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In general, the regs require that when filling packagings and receptacles for liquids, sufficient outage must be left to ensure that neither leakage nor permanent distortion of the packaging or receptacle will occur as a result of an expansion of the liquid caused by temperatures likely to be encountered during transportation.
Scope
Outage requirements apply to anyone filling a liquid material into a package.
Regulatory citations
- 49 CFR 173.24 — General requirements for packagings and packages
Key definitions
- Outage or ullage: The amount by which a packaging falls short of being liquid full, usually expressed in percent by volume.
- Package: A packaging plus its contents.
- Packaging: A receptacle and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform its containment function in conformance with the minimum packing requirements.
Summary of requirements
The regulations refer to the term in several places, generally in the context of tank cars and often specific hazardous materials such as compressed gases, poisons, and cryogenic liquids. Elsewhere, it is referred to in the context of package testing requirements and specifications for gauging devices. Special provisions noted in Column 7 of the HMT also contain outage requirements that apply in addition to all standard packaging requirements for tanks on tank cars.
Requirements for outage and filling limits for non-bulk and bulk packagings are specified in 173.24a(d) and 173.24b(a), respectively.