Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.955 (General requirements) require?
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According to 49 CFR 178.955, the general requirements mean that test procedures are minimum requirements to ensure Large Packagings containing hazardous materials can withstand normal transportation conditions.
Specifically, 49 CFR 178.955 mandates the following:
* Manufacturing and Assembly: Each packaging must be manufactured and assembled to successfully pass the prescribed tests and conform to § 173.24 while in transportation.
* Responsibilities: The Large Packaging manufacturer is responsible for ensuring each packaging can pass the prescribed tests. If an assembly function (including final closure) is done by the person offering the hazardous material for transportation, that person must perform it according to §§ 173.22 and 178.2.
* Design Qualification Testing: The manufacturer must achieve successful design qualification test results (drop, stacking, and bottom-lift or top-lift tests) at the start of production for each new or different design type. Applying the certification mark certifies that it passed.
* Periodic Design Requalification: Manufacturers must conduct periodic design requalification tests on each qualified design type at least once every 24 months to maintain production authorization, ensuring packagings can still pass the qualification tests.
* Test Samples & Selective Testing: Tests must use random samples in specified numbers. Selective testing is permitted for packagings that differ only in minor respects (such as certain variations in inner packagings), provided specific performance, cushioning, and documentation rules are met.
* Proof of Compliance: The Associate Administrator or a designated representative can require a manufacturer to demonstrate compliance at any time by conducting performance tests (via the manufacturer or an independent testing facility) or by providing a sample packaging for testing.
* Record Retention: Following each design qualification test and periodic retest, a test report must be prepared and retained at the manufacturing, certification, and testing locations for the required durations specified in the regulation.