USA Services, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

Page 1: : of Transportation US. Departmens Washurgion, DC. 400 Sevent Sueet $W Research and 20550 Special Programs Administration APR 1 7 1998 Mr. George Plum USA Services, Inc. P.O. Box 12103 Norfolk, Virginia 23541-0103 Dear Mr. Plum: This is in response to your letter of February 10, 1998, requesting clarification of the periodic retest requirements for cylinders under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask whether Halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane), a non- corrosive fire extinguishing agent, is a fluorinated hydrocarbon gas and would qualify for the exception in § 173.34(e) (13). Yes, Bromotrifluoromethane is a fluorinated hydrocarbon gas. Section 173.34(e)(13) states that cylinders made in compliance with DOT-3A, DOT-AA, DOT-3A480X, DOT-4B, DOT-4BA, DOT-4BW, DOT-4E and used exclusively for fluorinated hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof which are commercially free from corroding components can be given a complete visual inspection instead of a periodic hydrostatic retest at the time periodic retest comes due. Therefore, bromotrifluoromethane qualifies for the provisions in § 173.34(e) (13) allowing a periodic visual inspection instead of a periodic hydrostatic retest of the above identified cylinders. I hope this answers your inquiry. If you need additional assistance, do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Gilms Hillins Delmer F. Billings Chief, Standards Development Office of Hazardous Materials Standards ...#

Page 2FEB-17-'98 TUE 09:42 ID: #123 P01 contractõrs - L REQUEST till scí7u, 124 B 0985 • CONDITION REPORT • PROGRESS REPORT USA P.O. Box12103, • 1111 Ingleside Road, Nonok, Virginia 23541-0103 1-800-727-2628 • 757-855-2233 • FAX 757-855-7533 • MEMO FOR RECORD • OTHER Services,lne. Branch Locotions: Annapolis, MD • Oriental, NC • Wilmington, NC DIVISION GEORGE PLUM DATE 2-10•98 TIME TO: MR EDMORO T. MAZZULLO DIR. OFFICE OF HAZMAT SPNDNDS SUB: 19CER 173.34(e)(3) ND TABLE COPY TO:, COMMENTS: QUESTION: DORS HALON 1301 (BROMOTRIFLUOROMETHANE, (BiFs) A NON-CORROSIVE FIRE EXTINGUISHINS AGENT MEET THE CRITERIA OF THE PORTION OF THE TABLE IN(E) (13) UNDER THE HEADING "USED ENCUSIVELY FOR-" "FLUORINATED HYDROCARBONS AND MIXTURES..." IF HALON DOES NOT MEET THE AFOREMENTIOMED CRITENA PLEASE STATE THE REATON. THANK You. Flage Sh ACTION REQUII 38.93 180610800003133! PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF DU PONT HALON 1301 •C. ope cu, on •C..=. Specific Hers, Liquid (Hear Capacityl or TF, Brupertper"F....=. Heat of Veporization at i arm, 8 eu per to. Thermal Conductivity of Liquid en TiF Virosity, Liquid at TF, conxipoise.. Viacoity, Vapor as 7TF, 1 son, centipsion Suntace Tension at TTF, Syres per om ex Retractive Index ol Liquid a Ti°F..... Relerive Distectric Strength or 1 orm, TY°F 1am,77f.m%.......... Solubairy of Haton 1301 in Mater as Molecular Waigte.... Boiling Point ot 1 runs of. Crícical Volume, ou, te. per b -Crisical Omnsity, to per cu, f., Solutility of Winer in Lould Maton 13010370°F,m%... RECEIVED BY: Freezing Poime, °F. Crtical Temperature Critical Pressure, paid Bru/(tv) (1) (F). (Ntarogen - 1).. TIME USA 65 1M 300#