Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.220 (Internal combustion engines, vehicles, machinery containing internal combustion engines, battery-powered equipment or machinery, fuel cell-powered equipment or machinery) require?
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According to 49 CFR 173.220, vehicles, engines, and equipment containing fuel, batteries, or other hazardous materials are subject to specific requirements when transported as cargo.
Here are the practical requirements for a motor-carrier owner:
* Flammable Liquid Fuel & Marine Pollutants:
* Fuel tanks must be drained and securely closed, though up to 500 mL (17 ounces) of residual fuel may remain in the tank, engine components, or fuel lines if they are securely closed to prevent leakage.
* Self-propelled vehicles containing diesel fuel are excepted from draining the fuel tank, provided there is sufficient space (ullage) inside the tank for fuel expansion without leaking, and the tank caps are securely closed.
* For transportation by motor vehicle or rail car, quantities of flammable liquid fuel greater than 500 mL (17 ounces) may remain in the fuel tank of self-propelled vehicles, engines, and machinery, provided the fuel tanks are securely closed.
* Flammable Liquefied or Compressed Gas Fuel:
* For transportation by motor vehicle or rail car, fuel tanks and fuel systems containing flammable liquefied or compressed gas fuel must be securely closed.
* Batteries:
* Installed batteries must be securely installed, and wet batteries must be fastened in an upright position.
* Batteries must be protected against a dangerous evolution of heat, short circuits, terminal damage (in conformance with § 173.159(a)), and leakage; or they must be removed and packaged separately under § 173.159.
* If a vehicle could possibly be handled in other than an upright position, it must be secured in a strong, rigid outer packaging capable of restraining it to prevent shifting or damage during transport.
* Battery-powered vehicles, machinery, or equipment transported by highway, rail, or vessel are exempt from all other subchapter requirements except § 173.21.
* Lithium Batteries:
* Lithium batteries contained in vehicles, engines, or mechanical equipment must be securely fastened in the battery holder and protected against damage and short circuits (such as by using non-conductive caps that completely cover the terminals).
* Unless transported by highway, rail, or vessel with prototype or low production lithium batteries securely installed, each lithium battery must be of a type that has successfully passed each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (as specified in § 173.185), unless approved by the Associate Administrator.