# Radian International — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 98-0316
- **title:** Radian International — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 1999-02-10
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 98-0316 response to Radian International concerning 177.823.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0316.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0316.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0316
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980316.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
of Transportation
Washington, D.C.
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
20590
Research and
Special Programs
Administration
FEB 1 0 1999
Mr. Andrew N. Romach
Ref. No. 98-0316
Corporate Regulatory Compliance Manager
Radian International
P.O. Box 13000
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Dear Mr. Romach:
This is in response to your letter dated October 20, 1998, requesting clarification on placarding
requirements for cryogenic liquids under §§ 173.320(a) and 177.823(a) of the Hazardous Materials
Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you are asking if placarding is required for
cryogenic liquids under both §§ 173.320(a) exception and 177.823(a) for emergency situations.
With the exception of oxygen, cryogenic liquids being shipped and transported under the exception
provisions in § 173.320(a) are not subject to placarding. However, compliance with subparts A, B, C,
D, G, and H of part 172 is required. Under § 177.823(a), a carrier may not move a transport vehicle
containing a hazardous material unless the vehicle is marked and placarded in accordance with part 172
when required or as authorized in § 171.12a of this subchapter, or there is an emergency. Marking and
placarding is not required in an emergency when (1) the vehicle is escorted by a state or local
government representative; (2) the carrier has permission from the Department; or (3) movement of the
transport vehicle is necessary to protect life or property. However, if an exception from placarding is
provided elsewhere in the HMR, such as in § 173.320, the requirements for placarding in § 177.823
do not apply. Thank you for bringing this situation to our attention. We will clarify these requirements
in a future rulemaking.
I hope this answers your inquiry.
Sincerely,
ins Hill
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

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98-0316
-
Boothe
PEM RADIAN INTERNATIONAL
§ 177.823
EGROUP A DAMES & MOORE GROUP COMPANY
Mailing Address:
Post Office Box 13000
Research Triangle Parl
Jorth Carolina 2770
October 20, 1998
1600 Perimeter Park Drive
Physical/Shipping Address:
Morisville, North Carolina 27560
919 461 1100 Tel
Mr. Ed Mazzullo, Director
919 461 1415 Fax
Office of Hazardous Material Standards
Research and Special Programs Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20509-0001
FAX: (202) 366-3012
Dear Mr. Mazzullo:
The purpose of this letter is to request a written regulatory clarification concerning applicable
placarding requirements for cryogenic liquids discussed in the exceptions found in 49 CFR
$173.320(a). Paragraph (a)(2) states that cryogenic liquids meeting the requirements of 49 CFR
173.320(a) are subject to Subparts A, B, C, and D of part 172. Note that Subpart F (placarding
requirements) is omitted from this list, implying that these cryogenic liquids are not subject to
Subpart f. However, paragraph (a)(3) of this section refers to 177.823; paragraph (a) of 177.823
states that: "A carrier may not move a transport vehicle containing a hazardous material unless
the vehicle is marked and placarded in accordance with part 172 or as authorized in 171.12a of
this subchapter..." It appears that this reference is concerned with the movement of motor
vehicle in emergency situations (as the title of section 177.823 states); however, the intention is
not entirely clear as to whether or not placarding is required. Please advise me on the intent of
the regulations: Is placarding required for cryogenic liquids meeting the requirements of the
177.823? If so, what type of emergency situation would require placarding?
exception in 49 CFR 173.320(a)? Is placarding required for emergency situations under 49 CFR
If you have any questions concerning this request, please call me directly at (919) 461-1220.
Sincerely,
Corporate Regulatory Compliance Manager
Radian International
Engineering Services in North Carolina are performed through Radian International's wholly owned subsidiary, Radian Engineering Inc.
Offices Worldwide
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