applied to the sidewall of a cylinder that is not of sufficient size to support the application of a standard size 4 x 4 diamond.
If indeed this is a viable option for them and possibly us to use as displayed please leave no stone unturned in your explanation.
Thank you
KEVIN FUNK
SHIPPING TECH LEAD
LINDE GAS N.A. LLC.
470 W. ANTELOPE RD.
WHITE CITY, OR. 97503
DESK 541.830.5300
x41139
FAX 541.830.0327
CELL 541.951.6157
Kevin.Funk@linde.com
www.linde.com
Ciccarone
20-0067
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