Portable tanks (hazmat)

Scope

Shippers and carriers of hazardous materials must know the meaning of portable tanks, defined below, and understand the tests and inspections they must undergo.

Regulatory citations

• None

Key definitions

• Portable tank: A bulk packaging (except a cylinder having a water capacity of 1000 pounds or less) designed primarily to be loaded onto, or on, or temporarily attached to a transport vehicle or ship and equipped with skids, mountings, or accessories to facilitate handling of the tank by mechanical means. It does not include a cargo tank, tank car, multi-unit tank car tank, or trailer carrying 3AX, 3AAX or 3T cylinders. The definition for portable tank can be found in 171.8.
  • The specifications for construction of portable tanks can be found in Part 178 Subpart H of the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Portable tanks include DOT specification portable tanks, IM portable tanks and UN portable tanks.

Summary of requirements

For more information on the testing and inspections of portable tanks, see 178.276, 178.277, and Part 180, Subpart G.

For information on the marking, labeling, and placarding of portable tanks, see the ezExplanations Markings, Labeling, and Placarding.