[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 185 (Wednesday, September 24, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56989-56990]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-22705]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 173

[Docket No. PHMSA-2013-0205; Notice No. 14-4]


Clarification on Fireworks Policy Regarding Display Mines

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Clarification.

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SUMMARY: This document clarifies PHMSA's policy regarding applications 
for classification approval of Display Mines provided they conform to 
the acceptable criteria described in this guidance, and otherwise 
comply with the APA Standard 87-1 requirements.

DATES: September 24, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ryan Paquet, Director, Approvals 
and Permits Division, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, (202) 366-
4512, PHMSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

    In this document, PHMSA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety 
(OHMS) is issuing this policy regarding its classification approval of 
Display Mines, which describes acceptable criteria for these types of 
fireworks. PHMSA previously evaluated and approved these devices; 
however, PHMSA has not previously published guidance regarding the 
approval of these types of fireworks. This clarification will help 
fireworks manufacturers and their U.S. designated agents that file 
applications on their behalf, to provide accurate applications to PHMSA 
for approval, which will minimize the delay in processing these 
applications, while sustaining the current level of safety.

II. Background

    PHMSA's OHMS, Approvals and Permits Division, receives approval 
applications for various types of fireworks, including Division 1.3G 
Display Mines. Division 1.3G fireworks applications may be approved in 
accordance with subpart C of part 173 of the Hazardous Materials 
Regulations (HMR, 49 CFR parts 171-180). Division 1.3G fireworks 
applicants have the option for obtaining an EX classification approval 
without prior testing by a DOT-approved explosive test laboratory, 
provided that the firework device is manufactured in accordance with 
the APA Standard 87-1 and passes a thermal stability test as required 
by Sec.  173.64(a)(1) and (2). The APA Standard 87-1 currently does not 
specifically address Display Mines; however, it does provide the 
requirements for display shells.
    Display Mines that conform to the acceptable criteria described in 
this guidance, and all applicable requirements in the APA Standard 87-
1, (e.g., chemical compositions and shell diameter sizes), may be 
submitted to PHMSA for approval classification.

III. Guidelines for Display Mines

    PHMSA considers a Display Mine to be a cylindrical or spherical 
cartridge that contains a propelling charge and does not contain a 
primary burst charge or a main delay fuse. Internal effects (e.g. 
crossettes or small display shells) are permitted to contain a burst 
charge and an internal delay fuse. The internal effects are launched 
from a tube by the propelling charge. Display Mines range from 2 inches 
(50mm) to 10 inches (250mm) in exterior diameter and are classed as 
UN0335, Fireworks, Division 1.3G.
    To be accepted for review and consideration, PHMSA expects Display 
Mines to be designed so that they (1) will not leak pyrotechnic 
composition during transportation in accordance with Sec.  173.54(c); 
and (2) are constructed of sturdy materials, such as (but not

[[Page 56990]]

limited to) plastic, Kraft paper, or cardboard. Designs must meet the 
requirements of 49 CFR 173.56(b) or 173.64, the APA Standard 87-1 and 
must pass a thermal stability test as required by Sec.  173.64(a)(2).

    Issued in Washington, DC, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 
1.97.
William S. Schoonover,
Deputy Associate Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2014-22705 Filed 9-23-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P