Opening Damaged Drums and Containers - Salvage Drum Requirements (Packing)

Instead of meeting the UN requirements discussed in the previous slide, salvage drums may alternatively be a drum manufactured and marked prior to October 1, 1993 as a salvage drum, in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR 173.

Salvage drums must also meet these requirements:

• Have a capacity that does not exceed 450 L (119 gallons).
• Contain sufficient cushioning and absorption material, which prevents excessive shifting of the damaged package and eliminates the presence of any free liquid at the time the salvage drum is closed. (Note: all cushioning and absorbent material used in the drum must be compatible with the hazardous material.)
• Each salvage packaging must be marked with the proper shipping name of the hazardous material inside the packaging and the name and address of the consignee. In addition, the packaging must be marked "SALVAGE" or "SALVAGE DRUM."
• Each drum must be labeled properly to indicate its contents. (Visit the section on Labeling if you need more information.)
• The shipper must complete all shipping papers detailed in 49 CFR 172 Subpart C.
• Transportation may only take place via motor vehicle or cargo vessel.

Note that this standard also states that salvage packaging "marked 'T' in accordance with applicable provisions in the UN Recommendations may be used."

To learn more about HAZWOPER visit our HAZWOPER 40 Hour Online Training web page.