# National Technical Systems — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 99-0042
- **title:** National Technical Systems — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 1999-04-02
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 99-0042 response to National Technical Systems concerning 173.185.
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- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1999/990042.pdf
**body:**

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U.S. Department
of Transportation.
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C.
20590
Research and
Special Programs
Administration
APR _ 2 1999
Mr. Steve Farrar
Ref. No. 99-0042
National Ordnance, Munitions
National Technical Systems
and Environmental Test Center
P.O. Box 3315
East Camden, AR 71701
Dear Mr. Farrar:
This is in response to your letter of February 10, 1999, requesting clarification on the requirements for
lithium batteries under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171-180).
Specifically you ask whether a 32 volt lithium battery must be subjected to the tests in the UN Manual
of Tests and Criteria, specifically paragraph 38.3.4.3.2.2.3.
The answer is no. A lithium battery that exceeds the referenced nominal voltage is not subject to those
tests. Such a battery would have each cell tested rather than the entire battery.
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
173.185
990042
09062059433
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