# Baker Hughes — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 99-0204
- **title:** Baker Hughes — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 1999-11-01
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 99-0204 response to Baker Hughes concerning 171.8.
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- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-99-0204
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1999/990204.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
of Transportation
Washington, D.C.
20590
NOV - 1 1999
Ms. Shelley A. Espinoza
Ref. No. 99-0204
Baker Hughes
Post Office Box 1407
Houston, Texas 77251-1407
Dear Ms. Espinoza:
This is in response to your letter dated July 16, 1999, regarding the definition of a "hazmat employee" in
49 CFR 171.8 as it applies to an individual performing evaluation of documentation accompanying a
cylinder assembly under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). The
employee is not involved in the manufacturing process, assembly, testing, marking, packaging or
transportation of the cylinders.
Based on the information provided in your letter, when an employee of your company is responsible for
evaluating documentation accompanying a cylinder assembly (assembly is inspected and verified by an
independent inspection agency prior to the evaluation) to determine if the components of the assembly
meet the quality and design standards authorized for transportation under a DOT exemption, such an
employee is a "hazmat employee," as defined in 49 CFR 171.8. Each "hazmat employee" who
performs a function subject to the exemption must receive training on the requirements and conditions
of the exemption in addition to the training required by 49 CFR 172.700 through 172.704.
I hope this satisfies your inquiry. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Helme Hilling
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
990204
111.8

<<<PAGE 2>>>

Apola, 3W1D
120 Emplozel
BAKER
HUGHES
99-0201
Baker Atlas
P.O. Box 1407
Houston, Texas 77251-1407
Tel 713-972-4000
July 16, 1999
Mr. Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Developmen
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
JS Dept. of Transportation/RSPA
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Mr. Billings:
Baker Atlas is seeking a RSPA interpretation regarding the definition of a "hazmat employee" in 49 CFR 171.8.
Specifically, we are asking if an individual performing the function described below is considered a "hazmat
employee".
assembly meet the quality and design standards established by Baker Atlas. The cylinder assembly is authorized
Function: Evaluate documentation accompanying a cylinder assembly to determine if the components of the
for transport under a DOT exemption. Before this evaluation is conducted, the assembly is inspected and verified
by an independent inspection agency as required in 49 CFR 178.35(c).
Individuals performing the evaluation function are not involved in the manufacturing process, assembly, testing,
marking, packaging or transportation of the cylinders.
Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. Please advise if additional information is needed.
Regards,
Kelly Aspirag
HISE Advisor
Shelley A. Espinoza
cc: Pat Boles
Mike Gourley
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT
# (713-)972-4411 FAX (713) 972-5752
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