Hazardous Materials Regulations: Transportation of Compressed Oxygen, Other Oxidizing Gases and Chemical Oxygen Generators on Aircraft

Summary: RSPA proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to require that cylinders of compressed oxygen and packages of chemical oxygen generators be placed in an outer packaging that meets certain flame penetration and thermal resistance requirements when transported aboard an aircraft. RSPA is also proposing to: (1) Revise the pressure relief device setting limit on cylinders of compressed oxygen transported aboard aircraft; (2) limit the types of cylinders authorized to transport compressed oxygen aboard aircraft; (3) prohibit the transportation of all oxidizing gases, other than compressed oxygen aboard cargo and passenger aircraft; and (4) convert most of the provisions of an oxygen generator approval into the HMR. This proposal would increase the level of safety associated with transportation of these materials aboard aircraft. This proposal was developed jointly with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).