Hazardous Materials: Packaging

3 questions in the bank cover this topic. Everything below is drawn from the sources those questions cite.

Sources: 49 CFR 173.24, 49 CFR 173.29

What you need to know

173.29(a) is the default: empty is treated as full unless a specific exception applies.

This is the same logic that makes 392.10 stop an empty hazmat cargo tank at railroad crossings.

an empty packaging containing only the residue of a hazardous material shall be offered for transportation and transported in the same manner as when it previously contained a greater quantity of that hazardous material

49 CFR 173.29

173.29(b)(2)(ii) requires both cleaning and purging of vapours.

Draining the liquid is not enough, because the vapour left behind is often the greater hazard. Enough to remove any potential hazard before work begins.

Is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential hazard

49 CFR 173.29

173.24(b)(4) requires a clean exterior.

Residue on the outside exposes anyone handling the package, and it means the contents are escaping.

There will be no hazardous material residue adhering to the outside of the package during transport.

49 CFR 173.24

Check yourself

• How is an empty packaging holding only residue treated?

• How do you prepare an empty packaging to escape the residue rule?

• What is required about the outside of a package?

Answers are in the practice test for this topic.