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What Does that Word Mean? (Chime)

By August 16, 2018September 12th, 2019Regulations

Blue Hazmat Drums

Updated Training

ICC Compliance Center constantly evaluates our courses to be sure they are the most up-to-date with current versions of the regulations.  Our Regulatory Team works hard to make sure the information we get you is complete and correct. In that regard, I am in the process of revising and updating our course on shipping reduced amounts of materials. It will focus on the options outlined in the US 49 CFR and the IATA regulation. We are talking about a focused course on the topics of small quantities, excepted quantities, limited quantities and consumer commodities.

During the course of the update, I came across an odd word in regards to drums under the Excepted Quantities exception. It was one not familiar to me at all even after 10 years of being in the “business.” Of course, my first thought was to look in the definitions or glossary section of the regulations. It wasn’t there. Then I tried to Google it. No luck. At this point, it was time to reach out to the Team. Sure enough, within minutes there was the answer and even where I could find it for future reference.

Defining “Chime”

What was the word? It was the word “chime.” In both 49 CFR and IATA for Excepted Quantities is the package test requirement that must be met for drums. It says that when the package is in the shape of a drum, it must be dropped in each of the following attitudes:

  • Diagonally on the top chime, with the center of gravity directly above the point of impact
  • Diagonally on the base chime;
  • Flat on the side

As to what it means, according to the International Trade Center, a chime is defined as:

Chime
The projecting rim around the ends of a metal or composite package where they are joined to the body.

Another definition that was supplied is an outer edge or rim of a container that extends beyond the top or bottom heads. Now for a visual learner like me that wasn’t very helpful. Thankfully one of my colleagues knows that and sent the following picture. Each one of those rounded edges that sticks out is a chime.

This just goes to show even folks that have been doing this job for quite few years can always learn something. It might be worth your time to go back to the regulations and re-read a section that you think you know. Now is also the time to see when your training expires or when new versions of the regulations are available for purchase. Call ICC Compliance Center today to see how we can help. Stay tuned for an announcement about this update course. It will be available in various formats including pre-recorded webinars and live, instructor lead courses.

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