{"operation":"document","citation":"99-0322","title":"Firetrace Systems International, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2000-05-05","effective_on":null,"summary":"99-0322 response to Firetrace Systems International, Inc. concerning 173.309.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-99-0322.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-99-0322.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-99-0322","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1999/990322.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nof Transportation\nJ.5. Department\n400 Seventh Street. S.W\nWashington, D.C\n20590\nResearch and\nSpecial Programs\nAdministration\nMAY - 5 2000\n.:..\nMr. Len Seebaluck, P.Eng.\nRef. No. 99-0322\nEngineering Manager\nFiretrace Systems International, Inc.\n102, 118-Ist Avenue\nCochrane, Alberta, Canada TOL OWO\nDear Mr. Seebaluck:\nThis is in response to your request for information on the requirements applicable to\nnonspecification cylinders that are used as fire extinguishers under the Hazardous Materials\nRegulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). You described the aluminum cylinders as having\nvolumetric capacities ranging from 70 cubic inches [1.15 L or 1,147.3 ml.] to 302 cubic inches\n[4.95 L], an operating pressure of 150 psi, and a minimum burst pressure of 900 psi. The\ncylinders will be imported into the United States from Canada.\nYour nonspecification fire extinguishers must fully meet the limited quantity requirements\ncontained in § 173.309(a) through (a)(3)(iv). Your cylinders appear to meet the internal volume\nlimitation and the minimum burst pressure requirements prescribed in paragraph (a)(3)(i) and\n(ii). As stated in paragraph (a)(3)(iii), prior to initial shipment, each cylinder must be tested,\nwithout evidence of failure or damage, to at least three times its charged pressured at 21 °C (70\n°F). Each fire extinguisher must be marked with the test date and with the words \"MEETS DOT\nREQUIREMENTS\"\nThe extinguishing agent must meet the requirements in Special Provision 18 in § 172.102.\n§ 173.34(d)(2) .\nShipments of the fire extinguishers must meet the shipping papers, packaging markings and,\nwhen offered for transportation by aircraft, the hazard warning labels requirements prescribed in\nSubparts C, D and E of Part 172, respectively. Shipments by air must also meet the per package\n113.309\n990322\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\nquantity limitations prescribed in the § 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table for the material and\nthe general requirements in § 173.27. An electronic version of the HMR can be assessed through\nour internet web site at http://hazmat.dot.gov.\nI hope this information is helpful.\nSincerely,\nHotte 2. Mitchell\nHattie L. Mitchell\nChief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention\nOffice of Hazardous Materials Standards\n2\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\n12/08/1999 14:58\n9329999\nFIRETRACE\nPAGE\n01/02\n•\nFIRETRACE'\nAUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS\nkarim\nDate:\n8 December, 1999\n8173.309\nTo:\nMr. Edward Mazzullo\n99-0322\nCompany:\nDirector, Office of Hazardous Material\nDepartment of Transportation\nFax:\n202-366-3012\nFrom:\nLen Seebaluck, P.Eng\nEngineering Manager\nSubject:\nD.O.T requirements for Shipping Charged Fire Extinguishing\nCylinders\nPages:\nMr. Mazullo\nFiretrace Systems International Inc. is based in Canada and is in the Fire Protection\nbusiness. Our intent is to ship our system, which contains pressurized cylinders, to the\ndepartment of transportation, it would be much appreciated if you could provide me with\nU.S. Being unfamiliar with the regulations regarding shipping of cylinders under the\nguidance. According to 173.309 CFR, our cylinder is a nonspecification cylinder.\nCylinder and system information\nCylinder Material:\nAluminum\nCylinder Volume:\nRanges from 70 in - 302 in?\nOperating Pressure:\n150 psi\nBurst Pressure Min: 900 psi\nCylinder listings:\nUL/ULC\nExtinguishing agents: Dry Chemical (ABC, BC) or FM-200 gas\nQuestions:\n1. What is the D.O. T requirement for shipping this cylinder to and within the U.S?\n2. What is D.O.T labeling required? Does it need to be stamped on the cylinder or\nmarked with a permanent ink?\n3. Is any test required? If so, what is the procedure?\n• What type of packaging is required?\n5. Is there a requirement for a pressure relief valve on this system?\n6. What are the requirements if these charged cylinders are transported by air?\n7. Are there any other considerations being overlooked?\nfiretrace Systems international Inc.\n102, 118 - Ist Avenus Cochrane, Alberia, Canada TOLOWO Tel: (403) 932-1218 Fax: (403) 932-9999 www.firetrace.com\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\n12/08/1999 14:58\n9329999\nHIKE IKACE\nPHOE\nULIUL\nWe are hoping to soon begin one-year leak testing of our system with Underwriter's\nLaboratories, and prior to the start, I would appreciate if we could hear from you.\nShould you require any further information, do not hesitate to contact me. Thanking\nyou in advance for you collaboration.\nbee","truncated":false,"body_characters":4357}