§173.301. General requirements for shipment of compressed gases and other hazardous materials in cylinders, UN pressure receptacles, and spherical pressure vessels. — Inbound Citations
49 C.F.R. § 173.301
Statutory Authority
Cited by 43 regulations in release 2026-08-27.
Citations to 49 C.F.R. § 173.301 as a whole
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(3) Filled, marked, and inspected in accordance with 49 CFR 173.301 through 173.308; and
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(11) CGA C-12 (CGA C-12), Qualification Procedure for Acetylene Cylinder Design, 1994; into §§ 173.301; 173.303; 178.59; 178.60.
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(2) Filling limits for compressed gases and cryogenic liquids are specified in §§ 173.301 through 173.306 for cylinders and §§ 173.314 through 173.319 for bulk packagings.(i) Except as provided in subpart C of part 171 of this subchapter, packages prepared under § 173.167 of this part, or packages prepared under Packing Instruction Y963 of the ICAO Technical Instructions, packages offered or intended for transportation by aircraft must conform to the general requirements for transportation by aircraft in § 173.27.
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(a) The requirements in this section are in addition to the requirements in § 173.301 and apply to the shipment of gases in specification cylinders.
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(a) The requirements of this section are in addition to the requirements in § 173.301 and apply to the shipment of gases in UN pressure receptacles. A UN pressure receptacle, including closures, must conform to the design, construction, inspection and testing requirements specified in parts 178 and 180 of this subchapter, as applicable. Bundles of cylinders must conform to the requirements in § 178.70(e) of this subchapter.(1) A UN pressure receptacle may not be filled and offered for transportation when damaged to such an extent that the integrity of the UN pressure receptacle or its service equipment may be affected. Prior to filling, the service equipment must be examined and found to be in good working condition (see § 178.70(d) of this subchapter). In addition, the required markings must be legible on the pressure receptacle.(2) The gases or gas mixtures must be compatible with the UN pressure receptacle and valve materials as prescribed for metallic materials in ISO 11114-1:2012(E) and ISO 11114-1:2012/Amd 1:2017(E) (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter) and for non-metallic materials in ISO 11114-2:2013(E) (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).(3) A refillable UN pressure receptacle may not be filled with a gas or gas mixture different from that previously contained in the UN pressure receptacle unless the necessary operations for change of gas service have been performed in accordance with ISO 11621 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).(4) When a strong outer packaging is prescribed, for example as provided by paragraphs (c)(2)(vi) or (d)(1) of this section, the UN pressure receptacles must be protected to prevent shifting. Unless otherwise specified in this part, more than one UN pressure receptacle may be enclosed in the strong outer packaging.
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(1) Except as provided in § 171.23(a)(3) of this subchapter, a cylinder filled with a non-liquefied compressed gas (except gas in solution) must be offered for transportation in accordance with the requirements of this section and § 173.301 of this subpart. In addition, a DOT specification cylinder must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301a, 173.302a, and 173.305 of the subpart, as applicable. UN pressure receptacles must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301b and 173.302b of this subpart, as applicable. Where more than one section applies to a cylinder, the most restrictive requirements must be followed.
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(a) Nonliquefied compressed gases (except gas in solution) for which filling requirements are not specifically prescribed in § 173.304a must be shipped subject to the requirements in this section and §§ 173.301, 173.301a, 173.302, and 173.305 in specification cylinders, as follows:(2) These cylinders are authorized for aircraft use only and only for nonflammable gases. They have a maximum service life of 24 years from the date of manufacture. The cylinders must be equipped with frangible disc type pressure relief devices that meet the requirements of § 173.301(f). Each frangible disc must have a rated bursting pressure not exceeding 90 percent of the minimum required test pressure of the cylinder. Discs with fusible metal backing are not permitted. Specification 3HT cylinders may be offered for transportation only when packaged in accordance with § 173.301(a)(9).(3) When the cylinder is filled with a Division 2.1 flammable gas, the internal volume of the cylinder may not exceed 1.23 L (75 in 3). For chemical under pressure (see § 172.102 of this subchapter (special provision 362)), the internal volume may not exceed the size limits of the specification as provided in § 178.65(a)(1) of this subchapter.(4) DOT 3AX, 3AAX, and 3T cylinders are authorized for Division 2.1 and 2.2 materials and for carbon monoxide. DOT 3T cylinders are not authorized for hydrogen. When used in methane service, the methane must be a nonliquefied gas with a minimum purity of 98.0 percent methane and commercially free of corroding components.(5) Aluminum cylinders manufactured in conformance with specifications DOT 39, 3AL and 4E are authorized for oxygen only under the conditions specified in § 173.302(b).(6) DOT 4E cylinders- DOT 4E cylinders with a maximum capacity of 43L (11 gal) must have a minimum rating of 240 psig and be filled to no more than 200 psig at 21 °C (70 °F).
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(a) Except as provided in § 171.23(a)(3) of this subchapter, a cylinder filled with a liquefied compressed gas (except gas in solution) must be offered for transportation in accordance with the requirements of this section and the general requirements in § 173.301 of this subpart. In addition, a DOT specification cylinder must meet the requirement in §§ 173.301a, 173.304a, and 173.305 of this subpart, as applicable. UN pressure receptacles must be shipped in accordance with the requirements in §§ 173.301b and 173.304b of this subpart, as applicable.(1) A DOT 3AL cylinder may not be used for any material with a primary or subsidiary hazard of Class 8.(2) Shipments of Division 2.1 materials in aluminum cylinders are authorized only when transported by motor vehicle, rail car, or cargo-only aircraft.
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(a) Liquefied gases (except gas in solution) must be offered for transportation, subject to the requirements in this section and §§ 173.301 and 173.304, in specification cylinders, as follows:(1) DOT 3, 3A, 3AA, 3AL, 3B, 3BN, 3E, 4B, 4BA, 4B240ET, 4BW, 4E, 39, except that no DOT 4E or 39 packaging may be filled and shipped with a mixture containing a pyrophoric liquid, carbon bisulfide (disulfide), ethyl chloride, ethylene oxide, nickel carbonyl, spirits of nitroglycerin, or toxic material (Division 6.1 or 2.3), unless specifically authorized in this part.(2) For the gases named, the requirements in table 1 to paragraph (a)(2) apply (for cryogenic liquids, see § 173.316):(3) A DOT 39 cylinder shall be equipped with a pressure relief device as defined by the commodity in CGA S-1.1, excluding paragraph 9.1.1 (IBR; see § 171.7 of this subchapter). If the commodity is not listed in CGA S-1.1, a CG-7 pressure relief valve must be used.
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(b) (See § 173.301.) For mixtures, the liquid portion of the liquefied compressed gas at 131 °F. plus any additional liquid or solid must not completely fill the container.
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(a) A cylinder filled with a chemical under pressure must be offered for transportation in accordance with the requirements of this section and § 173.301 (except for the cylinder valve cap requirements in §§ 173.301(a)(11) and (12)). In addition, a DOT specification cylinder must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301a, 173.302, 173.302a, and 173.305, as applicable. UN pressure receptacles must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301b, 173.302b, and 173.304b, as applicable. Where more than one section applies to a cylinder, the most restrictive requirements must be followed.
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(e) Pressure relief devices and protection for valves, safety devices, and other connections, if applied, must be as required or authorized by the appropriate specification, and as required in § 173.301 of this subchapter.
Citations to §173.301(a)
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(a) A mixture of a compressed gas and any other material must be shipped as a compressed gas if the mixture is a compressed gas as designated in § 173.115 and when not in violation of § 173.301(a).
Citations to §173.301(a)(2)
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(c) For vehicles which are certified to meet the requirements specified in S13 instead of the otherwise applicable dynamic crash test requirement conducted with unbelted dummies, compliance with S13 shall, for purposes of Standards No. 201, 203 and 209, be deemed as compliance with the unbelted frontal barrier requirements of S5.1.2.S4. General requirements.S4.1 Passenger cars.S4.1.1 Passenger cars manufactured from January 1, 1972, to August 31, 1973. Each passenger car manufactured from January 1, 1972, to August 31, 1973, inclusive, shall meet the requirements of S4.1.1.1, S4.1.1.2, or S4.1.1.3. A protection system that meets the requirements of S4.1.1.1, or S4.1.1.2 may be installed at one or more designated seating positions of a vehicle that otherwise meets the requirements of S4.1.1.3.S4.1.1.1 First option—complete passive protection system. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5. by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.S4.1.1.2 Second option—lap belt protection system with belt warning. The vehicle shall—
Citations to §173.301(a)(3)
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(c) For vehicles which are certified to meet the requirements specified in S13 instead of the otherwise applicable dynamic crash test requirement conducted with unbelted dummies, compliance with S13 shall, for purposes of Standards No. 201, 203 and 209, be deemed as compliance with the unbelted frontal barrier requirements of S5.1.2.S4. General requirements.S4.1 Passenger cars.S4.1.1 Passenger cars manufactured from January 1, 1972, to August 31, 1973. Each passenger car manufactured from January 1, 1972, to August 31, 1973, inclusive, shall meet the requirements of S4.1.1.1, S4.1.1.2, or S4.1.1.3. A protection system that meets the requirements of S4.1.1.1, or S4.1.1.2 may be installed at one or more designated seating positions of a vehicle that otherwise meets the requirements of S4.1.1.3.S4.1.1.1 First option—complete passive protection system. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5. by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.S4.1.1.2 Second option—lap belt protection system with belt warning. The vehicle shall—
Citations to §173.301(a)(9)
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(2) These cylinders are authorized for aircraft use only and only for nonflammable gases. They have a maximum service life of 24 years from the date of manufacture. The cylinders must be equipped with frangible disc type pressure relief devices that meet the requirements of § 173.301(f). Each frangible disc must have a rated bursting pressure not exceeding 90 percent of the minimum required test pressure of the cylinder. Discs with fusible metal backing are not permitted. Specification 3HT cylinders may be offered for transportation only when packaged in accordance with § 173.301(a)(9).
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(B) A Division 2.1 material requiring strong non-bulk outer packagings in accordance with § 173.301(a)(9) of this subchapter must be overpacked in a UN 1A2 steel or 1H2 plastic drum tested and marked for a PG II or higher performance level. The outside of the overpack must be marked with an indication that the inner packagings conform to the prescribed specifications.
Citations to §173.301(a)(11)
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(1) NFPA 58-Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2001 Edition, into §§ 173.5, 173.315, 173.301(a)(11).
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(a) A cylinder filled with a chemical under pressure must be offered for transportation in accordance with the requirements of this section and § 173.301 (except for the cylinder valve cap requirements in §§ 173.301(a)(11) and (12)). In addition, a DOT specification cylinder must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301a, 173.302, 173.302a, and 173.305, as applicable. UN pressure receptacles must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301b, 173.302b, and 173.304b, as applicable. Where more than one section applies to a cylinder, the most restrictive requirements must be followed.
Citations to §173.301(a)(12)
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(a) A cylinder filled with a chemical under pressure must be offered for transportation in accordance with the requirements of this section and § 173.301 (except for the cylinder valve cap requirements in §§ 173.301(a)(11) and (12)). In addition, a DOT specification cylinder must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301a, 173.302, 173.302a, and 173.305, as applicable. UN pressure receptacles must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301b, 173.302b, and 173.304b, as applicable. Where more than one section applies to a cylinder, the most restrictive requirements must be followed.
Citations to §173.301(d)
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(ii) The cylinder is used exclusively for air; argon; cyclopropane; ethylene; helium; hydrogen; krypton; neon; nitrogen; nitrous oxide; oxygen; sulfur hexafluoride; xenon; chlorinated hydrocarbons, fluorinated hydrocarbons, liquefied hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof that are commercially free from corroding components; permitted mixtures of these gases (see § 173.301(d) of this subchapter); and permitted mixtures of these gases with up to 30 percent by volume of carbon dioxide, provided the gas has a dew point at or below minus (52 °F) at 1 atmosphere.
Citations to §173.301(f)
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(ii) The cylinder is equipped with a pressure relief device in accordance with § 173.301(f) of this subchapter and conforms to the applicable requirements in part 173 of this subchapter for the hazardous material involved;
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(b) Except for Division 2.2 permanent gases, each UN pressure receptacle must be equipped with an individual shutoff valve that must be tightly closed while in transit. Each UN pressure receptacle must be individually equipped with a pressure relief device as prescribed by § 173.301(f), except that pressure relief devices on bundles of cylinders or manifolded horizontal cylinders must have a set-to-discharge pressure that is based on the lowest marked pressure of any cylinder in the bundle or manifolded unit.
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(2) Cylinders must be equipped with a pressure relief device in accordance with § 173.301(f) and, for DOT 39 cylinders offered for transportation after October 1, 2008, for the other DOT specification cylinders with the first requalification due after October 1, 2008, or for the UN pressure receptacles prior to initial use:(i) The rated burst pressure of a rupture disc for DOT 3A, 3AA, 3AL, and 3E cylinders, and UN pressure receptacles ISO 9809-1, ISO 9809-2, ISO 9809-3 and ISO 7866 cylinders must be 100% of the cylinder minimum test pressure with a tolerance of plus zero to minus 10%;(ii) The rated burst pressure of a rupture disc for a DOT 3HT cylinder must be 90% of the cylinder minimum test pressure with a tolerance of plus zero to minus 10%; and(iii) The rated burst pressure of a rupture disc for a DOT 39 cylinder must be not more than 80 percent of cylinder burst pressure but not less than 105 percent of cylinder test pressure. Cylinders filled and offered for transportation in accordance with the requirements of the section before January 27, 2021 may continue to be used for the life of the packaging.
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(2) These cylinders are authorized for aircraft use only and only for nonflammable gases. They have a maximum service life of 24 years from the date of manufacture. The cylinders must be equipped with frangible disc type pressure relief devices that meet the requirements of § 173.301(f). Each frangible disc must have a rated bursting pressure not exceeding 90 percent of the minimum required test pressure of the cylinder. Discs with fusible metal backing are not permitted. Specification 3HT cylinders may be offered for transportation only when packaged in accordance with § 173.301(a)(9).
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(2) Cylinders must be equipped with a pressure relief device in accordance with § 173.301(f) and, for DOT 39 cylinders offered for transportation after October 1, 2008, for the other DOT specification cylinders with the first requalification due after October 1, 2008, or for the UN pressure receptacles prior to initial use:(i) The rated burst pressure of a rupture disc for DOT 3A, 3AA, 3AL, and 3E cylinders, and UN pressure receptacles ISO 9809-1, ISO 9809-2, ISO 9809-3, and ISO 7866 cylinders must be 100% of the cylinder minimum test pressure with a tolerance of plus zero to minus 10%;(ii) The rated burst pressure of a rupture disc for a DOT 3HT cylinder must be 90% of the cylinder minimum test pressure with a tolerance of plus zero to minus 10%; and(iii) The rated burst pressure of a rupture disc for a DOT 39 cylinder must be not more than 80 percent of cylinder burst pressure but not less than 105 percent of cylinder test pressure. Cylinders filled and offered for transportation in accordance with the requirements of the section before January 27, 2021 may continue to be used for the life of the packaging.
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(ii) Each cylinder must be protected with at least one pressure relief device and at least one frangible disc conforming to § 173.301(f) and paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The relieving capacity of the pressure relief device system must be equal to or greater than that calculated by the applicable formula in paragraph 5.8.3 of CGA S-1.1 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
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(b) Each cylinder containing a cryogenic liquid must have a pressure control system that conforms to § 173.301(f) and is designed and installed so that it will prevent the cylinder from becoming liquid full.
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(p) Closures and their protection must conform to the requirements in § 173.301(f) of this subchapter.
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(f) Each pressure receptacle must be equipped with one or more pressure relief devices as specified in § 173.301(f) of this subchapter. When pressure relief devices are installed, each pressure receptacle or group of pressure receptacles of a MEGC that can be isolated must be equipped with one or more pressure relief devices. Pressure relief devices must be of a type that will resist dynamic forces including liquid surge and must be designed to prevent the entry of foreign matter, the leakage of gas and the development of any dangerous excess pressure.(1) CGA S-1.1, excluding paragraph 9.1.1, (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter) must be used to determine the relief capacity of individual pressure receptacles.(2) Connections to pressure relief devices must be of sufficient size to enable the required discharge to pass unrestricted to the pressure relief device. A shut-off valve installed between the pressure receptacle and the pressure relief device is prohibited, except where duplicate devices are provided for maintenance or other reasons, and the shut-off valves serving the devices actually in use are locked open, or the shut-off valves are interlocked so that at least one of the duplicate devices is always operable and capable of meeting the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this section. No obstruction is permitted in an opening leading to or leaving from a vent or pressure-relief device that might restrict or cut-off the flow from the pressure receptacle to that device. The opening through all piping and fittings must have at least the same flow area as the inlet of the pressure relief device to which it is connected. The nominal size of the discharge piping must be at least as large as that of the pressure relief device.(3) For liquefied gases, each pressure relief device must, under maximum filling conditions, be in communication with the vapor space of the pressure receptacles. The devices, when installed, must be arranged to ensure the escaping vapor is discharged upwards and unrestrictedly to prevent impingement of escaping gas or liquid upon the MEGC, its pressure receptacles or personnel. For flammable, pyrophoric and oxidizing gases, the escaping gas must be directed away from the pressure receptacle in such a manner that it cannot impinge upon the other pressure receptacles. Heat resistant protective devices that deflect the flow of gas are permissible provided the required pressure relief device capacity is not reduced. Arrangements must be made to prevent access to the pressure relief devices by unauthorized persons and to protect the devices from damage caused by rollover.
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(c) For vehicles which are certified to meet the requirements specified in S13 instead of the otherwise applicable dynamic crash test requirement conducted with unbelted dummies, compliance with S13 shall, for purposes of Standards No. 201, 203 and 209, be deemed as compliance with the unbelted frontal barrier requirements of S5.1.2.S4. General requirements.S4.1 Passenger cars.S4.1.1 Passenger cars manufactured from January 1, 1972, to August 31, 1973. Each passenger car manufactured from January 1, 1972, to August 31, 1973, inclusive, shall meet the requirements of S4.1.1.1, S4.1.1.2, or S4.1.1.3. A protection system that meets the requirements of S4.1.1.1, or S4.1.1.2 may be installed at one or more designated seating positions of a vehicle that otherwise meets the requirements of S4.1.1.3.S4.1.1.1 First option—complete passive protection system. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5. by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.S4.1.1.2 Second option—lap belt protection system with belt warning. The vehicle shall—
Citations to §173.301(f)(5)
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(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(5) through (f)(7) and (j) of this section, and § 171.23(a) of this subchapter, a cylinder filled with a gas and offered for transportation must be equipped with one or more pressure relief devices sized and selected as to type, location, and quantity, and tested in accordance with CGA S-1.1 (compliance with paragraph 9.1.1 is not required) and CGA Pamphlet S-7 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). The pressure relief device must be capable of preventing rupture of the normally filled cylinder when subjected to a fire test conducted in accordance with CGA C-14 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), or, in the case of an acetylene cylinder, CGA C-12 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
Citations to §173.301(f)(6)
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(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(5) through (f)(7) and (j) of this section, and § 171.23(a) of this subchapter, a cylinder filled with a gas and offered for transportation must be equipped with one or more pressure relief devices sized and selected as to type, location, and quantity, and tested in accordance with CGA S-1.1 (compliance with paragraph 9.1.1 is not required) and CGA Pamphlet S-7 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). The pressure relief device must be capable of preventing rupture of the normally filled cylinder when subjected to a fire test conducted in accordance with CGA C-14 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), or, in the case of an acetylene cylinder, CGA C-12 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
Citations to §173.301(f)(7)
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(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(5) through (f)(7) and (j) of this section, and § 171.23(a) of this subchapter, a cylinder filled with a gas and offered for transportation must be equipped with one or more pressure relief devices sized and selected as to type, location, and quantity, and tested in accordance with CGA S-1.1 (compliance with paragraph 9.1.1 is not required) and CGA Pamphlet S-7 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). The pressure relief device must be capable of preventing rupture of the normally filled cylinder when subjected to a fire test conducted in accordance with CGA C-14 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), or, in the case of an acetylene cylinder, CGA C-12 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
Citations to §173.301(g)
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(a) When, in consideration for a particular operation, compressed gases are needed within the laboratory, the cylinders may be temporarily installed in the laboratory, provided no more than one (1) cylinder of each gas is in the laboratory simultaneously. When transporting compressed gas cylinders to, from, or within the vessel, the cylinder valves shall be capped or otherwise protected in accordance with 49 CFR 173.301(g).
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(c) Compressed gas cylinders shall have valve protection in accordance with 49 CFR 173.301(g) and shall be safely stowed in a vertical position in suitable racks.
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(4) Cylinders containing acetylene and manifolded as part of a mobile acetylene trailer system must be transported in accordance with § 173.301(g) of this subchapter.
Citations to §173.301(h)
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(e) Diborane and diborane mixed with compatible compressed gas must be offered in a DOT 3AL1800 or 3AA1800 cylinder. The maximum filling density of the diborane may not exceed 7 percent. Diborane mixed with compatible compressed gas may not have a pressure exceeding the service pressure of the cylinder if complete decomposition of the diborane occurs. Cylinder valve assemblies must be protected in accordance with § 173.301(h).
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(5) Each tank must be over-packed in a strong outer packaging in conformance with § 173.301(h).