Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.803 (Testing and certification of IBCs) require?
Generated guidance. Confirm the source and its applicability before you act. How we check sources.
Based on 49 CFR 178.803, testing and certification of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) requires that one IBC of each design type must be subjected to specific performance tests in the exact order presented in the regulation's test table, depending on the specific IBC type (Metal, Rigid plastic, Composite, Fiber-board, Wooden, or Flexible IBCs).
Here is what is required practically for motor-carrier owners based on the container type and design:
* Vibration test: Required for all IBC types (Metal, Rigid plastic, Composite, Fiber-board, Wooden, and Flexible). Note that flexible IBCs must simply be capable of withstanding this test.
* Bottom lift test: Required for Metal, Rigid plastic, Composite, Fiber-board, and Wooden IBCs. For metal IBCs, you must perform at least one of either the bottom lift or top lift tests.
* Top lift test: Required for Metal, Rigid plastic, Composite, and Wooden IBCs, as well as Flexible IBCs (though for flexible IBCs, it is only performed if they are designed to be handled this way).
* Stacking test: Required for all IBC types, but only if the specific IBC is designed to be stacked.
* Leakproofness and hydrostatic pressure tests: Required only for IBCs that are intended to contain liquids, or intended to contain solids loaded or discharged under pressure. These apply to Metal, Rigid plastic, and Composite IBCs.
* Drop test: Required for Metal, Rigid plastic, Composite, Fiber-board, Wooden, and Flexible IBCs.
* Topple test: Required only for Flexible IBCs.
* Righting test: Required only for Flexible IBCs.
* Tear test: Required only for Flexible IBCs.