# Ten-E Packaging Services, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 98-0589
- **title:** Ten-E Packaging Services, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 1998-01-29
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 98-0589 response to Ten-E Packaging Services, Inc. concerning 178.601.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0589.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0589.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0589
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980589.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

of Transportation
U.S.Department
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C.
20590
Special Programs
Research and
Administration
JAN 29 1998
Mr. Robert J. Ten Eyck
Director, Technical Services
Ten-E Packaging Services, Inc.
1666 County Road 74
Newport, Minnesota 55055
Dear Mr. Ten Eyck:
This is in response to your letter of October 9, 1997, requesting clarification on the
requirements for testing packagings under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49
CFR parts 171-180). Specifically you ask whether a UN 3H1 drum which was tested and
certified with one 2" buttress threaded plastic plug and one 2" NPS threaded plastic plug may
be changed to two 2" buttress threaded plastic plugs without further testing of the packaging.
The answer is yes. The original test was performed with one of each of the closures (i.e., one
buttress and one NPS). The closures may then be changed to two buttress or two NPS
without further testing.
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Regulations Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

<<<PAGE 2>>>

:
...
Pasten
TENE
File 178.601
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
SC312,
1666 County Road 74
Phone: 612-459-0671
Newport, Minnesota 55055
Fax: 612-459-1430
October 9, 1997
Diane LaValle
U.S. Department of Transportation
Research and Special Programs Administration
Office of Hazardous Materials Safety
DHM-11
400 7* Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Diane:
TEN-E Packaging Services is writing to request a formal interpretation on changing closure
systems on a UN 3H1 specification drum. The subject package was certified with (1) 2"
Buttress Threaded Plastic Plug and (1) 2" NPS Threaded Plastic Plug under TEN-E Packaging
Services' Report #15651. The drum manufacturer wishes to offer the drum with (2) 2" Buttress
Threaded Plastic Plugs and it is our opinion that this does not constitute a different package as
defined in Section 178.601(c)(4) of Title 49 CFR. In other words, we do not believe the closure
change should require any additional testing to meet UN standards.
A copy of the Test Sample Description, Qulaity Control Audit and UN Certification pages from
Report #15651 are enclosed for your review.
TEN-E Packaging Services looks forward to your written response on this regulatory matter.
Sincerely,
Raberty. Tep Eyel
Director, Technical Services
""RED'»
ISO9002
NIG
REGSTERED COMPANY
* ANST-RAB
IS09002
ROTE CHAN

<<<PAGE 3>>>

TENE
Report #: 15651
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
September 30, 1997
Page 4
LEST SAMPLE DESCRIPTION?
SST TS 1360 - FB NA - 15 Gallon Tight Head HDPE Jerrican
BUTTRESS CLOSURE
DESCRIPTION:
2" Buttress Threaded
Bung Plug
MATERIAL:
High Density Polyethylene
GASKET:
Polyethylene B-4
FINISH DIMENSIONS:
• T:
Not Specified
• E:
Not Specified
OVERALL DIMENSIONS:
• Height:
Not Specified
• Diameter:
Not Specified
SUPPLIER / MANUFACTURER / ID:
Not Specified
NPT CLOSURE
DESCRIPTION:
2" NPS Threaded Bung Plug
MATERIAL:
High Density Polyethylene
GASKET:
• Rubber
FINISH DIMENSIONS:
• T:
Not Specified
• E:
Not Specified
OVERALL DIMENSIONS:
• Height:
Not Specified
• Diameter:
Not Specified
SUPPLIER / MANUFACTURER /ID:
Not Specified

<<<PAGE 4>>>

TENE
Report #: 15651
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
September 30, 1997
Page 5
TEST SAMPLE DESCRIPTION
SST TS 1360 - FB NA - 15 Gallon Tight Head HDPE Jerrican
JERRICAN
91
DESCRIPTION:
15 Gallon Rectangular Jerrican
MATERIAL:
Novacore High Density Polyethylene or
Equivalent
PIGMENT:
Natural
TARE WEIGHT:
7.6 Lbs.
CAPACITY:
• Nominal:
15 Gallons
• Overflow:
15.9 Gallons
OVERALL DIMENSIONS:
• Length:
15-7/83
• Width:
13-1/8"
• Height:
23-1/8"
Not Specified
WALL THICKNESS:
NECK DIMENSIONS:
• T:
Not Specified
• E:
Not Specified
SUPPLIER / MANUFACTURER:
SST Industries
•

<<<PAGE 5>>>

PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
TENE
Report #: 15651
September 30, 1997
Page 6
QUALITY CONTROL AUDIT RESULTS SE
3F2201
99,7222
120222
2/03-23
Testing was completed by TEN-E Packaging Services, Inc. on September 16, 1997. The following
package design:
dimensions, weights and material audits were performed by TEN-E Packaging Services to document the
BUTTRESS
• Description:
2" Threaded Buttress Closure
• Material/Pigment:
• Tare Weight:
Low Density Polyethylene; Natural • Density:
32.28 Grams
0.919 g/cc
• Markings:
Rieke®
Buttress
5
Overall Closure/Opening Dimensions
2. 851"
1.040"
2.29
2.51
557
- 329"
•
GASKET
• Material:
Polyethylene Based, B-4 ("Sticky" Material)
• Thickness:
• Tare Weight:
2.42 Grams
0.123"

<<<PAGE 6>>>

:
TENE
Report #: 15651
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
September 30, 1997
Page 7
QUALITY CONTROL AUDIT RESULTS - Continued
NPT
• Description:
2" Threaded NPT Closure
• Material/Pigment:
Low Density Polyethylene; Natural
• Tare Weight:
31.35 Grams
• Density:
0.920 g/cc
• Markings:
None
Overall Closure/Opening Dimensions
— Ü 1.301"
1.346'
• 0 2.181"
- 02.331"
+ D 2. 390"
* 0 2.222"
GASKET
• Material:
• Tare Weight:
EPDM
3.71 Grams
• Thickness:
0.11

<<<PAGE 7>>>

TENE
Report #: 15651
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
September 30, 1997
Page 8
QUALITY CONTROL AUDIT RESULTS - Continued
JERRICAN
• Description:
15 Gallon Rectangular Jerrican with Molded-In Handle and Tapered
Sidewalls with (1) 2" Buttress and (1) 2" NPT Opening
• Material:
High Density Polyethylene
• Pigment:
Natural
• Tare Weight:
3465 Grams
• Overflow Capacity:
15.71 Gallons
131.0 Lbs.
• 98% Overflow:
15.40 Gallons
128.4 Lbs.
• Melt Index (12):
5.58 g/10 minutes
• Density:
0.945 g/cc
• Markings:
n USA/+AP1755/1.8mm Loveland, OH
\3H1/Y1.9/100/97
SST Industries
7-10-97
2
Pat. Pend.
SPI "2" HDPE Recycling Symbol
Overall Dimensions
+ 13.222" =
- 15.635" →
23.024"
1
- 12.544"
= 14.822"
PACKAGE WEIGHT INFORMATION
• Overall Package Tare Weight:
3728 Grams
(8.2 Lbs.)
• Package Test Weight:
61.9Kg
(136.6 Lbs.)

<<<PAGE 8>>>

:
•TENE
Report #: 15651
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
September 30, 1997
Page 9
WAELTHICKNESS PRORE (he TRNE PACKAGING SERVICES OC AUDIT
SST TS 1360 - FB NA - 15 Gallon Tight Head HDPE Jerrican
Measurement
Location
Msmt
I.D.
Sample
TOP HEAD
#1
1
248
2
114
3
-128
4
5
.265
hi
.089
6
108
7
.086
8
.248
15-31
9
.130
10
.118
11
.258
:
12
.081
13
27|
.090
14
.078
15: 23
SIDEWALL
.265
16
.233
17
.150
18
251
28
16:24
19
-106
20
195
21
.208
22
27
.091
17:25
23
.265
24
222
25
163
26
267
18:26
22
-119
28
.251
.182
30
-117
37
18
BTM HEAD
31
128
32
.221
.183
-104
11
101
117
108
.092
3fi
75

<<<PAGE 9>>>

TENE
Report #: 15651
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
September 30, 1997
Page 15
DOT / UN PACKAGING CERTIFICATION
PERIODIC RETEST
TEN-E PACKAGING SERVICES, INC. certifies that the SST- TS-1360 (15 Gallon) Tight Head
HDPE Jerrican has passed the standards of the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S TITLE
49 CFR; Performance Oriented Packaging Standards, Section 178. This package is also certified in
accordance with the requirements set forth by IMDG, ICAO, IATA and the UN Recommendations on
the Transport of Dangerous Goods. It is the responsibility of the end user to determine authorization for
use under these regulations. The use of other packaging methods or components other than those
documented in this report may render this certification invalid.
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION:
15 Gallon Tight Head HDPE Jerrican
SST TS 1360 - (New Gasket)
TEST REPORT NUMBER
. (S):
15651, 14079
UN MARKING:
(CFR 49 - 178.503)
u
3H1 / Y1.8 / 100/**
n
)
USA / +AA1459
PACKAGING IDENTIFICATION CODE:
3H1 - Section (178.509)
AUTHORIZED PACKING GROUP (S):
II (Y) & III (Z)
MAXIMUM PRODUCT SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
1.8
INTERNAL TEST PRESSURE:
100 kPa (Refer to 173.24a(b)(4))
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE:
**Insert year the packaging is manufactured
STATE AUTHORIZING THE MARK:
USA
PACKAGING CERTIFICATION AGENCY:
(tAA) TEN-E Packaging Services, Inc.
THIRD PARTY PACKAGE IDENTIFICATION:
+AA1459
PERIODIC RETEST DATE:
September 16, 1998
ruderson
arry Andetso:
Manager, Technical Services
TEN-E Packaging Services, Inc.
PACKAGING TESTED IS MERCHANTABLE OR FIT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE DISCLAIMED.
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY THAT THE

<<<PAGE 10>>>

•
Pisten
•TENE
7ele 178601
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
SC: 312,
1666 County Road 74
Newport, Minnesota 55055
Phone: 612-459-0671
Fax: 612-459-1430
October 9, 1997
Diane LaValle
U.S. Department of Transportation
Research and Special Programs Administration
Office of Hazardous Materials Safety
DHM-11
400 74 Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Diane:
TEN-E Packaging Services is writing to request a formal interpretation on changing closure
systems on a UN 3H1 specification drum. The subject package was certified with (1) 2"
Buttress Threaded Plastic Plug and (1) 2" NPS Threaded Plastic Plug under TEN-E Packaging
Services' Report #15651. The drum manufacturer wishes to offer the drum with (2) 2" Buttress
Threaded Plastic Plugs and it is our opinion that this does not constitute a different package as
defined in Section 178.601(c)(4) of Title 49 CFR. In other words, we do not believe the closure
change should require any additional testing to meet UN standards.
A copy of the Test Sample Description, Qulaity Control Audit and UN Certification pages from
Report #15651 are enclosed for your review.
TEN-E Packaging Services looks forward to your written response on this regulatory matter.
Sincerely,
Reberts.
Ten Exck
Director, Technical Services
CRED,,
ISO9002
REGISTERED COMFANY
ANSI-RAB
HISO9002|1

<<<PAGE 11>>>

TENE
Report #: 15651
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
September 30, 1997
Page 4
TESTSAMPLE DES CREÄTON *
SST TS 1360 - FB NA - 15 Gallon Tight Head HDPE Jerrican
BUTTRESS CLOSURE
DESCRIPTION:
2" Buttress Threaded
Bung Plug
MATERIAL:
High Density Polyethylene
GASKET:
Polyethylene B-4
FINISH DIMENSIONS:
• T:
Not Specified
• E:
Not Specified
OVERALL DIMENSIONS:
• Height:
Not Specified
• Diameter:
Not Specified
SUPPLIER / MANUFACTURER / ID:
Not Specified
NPT CLOSURE
DESCRIPTION:
2" NPS Threaded Bung Plug
MATERIAL:
High Density Polyethylene
GASKET:
• Rubber
FINISH DIMENSIONS:
• T:
Not Specified
• E:
Not Specified
OVERALL DIMENSIONS:
• Height:
Not Specified
• Diameter:
Not Specified
SUPPLIER / MANUFACTURER / ID:
Not Specified

<<<PAGE 12>>>

PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
TENE
Report #: 15651
September 30, 1997
Page 5
'EST SAMPEE DESCRIPTIONE
SST TS 1360 - FB NA - 15 Gallon Tight Head HDPE Jerrican
JERRICAN
DESCRIPTION:
15 Gallon Rectangular Jerrican
MATERIAL:
Novacore High Density Polyethylene or
Equivalent
PIGMENT:
Natural
TARE WEIGHT:
7.6 Lbs.
CAPACITY:
• Nominal:
15 Gallons
• Overflow:
15.9 Gallons
OVERALL DIMENSIONS:
• Length:
15-7/8"
• Width:
13-1/8"
• Height:
23-1/8'
ім
Not Specified
WALL THICKNESS:
NECK DIMENSIONS:
• T:
Not Specified
• E:
Not Specified
SUPPLIER / MANUFACTURER:
SST Industries

<<<PAGE 13>>>

PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
TENE
Report #: 15651
September 30, 1997
Page 6
QUALITY CONTROLAUDIT RESULTS -
187227237:
22213
Testing was completed by TEN-E Packaging Services, Inc. on September 16, 1997. The following
dimensions, weights and material audits were performed by TEN-E Packaging Services to document the
package design:
BUTTRESS
• Description:
2" Threaded Buttress Closure
• Material/Pigment:
• Tare Weight:
Low Density Polyethylene; Natural • Density:
32.28 Grams
0.919 g/cc
• Markings:
Rieke®
Buttress
5
Overall Closure/Opening Dimensions
$2.351'
1
1
1.040"
= 01296÷ ÷
- 0 2.518"
- 0 2.557
I 02:329
•
• Material:
GASKET
• Tare Weight:
Polyethylene Based, B-4 ("Sticky" Material)
• Thickness:
0.123"
2.42 Grams

<<<PAGE 14>>>

TENE
Report #: 15651
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
September 30. 1997
Page 7
QUALITY CONTROL AUDIT RESULTS - Continued
NPT
• Description:
2" Threaded NPT Closure
• Material/Pigment:
Low Density Polyethylene; Natural
• Tare Weight:
31.35 Grams
• Density:
0.920 g/cc
• Markings:
None
Overall Closure/Opening Dimensions
- 01.30'—
A T
• g
<.13/"
1.33!"
- 92.221"
•
GASKET
• Material:
EPDM
• Tare Weight:
• Thickness:
3.71 Grams
0.11

<<<PAGE 15>>>

PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
TENE
Report #: 15651
September 30, 1997
Page 8
QUALITY CONTROL AUDIT RESULTS - Continued
JERRICAN
• Description:
15 Gallon Rectangular Jerrican with Molded-In Handle and Tapered
Sidewalls with (1) 2" Buttress and (1) 2" NPT Opening
• Material:
High Density Polyethylene
• Pigment:
Natural
• Tare Weight:
3465 Grams
• Overflow Capacity:
15.71 Gallons
131.0 Lbs.
• 98% Overflow:
15.40 Gallons
128.4 Lbs.
• Melt Index (I2):
5.58 g/10 minutes
• Density:
0.945 g/cc
• Markings:
I3H1/Y1.9/100/97
SST Industries
7-10-97
n USA/+AP1755/1.8mm Loveland, OH
2
Pat. Pend.
SPI "2" HDPE Recycling Symbol
Overall Dimensions
13.222"
-
- 15.635"
23.024"
:
:
+ 12.544"
= 14.822"
PACKAGE WEIGHT INFORMATION
• Overall Package Tare Weight:
3728 Grams
(8.2 Lbs.)
• Package Test Weight:
61.9 Kg
(136.6 Lbs.)

<<<PAGE 16>>>

TENE
Report #: 15651
PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
September 30, 1997
Page 9
WALL THICKNESS PROEICE (inches) TEN E:PACKAGING SERVICES QC AUDIT
324-854
120232
SST TS 1360 - FB NA - 15 Gallon Tight Head HDPE Jerrican
Measurement
Location
Msmt
L.D.
Sample
#1
TOP HEAD
1
.248
.114
.128
.265
.089
•108
.086
.248
9
•130
10
•118
11
.258
12
.081
13
.090
27
14
.078
SIDEWALL
15
265
16
.233
17
150
18
.251
In: 24
19
20
106
21
.195
.208
7
22
.091
23
.265
24
.222
25
.163
26
.267
301
27
119
.251
29
.182
30
.117
BTM HEAD
31
-128
32
221
33
34
37
38

<<<PAGE 17>>>

PACKAGING SERVICES INCORPORATED
TENE
Report #: 15651
September 30, 1997
Page 15
DOT / UN PACKAGING CERTIFICATION
PERIODIC RETEST
TEN-E PACKAGING SERVICES, INC. certifies that the SST- TS-1360 (15 Gallon) Tight Head
HDPE Jerrican has passed the standards of the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S TITLE
49 CFR; Performance Oriented Packaging Standards, Section 178. This package is also certified in
accordance with the requirements set forth by IMDG, ICAO, IATA and the UN Recommendations on
the Transport of Dangerous Goods. It is the responsibility of the end user to determine authorization for
use under these regulations. The use of other packaging methods or components other than those
documented in this report may render this certification invalid.
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION:
15 Gallon Tight Head HDPE Jerrican
TEST REPORT NUMBER (S):
SST TS 1360 - (New Gasket)
15651, 14079
UN MARKING:
3H1 / Y1.8 / 100/**
(CFR 49 - 178.503)
n
USA / +AA1459
PACKAGING IDENTIFICATION CODE:
3HI - Section (178.509)
AUTHORIZED PACKING GROUP (S):
II (Y) & III (Z)
MAXIMUM PRODUCT SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
1.8
INTERNAL TEST PRESSURE:
100 kPa (Refer to 173.24a(b)(4))
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE:
**Insert year the packaging is manufactured
STATE AUTHORIZING THE MARK:
USA
PACKAGING CERTIFICATION AGENCY:
(tAA) TEN-E Packaging Services, Inc.
THIRD PARTY PACKAGE IDENTIFICATION:
+AA1459
PERIODIC RETEST DATE:
September 16, 1998
Lary Andetson
Anderson
Manager, Technical Services
TEN-E Packaging Services, Inc.
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY THAT THE
PACKAGING TESTED IS MERCHANTABLE OR FIT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE DISCLAIMED.
- **truncated:** false
- **body characters:** 14927
