Salvage drum

Scope

Anyone using a salvage drum to repackage a hazardous material found to be spilled or leaking must adhere to the regulation requirements for salvage drums.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 173.3 — Packaging and exceptions

Key definitions

• Drum: A flat-ended or convex-ended cylindrical packaging made of metal, fiberboard, plastic, plywood, or other suitable materials. This definition also includes packagings of other shapes made of metal or plastic (e.g., round taper-necked packagings or pail-shaped packagings) but does not include cylinders, jerricans, wooden barrels or bulk packagings.
• 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 salvage drum must be metal or plastic, have a removable head, and be compatible with the lading. The salvage drum must be shipped under the following conditions:

• The drum must be a UN 1A2, 1B2, 1N2, or 1H2 tested and marked for Packing Group III or higher for liquids or solids and a leakproofness test of 20 kPa (3 psi).
• A drum manufactured and marked prior to October 1, 1993 as a salvage drum, in accordance with the provisions of 173.3 in effect on September 30, 1991, can be used.
• The capacity of the drum may not exceed 450 L (119 gallons).
• The drum shall have, when necessary, sufficient cushioning and absorption material to prevent excessive movement of the damaged package and to eliminate the presence of any free liquid at the time the drum is closed. Cushioning and absorption material must be compatible with the hazardous material.
• The drum must be:
  • Marked with the proper shipping name of the material inside,
  • Marked with the name and address of the consignee,
  • Marked with the words “Salvage Drum,” and
  • Labeled for the material inside.