Identification Number Markings on Heating Fuel at a Customer's Residence
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration · Aug 24, 1981 · Reference No. 81-0002
Reggie’s quick take
Someone asked whether federal hazardous materials rules require identification number markings on propane tanks at a customer's home. The agency said no. Its rules cover hazardous materials in interstate transportation, or in storage tied to that transportation, such as at a terminal. Propane stored in tanks at a customer's residence falls outside those rules, so the marking requirements do not apply there. The agency added that state rules may still apply and should be checked with state authorities.
Written by AI (Claude) on Oct 22, 2026. Robots make mistakes and leave things out, so the letter below is what counts. Not legal advice.
Thank you for your recent letter forwarding correspondence from your constituent, Ms. Carrie M. Sackman of Big Sky Propane, Inc., Billings, Montana.
You asked whether the Department's Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 100-177) require identification number markings to be placed on tanks storing propane heating fuel at a customer's residence. The Department's Hazardous Materials Regulations pertain only to hazardous materials in interstate transportation or in storage incident to interstate transportation, such as in terminals. Therefore, the identification number marking requirements would not apply to the tanks your constituent uses for storage of propane at the residence of customers. However, your constituent should cheek with the State authorities about the applicability of State rules.
Your interest in this matter is appreciated.
A letter of interpretation applies the regulations to the facts the requester described. It isn’t a regulation and isn’t legal advice. The agency’s copy.