Question 1

Closure Instructions

Accepted Answer

Closure Instructions are provided here as required by DOT regulation 49 CFR 178.2, these instructions describe the steps to effectively assemble and close the filled IBC for transportation.  For more information on closure instructions email Container Connectionz at info@containersconnectionz.com(mailto:info@containersconnectionz.com)

Closure Instructions: Reconditioned Composite IBCs

Instructions: Plastic Drums

Closure Instructions: Miscellaneous Containers

Question 2

DOT Hazmat Regulations

Accepted Answer

DOT’s guide on using the Hazardous Materials regulations

49 CFR Part 173 Shippers – General Requirements for Shipments and Packaging's

Subpart A General(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/part-173/subpart-A)

Subpart B Preparation of Hazardous Materials for Transportation(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/part-173/subpart-B)

Subpart D Definitions, Classifications, Packing Group Assignments and Exceptions(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/part-173/subpart-D)

Subpart F Bulk Packaging for Hazardous Materials Other than  Class 1 and Class 7 (https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/part-173/subpart-F)

49 CFR Part 178 Specifications for Packaging

Subpart N IBC Performance Oriented Standards

178.700 Purpose, Scope and Definitions(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/178.700)
 
178.702 IBC Codes(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/178.702)

178.703 Marking of IBCs(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/178.703)

178.704 General IBC Standards(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/178.704)

178.707 Standards for composite IBCs(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/178.707)

Subpart O Testing of IBCs(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/part-178/subpart-O)

49 CFR Part 180 Continuing Qualification and Maintenance of Packaging's

Subpart D Qualification and Maintenance of IBCs

180.350 Applicability and definitions(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/180.350)

180.351 Qualifications of IBCs(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/180.351)

180.352 Requirements for retest and inspection of IBCs(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/180.352)

Question 3

IBC Label Markings

Accepted Answer

View RIPA’s 2020 video on IBC Marking(https://www.reusablepackaging.org/wp-content/uploads/MASTER_IBC_Markings_r5-1.mp4)

Download DOT’s guide to performance packaging labeling and codes:

:

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Question 4

IBC Stacking Guidelines

Accepted Answer

Stacking in storage (static load)
The UN mark on an IBC rated for Hazardous Materials includes a maximum stacking load in kg– this is the 6th element in the mark.  This value represents the maximum load allowed to be stacked above the IBC in storage (not in transportation), and is a maximum value established during the UN design type test for the IBC.

Stacking in transportation
DOT Regulation 49 CFR 178.703 requires a symbol identifying the maximum stacking load in kg.  This maximum stacking load in transportation is designated by the manufacturer and can be no greater than the amount calculated by dividing the maximum stacking load in storage (static load) by 1.8.  For IBCs not designed for stacking, an alternate symbol is required to represent “no stacking”.

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Question 5

Hazardous Materials Table

Accepted Answer

The Hazardous Materials Table is found at 49 CFR Part 172 – view the entire table at one of the links below. This table identifies the four-digit UN Code, proper labeling, packaging and shipping requirements for over 3,000 materials regulated by DOT as Hazardous Materials.

Government Printing Office:

ECFR link (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-172/subpart-B)(html format)(https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-172/subpart-B)

DOT historically provided a compilation of the table in spreadsheet format, available for download from the PHMSA website. While this file is no longer available from DOT, a 2013 version can be downloaded here. Use caution when using this file as it does not reflect the current HMT.

Question 6

Chemical Compatibility

Accepted Answer

Packaging selection, including specific gasket materials, is a frequent topic of questions to our customer service department. While Container Connectionz can assist customers with this selection, as established in DOT regulation 49 CFR 173.24 (e), “it is, nevertheless, the responsibility of the person offering a hazardous material for transportation to ensure that such packaging's are compatible with their lading”. Shippers' responsibilities are outlined further at 49 CFR 173.22. Technical help with material selection is available through Cole Parmer’s free online database – view this interactive tool here:  https://www.coleparmer.com/chemical-resistance(https://www.coleparmer.com/chemical-resistance)

Technical Resources