Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.509 (Standards for plastic drums and jerricans) require?
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As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 178.509 requires for plastic drums and jerricans:
* Identification Codes: Plastic drums and jerricans must use specific codes: 1H1 (non-removable head drum), 1H2 (removable head drum), 3H1 (non-removable head jerrican), and 3H2 (removable head jerrican).
* Materials and Strength: They must be made from suitable plastic material of adequate strength for their capacity and intended use. Only production residues or regrind from the same manufacturing process may be used (unless the Associate Administrator approves otherwise). They must resist aging, degradation from contents or UV radiation, and any permeation must not pose a danger during transport.
* UV Protection: If UV protection is needed, use compatible carbon black (up to 2% by mass without retesting), pigments (up to 3% by mass without retesting), or inhibitors.
* Other Additives: Additives for purposes other than UV protection must not adversely affect the packaging's chemical and physical properties.
* Wall Thickness: The wall thickness at every point must suit the packaging's capacity and intended use under expected stresses. Minimum thickness and marking requirements in §§ 173.28(b)(4) and 178.503(a)(9) apply to drums intended for reuse.
* Openings and Closures:
* For non-removable head drums (1H1) and jerricans (3H1), filling, emptying, and venting openings cannot exceed 7.0 cm (3 inches) in diameter (larger openings make them removable head types).
* All closures must stay secure and leakproof under normal transport conditions. Gaskets or sealing elements must be used unless the closure or removable head design is inherently leakproof.
* Capacity Limits:
* Drums (1H1, 1H2): Maximum capacity of 450 L (119 gallons).
* Jerricans (3H1, 3H2): Maximum capacity of 60 L (16 gallons).
* Mass Limits:
* Drums (1H1, 1H2): Maximum net mass of 400 kg (882 pounds).
* Jerricans (3H1, 3H2): Maximum net mass of 120 kg (265 pounds).