Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.242 (Bulk packagings for certain medium hazard liquids and solids, including solids with dual hazards) require?
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Based on 49 CFR 173.242, when § 172.101 specifies that a hazardous material be packaged under this section, only certain authorized bulk packagings may be used (subject to the requirements of subparts A and B of part 173 and the special provisions in column 7 of the § 172.101 table).
Specifically, the regulation authorizes:
* Rail cars: Specific tank cars (Classes DOT 103, 104, 105, 109, 111, 112, 114, 115, 117, or 120; Classes 106 or 110 multi-unit tank cars; and AAR Class 206W). Note that unrefined petroleum products, ethanol, and other Class 3 flammable liquids in Packing Group II or III are no longer authorized in unretrofitted DOT Specification 111 or CPC-1232 tank cars and must meet specific retrofit or performance standards (marked as DOT-117R or DOT-117P).
* Cargo tanks: Specifications MC 300, MC 301, MC 302, MC 303, MC 304, MC 305, MC 306, MC 307, MC 310, MC 311, MC 312, MC 330, MC 331, DOT 406, DOT 407, and DOT 412 cargo tank motor vehicles (plus certain non-DOT specification cargo tanks complying with § 173.5a(c)). Cargo tanks transporting certain high-hazard materials (such as Class 3, PG I, II, or III with flash points under 38 °C; Class 6, PG I or II; and Class 8, PG I or II) must meet strict special requirements for pressure relief systems and bottom outlets.
* Portable tanks: DOT Specification 51, 56, 57, and 60 portable tanks; IM 101, IM 102, and UN portable tanks (when a T Code is specified in Column 7); and marine portable tanks conforming to 46 CFR part 64. Additional design, pressure relief, venting, and internal valve requirements apply depending on the material and transport method.
* Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and Large Packagings: Authorized conditionally based on the IBC packaging code and Packing Group performance level specified in the § 172.101 Table, subject to strict prohibitions (for example, IBCs may not be used for Packing Group I liquids or certain solids that become liquid during transit).