Still facing questions about the requirement for vibration testing on design types, the DOT responded to such an inquiry in December 2002. Asked if the vibration standard under CFR 178.608 is required for design qualification testing only and not the periodic retesting of packagings, DOT responded that all performance tests and design qualification tests per CFR 178.603; 604, 605, 606 or 607 must be performed in accordance with 178.601(c)(1) and (c)(2) per 178.601(e). However, as stated in 178.608, each non-bulk package must be capable of withstanding, without rupture or leakage, the vibration test. This capability can be demonstrated through the package performance history using this type of packaging or by performing the vibration test. The vibration test is not required to be performed for non-bulk packagings. For certain packagings such as IBC‘s, the test must be conducted for both design type and periodic retesting.
DOT/UN