[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 2]
[Revised as of October 1, 2001]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR173.3]

[Page 391-392]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
 CHAPTER I--RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 173--SHIPPERS--GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND PACKAGINGS--Table of Contents
 
                           Subpart A--General
 
Sec. 173.3  Packaging and exceptions.

    (a) The packaging of hazardous materials for transportation by air, 
highway, rail, or water must be as specified in this part. Methods of 
manufacture, packing, and storage of hazardous materials, that affect 
safety in transportation, must be open to inspection by a duly 
authorized representative of the initial carrier or of the Department. 
Methods of manufacture and related functions necessary for completion of 
a DOT specification or U.N. standard packaging must be open to 
inspection by a representative of the Department.
    (b) The regulations setting forth packaging requirements for a 
specific material apply to all modes of transportation unless otherwise 
stated, or unless exceptions from packaging requirements are authorized.
    (c) Salvage drums. Packages of hazardous materials that are damaged, 
defective, or found leaking and hazardous materials that have spilled or 
leaked may be placed in a metal or plastic removable head salvage drum 
that is compatible with the lading and shipped for repackaging or 
disposal under the following conditions:
    (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(7) of this section, the drum 
must be a UN 1A2, 1B2, 1N2 or 1H2 tested and marked for Packing Group 
III or higher performance standards for liquids or solids and a 
leakproofness test of 20 kPa (3 psig). Alternatively, a drum 
manufactured and marked prior to October 1, 1993 as a salvage drum, in 
accordance with the provisions of this section in effect on September 
30, 1991, is authorized. Capacity of the drum may not exceed 450 L (119 
gallons).
    (2) Each drum shall be provided when necessary with sufficient 
cushioning and absorption material to prevent excessive movement of the 
damaged package and to eliminate the presence of any free liquid at the 
time the salvage drum is closed. All cushioning and absorbent material 
used in the drum must be compatible with the hazardous material.
    (3) Each salvage packaging must be marked with the proper shipping 
name

[[Page 392]]

of the hazardous material inside the packaging and the name and address 
of the consignee. In addition, the packaging must be marked ``SALVAGE'' 
or ``SALVAGE DRUM''.
    (4) Each drum shall be labeled as prescribed for the respective 
material.
    (5) The shipper shall prepare shipping papers in accordance with 
subpart C of part 172 of this subchapter.
    (6) The overpack requirements of Sec. 173.25 do not apply to drums 
used in accordance with this paragraph.
    (7) A salvage packaging marked ``T'' in accordance with applicable 
provisions in the UN Recommendations may be used.

[Amdt. 173-224, 55 FR 52607, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66265, 
Dec. 20, 1991; Amdt. 173-234, 58 FR 51531, Oct. 1, 1993; Amdt. 173-261, 
62 FR 24719, May 6, 1997; 66 FR 45380, Aug. 28, 2001]