Federal regulations · Through 2026-08-25 · Newer source version available

49 CFR Appendix C to Part 173: Appendix C to Part 173—Procedure for Base-level Vibration Testing

Base-level vibration testing shall be conducted as follows:
1. Three sample packagings, selected at random, must be filled and closed as for shipment. A non-hazardous material may be used in place of the hazardous material if it has essentially the same physical characteristics.
2. The three packages must be placed on a vibrating platform that has a vertical double-amplitude (peak-to-peak displacement) of one inch. The packages should be constrained horizontally to prevent them from falling off the platform, but must be left free to move vertically, bounce and rotate.
3. The test must be performed continuously for one hour at a frequency that causes each package to be raised from the vibrating platform to such a degree that a piece of material of approximately 1.6 mm (0.063 inch) thickness (such as steel strapping or paperboard) can be passed between the bottom of any package and the platform.
4. Immediately following the period of vibration, each package shall be removed from the platform, turned on its side and observed for any evidence of leakage.
5. Rupture or leakage from any of the packages constitutes failure of the test.

Where this section sits in the code

Title 49—Transportation
Subtitle B—Other Regulations Relating to Transportation
CHAPTER I—PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
SUBCHAPTER C—HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS
PART 173—SHIPPERS—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND PACKAGINGS

Base-level vibration testing shall be conducted as follows:

1. Three sample packagings, selected at random, must be filled and closed as for shipment. A non-hazardous material may be used in place of the hazardous material if it has essentially the same physical characteristics.

2. The three packages must be placed on a vibrating platform that has a vertical double-amplitude (peak-to-peak displacement) of one inch. The packages should be constrained horizontally to prevent them from falling off the platform, but must be left free to move vertically, bounce and rotate.

3. The test must be performed continuously for one hour at a frequency that causes each package to be raised from the vibrating platform to such a degree that a piece of material of approximately 1.6 mm (0.063 inch) thickness (such as steel strapping or paperboard) can be passed between the bottom of any package and the platform.

4. Immediately following the period of vibration, each package shall be removed from the platform, turned on its side and observed for any evidence of leakage.

5. Rupture or leakage from any of the packages constitutes failure of the test.

Collected 2026-08-27T02:26:34Z. Source file · JSON

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