What does 49 CFR 173.164 (Mercury (metallic and articles containing mercury)) require?

As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 173.164 requires for transporting mercury (metallic and articles containing mercury):

* For Transportation by Aircraft:

* Mercury must be packaged to meet 49 CFR part 178 at the Packing Group I performance level.

* It must be contained in approved inner packagings (such as specific earthenware, glass, plastic, glass ampoules, or iron/steel quicksilver flasks) with weight limits up to 3.5 kg, 0.5 kg, or 35 kg depending on the container type.

* These inner packagings must be packed inside authorized outer packagings (such as specific steel, metal, wooden, plywood, fiberboard, or plastic boxes/drums/jerricans).

* You must use sufficient cushioning material to prevent breakage of earthenware, glass, or plastic inner packagings.

* Either the inner or outer packagings must feature inner linings or bags made of strong, leakproof, puncture-resistant, and mercury-impervious material that completely surrounds the contents to prevent any escape regardless of package position.

* For Transportation by Other Than Aircraft:

* Mercury must be packaged in either:

1. Any packaging that meets 49 CFR part 178 at the Packing Group III performance level; or

2. Non-specification reusable metal packagings.

* Additional Exceptions and Rules:

* Net weight under 1 pound: Packages containing less than 0.45 kg (1.0 pound) net weight of mercury are exempt from the subchapter requirements (except for hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, or transport by aircraft or vessel).

* Manufactured articles/apparatuses: Specific exceptions and packaging rules apply to small quantities in manufactured items (like manometers, pumps, thermometers, switches, relays, and electron/mercury vapor tubes), such as using strong outer packagings with sealed, leakproof, puncture-resistant inner liners or bags, or original manufacturer packaging under designated conditions.