Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.505 (Standards for aluminum drums) require?
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As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 178.505 requires for aluminum drums:
* Identification Codes: Use code 1B1 for a non-removable head aluminum drum, and 1B2 for a removable head aluminum drum.
* Materials and Thickness: The body and heads must be made of aluminum that is at least 99% pure or an aluminum base alloy. The material must be of a suitable type and thick enough for the drum's capacity and intended use. If the drums are reused, they must meet the minimum thickness and marking requirements found in §§ 173.28(b)(4) and 178.503(a)(9). If the metal is not compatible with what you are transporting, you must apply suitable internal protective coatings or treatments that stay protective during transport.
* Seams: All seams must be welded. If there are chime seams, they must be reinforced with separate reinforcing rings.
* Rolling Hoops: Drums with a capacity greater than 60 liters (16 gallons) may have at least two expanded rolling hoops or two separate rolling hoops. Separate rolling hoops must fit tightly, be secured so they cannot shift, and cannot be spot-welded.
* Openings and Closures:
* For non-removable head (1B1) drums, filling, emptying, or venting openings cannot exceed 7.0 cm (3 inches) in diameter (larger openings make it a removable head 1B2 drum).
* All closures must be designed to stay secure and leakproof during normal transport.
* Closure flanges may be welded to create a leakproof seam.
* You must use gaskets or sealing elements with closures and removable heads, unless the closure is inherently leakproof. Removable heads must also have closure devices designed to stay secure and leakproof during transport.
* Size and Weight Limits:
* Maximum capacity is 450 L (119 gallons).
* Maximum net mass is 400 kg (882 pounds).