Title 49

SECTION 178.505

178.505 Standards for aluminum drums.

§ 178.505 Standards for aluminum drums.

(a) The following are the identification codes for aluminum drums:

(1) 1B1 for a non-removable head aluminum drum; and

(2) 1B2 for a removable head aluminum drum.

(b) Construction requirements for aluminum drums are as follows:

(1) Body and heads must be constructed of aluminum at least 99 percent pure or an aluminum base alloy. Material must be of suitable type and adequate thickness in relation to the capacity and the intended use of the drum. Minimum thickness and marking requirements in §§ 173.28(b)(4) and 178.503(a)(9) of this subchapter apply to drums intended for reuse.

(2) All seams must be welded. Chime seams, if any, must be reinforced by the application of separate reinforcing rings.

(3) The body of a drum of a capacity greater than 60 L (16 gallons) may have at least two expanded rolling hoops or two separate rolling hoops. If there are separate rolling hoops, the hoops must be fitted tightly on the body and so secured that they cannot shift. Rolling hoops may not be spot-welded.

(4) Openings for filling, emptying, or venting in the bodies or heads of non-removable head (1B1) drums may not exceed 7.0 cm (3 inches) in diameter. Drums with larger openings are considered to be of the removable head type (1B2). Closures for openings in the bodies and heads of drums must be so designed and applied that they will remain secure and leakproof under normal conditions of transport. Closure flanges may be welded in place so that the weld provides a leakproof seam. Gaskets or other sealing elements must be used with closures unless the closure is inherently leakproof.

(5) Closure devices for removable head drums must be so designed and applied that they remain secure and drums remain leakproof under normal conditions of transport. Gaskets or other sealing elements must be used with all removable heads.

(6) Maximum capacity of drum: 450 L (119 gallons).

(7) Maximum net mass: 400 kg (882 pounds).

[Amdt. 178-97, 55 FR 52717, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66284, Dec. 20, 1991; Amdt. 178-102, 59 FR 28494, June 2, 1994]