(a) A life-saving appliance, self-inflating or non-self-inflating, containing small quantities of hazardous materials that are required as part of the life-saving appliance must conform to the requirements of this section. Packagings must conform to the general packaging requirements of subpart B of this part but need not conform to the requirements of part 178 of this subchapter. The appliances must be packed, so that they cannot be accidentally activated and, except for life vests, the hazardous materials must be in inner packagings packed so as to prevent shifting within the outer packaging. The hazardous materials must be an integral part of the appliance and in quantities that do not exceed those appropriate for the actual appliance when in use.

(b) Life saving appliances may contain:

(1) Division 2.2 compressed or liquefied gases must be packaged in cylinders in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter;

(2) Signal devices (Class 1), which may include smoke and illumination signal flares;

(3) Electric storage batteries and lithium batteries (life-saving appliances containing lithium batteries must be packed in accordance with §173.185 and Special Provisions A54 and A101 as applicable.);

(4) First aid or repair kits conforming to the applicable material and quantity limitations of §173.161 of this subchapter;

(5) Strike-anywhere matches;

(6) For self-inflating life saving appliances only, cartridges power device of Division 1.4S, for purposes of the self-inflating mechanism provided that the quantity of explosives per appliance does not exceed 3.2 g; or

(7) Limited quantities of other hazardous materials.

(c) Hazardous materials in life saving appliances must be packaged as follows:

(1) Division 2.2 compressed or liquefied gases must be packaged in cylinders in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter;

(2) Signal devices (Class 1) must be in packagings that prevent them from being inadvertently activated;

(3) Strike-anywhere matches must be cushioned to prevent movement or friction in a metal or composition receptacle with a screw-type closure in a manner that prevents them from being inadvertently activated;

(4) Limited quantities of other hazardous materials must be packaged in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter; and

(5) Life-saving appliances containing no hazardous materials other than cylinders of Division 2.2 compressed or liquefied gases with no subsidiary risk, with a capacity not exceeding 120 mL, installed solely for the purpose of activating the appliance, are not subject to the provisions of this subchapter provided they are overpacked in rigid outer packagings with a maximum gross mass of 40 kg. For transportation by aircraft, such appliances must be transported as cargo and may not be carried onboard an aircraft by passengers or crewmembers in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or on their person unless specifically excepted by §175.10.

[69 FR 76158, Dec. 20, 2004, as amended at 72 FR 44950, Aug. 9, 2007; 73 FR 57006, Oct. 1, 2008; 78 FR 1089, Jan. 7, 2013; 79 FR 46039, Aug. 6, 2014]