---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 178.816"
title: "49"
number: "178.816"
heading: "Topple test."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/178.816"
---

# §178.816. Topple test.

- (a) **General.** The topple test must be conducted for the qualification of all flexible IBC design types.
- (b) **Special preparation for the topple test.** The flexible IBC must be filled to not less than 95 percent of its capacity and to its maximum net mass, with the load being evenly distributed.
- (c) **Test method.** A flexible IBC must be toppled onto any part of its top upon a rigid, non-resilient, smooth, flat, and horizontal surface.
- (d) **Topple height.** For all flexible IBCs, the topple height is specified as follows:
  - (1) **Packing Group I—** 1.8 m (5.9 feet).
  - (2) **Packing Group II—** 1.2 m (3.9 feet).
  - (3) **Packing Group III—** 0.8 m (2.6 feet).
- (e) **Criteria for passing the test.** For all flexible IBCs, there may be no loss of contents. A slight discharge (e.g., from closures or stitch holes) upon impact is not considered to be a failure, provided no further leakage occurs.

## Notes

### Amendments

[Amdt. 178-103, 59 FR 38074, July 26, 1994, as amended at 66 FR 45386, Aug. 28, 2001]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.97.

### Amendments

[Amdt. 178-103, 59 FR 38074, July 26, 1994, as amended at 66 FR 45386, Aug. 28, 2001]