# Russell-Stanley — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 99-0254
- **title:** Russell-Stanley — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2000-07-28
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 99-0254 response to Russell-Stanley concerning 178.601.
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- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-99-0254.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-99-0254
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1999/990254.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

of Transportation
U.S. Department
Washington, S.C. 20590
S.W.
Special Programs
Research and
Administration
JUL 28 2000
Mr. Earl V. Lind
Ref No. 99-0254
Russell-Stanley
655 Route 202/206
Bridgewater. NJ 08807-1762
Dear Mr. Lind:
This is in response to your letter asking whether a UN 3Hl packaging tested under an original design
qualification without a "node" is a different design if the packaging is manufactured with a "node". I
apologize for the delay in responding and hope it has not caused any inconvenience.
You provided the following scenario:
A change would be made to a UN 3H1 packaging that differs in only a minor respect
from the original qualified design. This change would add a small "node" to the top of
the container that can be punctured to allow easy emptying of the contents. The
customer would be notified at the time of transfer that once the packaging had been
punctured to empty the contents, the packaging would no longer be usable for
hazardous materials, in effect making it a single use packaging. Except for the 28-day
stacking test, design qualification testing has been successfully completed. A stack test
was conducted during the periodic retest. The packaging replaces a previous UN 1H1
drum incorporating the puncture vent feature that has been discontinued.
A different packaging is one that differs (i.e., not identical) from a previously produced packaging in
structural design, size, material of construction, wall thickness, or manner of construction. A change in
a component of a packaging which differ from the original design is a "different" packaging as defined
in § 178.601(c)(4). The "UN 3H1" packaging, incorporating the puncture vent feature (i.e., node) for
emptying, is a different design type. Such packaging tested without a "node" will not qualify a
packaging with a "node" or nodule.
Before a packaging goes into production, the design must be certified through performance of the
design qualification tests prescribed in § 178.601(c)(1). A packaging may not be certified and marked
as meeting a UN standard unless it has passed all design qualification tests, including the stacking test.
The periodic retests is a quality control measure for newly marufactured packagings, and during
178.601
990254

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subsequent production of packagings of that design, periodic retests must be performed at least once
every twelve months for single packaging, such as a "UN 3HI," non-removable head jerrican (see
§ 178.601(e)).
I hope this satisfies your inquiry. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us
Sincerely,
in HIlls
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

<<<PAGE 3>>>

•SEP-13-1999
08:53
RUSSELL-STANLEY CORP.
908 205 1944 r.U1/0C
Russell-Stanley
RUSSELL-STANLEY
685 Route 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807-1762
TEL: (908) 203-9500 FAX: (908) 203-1940
September 10, 1999
Mr. Edward Mazzullo, Director
Fax: 202-366-3012
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards, DHM-10
2 payes
U.S. Department of Transportation
Research and Special Programs Administration
нечит
400 Seventh Street, SW
$78,60,
Washington, D.C. 20590 - 0001
99-0254
Re: Design Qualification Testing - 49 CFR § 178.601 (d)
Dear Mr. Mazzullo,
I am writing on behalf of Russell-Stanley Holdings, Inc.; 685 Route 202 / 206,
Bridgewater, NJ 08807 - 1762 to request an interpretation regarding the design
qualitication testing requirement as given in § 178.601(d) for a new or different
packaging.
This request is relates to UN 3H1 packagings that differ in minor aspects from the
original qualified design.
Specifically, we have made a minor change to meet a customer need. This change is
he addition of a small node to the top of the container that the customer can puncture
o allow easy emptying of the contents. Once punctured the jerrican is no longer
usable for hazardous materials shipments, in effect making it a single use packaging.
The customer is to be notified of this according to 49 CFR § 178.2(c).
All design testing as per § 178.601(c) (1) except the 28-day stack test, § 178.606
(c)(1) have been completed successfully. The stack test authorized for the periodic
retest § 178.606(c)(2) has been conducted. All tests were successful indicating that
the change did not affect performance.
This packaging replaces a previous UN 1H1 drum incorporating the described
puncture vent feature that has been discontinued.
The following Russell-Stanley manufacturing site makes, marks and sells this 3H1
jerrican:
Russell-Stanley - Allentown (M-5303)
7132 Daniels Drive
Allentown, PA 18106
610-530-7087 (v)
610-530-7038 (f)

<<<PAGE 4>>>

u --
We believe that this interpretation meets the definition of a minor change and does
regulations.
Due to current customer requirements we would appreciate an early response from
you it possible. If you have any questions or need further information in order to
expedite this request please do not hesitate to contact me at 908-203-9546.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.
sincerely, Causi
Manager, Technology & Regulatory Affairs
Earl V. Lind
cc: J. Bevilaqua
M. Hunter
G. Lamond
TOTAL P.Ø2
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