Articles, pressurized pneumatic or hydraulic containing non-flammable gas

a. This entry also applies to articles not conforming to the requirements of §173.302, §173.304, or §173.306, containing a small pressure receptacle with a release device. Such articles must comply with the following requirements:
(1) The water capacity of the pressure receptacle must not exceed 0.5 L and the working pressure must not exceed 25 bar at 15 °C (59 °F);
(2) The minimum burst pressure of the pressure receptacle must be at least four times the pressure of the gas at 15 °C (59 °F);
(3) Each article must be manufactured in such a way that unintentional firing or release is avoided under normal conditions of handling, packing, transport and use. This may be fulfilled by an additional locking device linked to the activator;
(4) Each article must be manufactured in such a way as to prevent hazardous projections of the pressure receptacle or parts of the pressure receptacle;
(5) Each pressure receptacle must be manufactured from material which will not fragment upon rupture;
(6) The design type of the article must be subjected to a fire test. For this test, the provisions of paragraphs 16.6.1.2 except letter g, 16.6.1.3.1 to 16.6.1.3.6, 16.6.1.3.7(b) and 16.6.1.3.8 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria must be applied. It must be demonstrated that the article relieves its pressure by means of a fire degradable seal or other pressure relief device, in such a way that the pressure receptacle will not fragment and that the article or fragments of the article do not rocket more than 10 meters; and
(7) The design type of the article must be subjected to the following test. A stimulating mechanism must be used to initiate one article in the middle of the packaging. There must be no hazardous effects outside the package such as disruption of the package, metal fragments or a receptacle which passes through the packaging.
b. The manufacturer must produce technical documentation of the design type, manufacture as well as the tests and their results. The manufacturer must apply procedures to ensure that articles produced in series are made of good quality, conform to the design type and are able to meet the requirements in (a). The manufacturer must provide such information to a representative of the Department upon request.

Browse special provision 371

A

Stowage category “A” means the material may be stowed “on deck” or “under deck” on a cargo vessel or on a passenger vessel.

Source: 49 CFR §172.101(k)