{"operation":"document","citation":"23-0092","title":"Encore Container — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2024-03-21","effective_on":null,"summary":"23-0092 response to Encore Container concerning 178.603, 178.810.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-23-0092.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-23-0092.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-23-0092","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/2024-03/230092.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\nWashington, DC 20590\nU.S. Department\nof Transportation\nPipeline and Hazardous\nMaterials Safety\nAdministration\nMarch 21, 2024\nMr. Chas Key\nEncore Container\n7021 Augusta Road\nGreenville, SC 29605\nReference No. 23-0092\nDear Mr. Key:\nThis letter is in response to your July 28, 2023, email requesting clarification of the Hazardous\nMaterials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to the testing of a UN31HA1\ncomposite intermediate bulk container (IBC) intended to contain liquids. Specifically, you ask\nwhether the HMR require that a composite IBC be vented so that the internal and external\npressures reach equilibrium after concluding a drop test performed in accordance with § 178.810.\nThe answer is no. As noted in your email, the HMR—as provided in § 178.603(f)(1)—states that\na non-bulk packaging containing liquids is considered to successfully pass the drop test for each\nsample tested if each packaging does not leak when equilibrium has been reached between the\ninternal and external pressures, except for inner packagings of combination packagings when it is\nnot necessary that the pressures be equalized. However, for composite IBCs intended to contain\nliquids, the IBC must be filled to not less than 98 percent of their maximum capacity, and the\npressure relief devices must be removed and their apertures plugged or rendered inoperative. See\n§ 178.810(b)(1). Furthermore, for all IBC design types—including composite IBCs—the criteria\nfor passing the drop test means: (1) there may be no damage which renders the IBC unsafe to be\ntransported for salvage or for disposal, and no loss of contents; (2) the IBC shall be capable of\nbeing lifted by an appropriate means until clear of the floor for five minutes; and (3) a slight\ndischarge from a closure upon impact is not considered to be a failure of the IBC provided that no\nfurther leakage occurs. See § 178.810(e). As such, there is no specific requirement to vent a\ncomposite IBC after concluding a drop test so that the internal and external pressures reach\nequilibrium. While it is not a requirement, allowing an IBC to reach pressure equilibrium is\npermissible.\nI hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.\nSincerely,\nSteven Andrews\nActing Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch\nStandards and Rulemaking Division\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\nWolcott\n23-0092\nFrom: INFOCNTR (PHMSA)\nTo: Dodd, Alice (PHMSA)\nCc: Hazmat Interps\nSubject: FW: Interpretation Request of 49 CFR 178.810 for Encore of Greenville, LLC dba Encore Container (M6076)\nDate: Friday, July 28, 2023 10:59:02 AM\nHi Alice,\nPlease see the below interpretation request.\nLet us know if you need anything else.\nRegards,\n-Breanna\nFrom: Chas Key <Chas.Key@encorecontainer.com>\nSent: Friday, July 28, 2023 10:02 AM\nTo: INFOCNTR (PHMSA) <INFOCNTR.INFOCNTR@dot.gov>\nSubject: RE: Interpretation Request of 49 CFR 178.810 for Encore of Greenville, LLC dba Encore\nContainer (M6076)\nCAUTION: This email originated from outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Do\nnot click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content\nis safe.\nMy contact information is:\nChas Key\nChief Compliance Officer\nEncore of Greenville, LLC dba Encore Container (M6076)\n7021 Augusta Rd\nGreenville, SC 29605\n864-884-3196\nFrom: INFOCNTR (PHMSA) <INFOCNTR.INFOCNTR@dot.gov>\nSent: Friday, July 28, 2023 9:52 AM\nTo: Chas Key <Chas.Key@encorecontainer.com>\nSubject: Automatic reply: Interpretation Request of 49 CFR 178.810 for Encore of Greenville, LLC\ndba Encore Container (M6076)\nThank you for contacting the HAZMAT Info Center (HMIC) within the Pipeline and Hazardous\nMaterials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The HMIC assists with the use of the Hazardous Materials\nRegulations (HMR), and provides other services as noted on our website (click here). The\ninformation center is staffed Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm EST. This email acknowledges\nreceipt of your inquiry.\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\nTo better assist you, we ask that you provide your name, a phone number, and a detailed question\nor concern. You may respond to this email or contact the HMIC by phone at +1 (800) 467-4922 or +1\n(202) 366-4488.\nRegards,\nHazMat InfoCenter Team","truncated":false,"body_characters":4256}