The Research and Special Programs Administration

Gases & Welding Distributor, July-August, 2003

The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued its anticipated response to the CGA's appeal of the original rulemaking (HM220SD) issued on Aug. 8, 2002. Among the changes made to regulations, RSPA now permits the pressure relief device (PRD) to communicate with the liquid phase in cylinders containing Division 2.2 gases.

They retained the requirement that PRDs in cylinders containing flammable gases must be in communication with the vapor phase. RSPA also redefined its position regarding the set pressure on PRDs to reflect some PRDs are activated by means other than just pressure. It also adjusted the tolerances on certain PRDs to -10 percent to 0 and, in instances where a disc is placed inside a disc holder, RSPA permits an allowance of -15 percent. DOT will allow the continued use of 3AA480 cylinders for transporting hydrogen sulfide until Dec. 31, 2003. Section 177.840(a)(1) has been changed to permit horizontal shipping of Division 2.2 gases. Flammable gases (Division 2.1) must be shipped upright and securely restrained. The CGA urges all members to obtain a copy of this ruling and review it to ensure complete compliance. The effective date of this rule was June 9, 2003.