Billing Code - PHMSA - Department of Transportation

Section 176.146 prescribes segregation requirements for Class 1 materials and non-
hazardous goods transported by vessel. Paragraph (a) currently states that Class 1 material
need not be segregated from non-hazardous materials except as provided in paragraphs (b)
and (c). Paragraph (b) then goes on to state that certain cargo (mail, baggage, and personal
effects) may not be stowed in the same compartment as, or in compartments immediately
above or below, Class 1 (explosive) materials other than those in compatibility group S.
Paragraph (c) states that where Class 1 (explosive) materials are stowed against an
intervening bulkhead, any mail on the other side of the bulkhead must be stowed away
from it.
In this final rule, PHMSA is revising paragraphs (a) and (b) and deleting and
reserving paragraph (c). Specifically, we are revising paragraph (a) to remove a reference
to the removed paragraph (c). We are also revising paragraph (b) to read “readily
combustible materials may not be stowed in the same compartment or hold as Class 1
(explosive) materials other than those in compatibility group S.” This change incorporates
the adoption by IMO of the defined term “readily combustible material” in 176.2. In this
final rule, PHMSA is removing and reserving paragraph (c) as the vast majority of mail is
now sent by air and not vessel. A specific requirement for stowage of mail away from the
intervening bulkhead between it and Class 1 materials is deemed unnecessary.
Section 176.170
Section 176.170 prescribes requirements for shipments of Class 1 materials in
freight containers by vessel. Paragraph (a) states that when Class 1 materials are stowed in
a freight container, the freight container, for the purposes of this subpart, may be regarded
as a magazine but not as a separate compartment. Paragraph (c) states that freight
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