Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.704 (General IBC standards) require?
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According to 49 CFR 178.704, the general standards for Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) require that:
* Environmental Protection: Each IBC must resist or be protected from external deterioration. If it is intended for solid hazardous materials, it must be sift-proof and water-resistant.
* Service Equipment Protection: All service equipment must be positioned or protected to minimize the loss of contents if damaged during handling and transport.
* Structural and Pressure Integrity: The IBC, its attachments, and its service and structural equipment must be designed to withstand internal pressures and the stresses of normal handling and transport without losing hazardous materials. If intended for stacking, it must be designed for it.
* Lifting and Securing Features: Lifting or securing features must be strong enough to handle normal conditions without gross distortion or failure, and they must be positioned so they do not cause undue stress on any part of the IBC.
* Framework Construction (if applicable): For an IBC made of a packaging within a framework, the body must not be damaged by the framework, must stay retained within the framework at all times, and service/structural equipment must be fixed so it won't be damaged if the body and frame expand or move relative to one another.
* Bottom Discharge Valves: Bottom discharge valves must be secured in the closed position, and the discharge system must be protected from damage. Lever-closure valves must be secured against accidental opening, and it must be readily apparent whether the valve is open or closed. IBCs containing liquids must also have a secondary means of sealing the discharge aperture (such as a blank flange or equivalent device).
* Lifting Design: IBC design types must be built so they can be bottom-lifted or top-lifted as specified in §§ 178.811 and 178.812.