Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.31 (Use of tank cars) require?
Generated guidance. Confirm the source and its applicability before you act. How we check sources.
As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 173.31 requires for using tank cars to transport hazardous materials:
* Specifications and Authorization: You cannot offer a hazardous material in a tank car unless the car meets applicable specification and packaging requirements, or is an authorized non-DOT specification tank. Tank cars and appurtenances must be used only for authorized commodities specified on their certificate of construction (AAR Form 4-2 or Form R-1 addendum). Changing a tank car to a different commodity service requires approval from the owner and the AAR's Tank Car Committee.
* Inspections: You cannot fill and offer a hazardous material in a tank car that is overdue for its periodic inspection and test.
* Equipment Standards:
* Air brake equipment support attachments must conform to standards in §§ 179.100-16 and 179.200-19.
* Self-energized manways located below the liquid level of the lading are prohibited.
* Tank cars must be equipped with an approved coupler vertical restraint system.
* Pressure relief devices must conform to part 179 (specific reclosing requirements apply based on material and build date).
* Tank-head puncture-resistance systems, thermal protection, and bottom-discontinuity protection must meet specific standards and compliance dates outlined in the regulation.
* Test Pressure: Tank cars used for hazardous materials must have a tank test pressure equal to or greater than the required percentage (generally 133 percent, with specific exceptions) of the sum of the lading vapor pressure, static head, and gas padding pressure.
*(Reference: 49 CFR 173.31)*