Where in the hazardous materials regulations does it tell me what torque or what kind of torque wrench to use to close a drum?
The hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 100–185) do not provide any guidance on the torque or torque wrench needed to close drums. The regulations require that the manufacturer of a package provide written information to the buyer on how to prepare and close the package for shipment [49 CFR 178.2(c)]. In addition, under the “Shipper’s Responsibilities” regulations in 49 CFR 173.22, the shipper is required to assure that the package has been assembled according to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 178. For additional insight, review page 52408 of the December 21, 1990, Federal Register, where the DOT discusses the shipper’s responsibility to close packages in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. To determine the acceptable range of torque, and the appropriate torque wrench to use, contact the manufacturer of the specific drums to be closed.
