49 CFR § 178.816 - Topple test.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s178.816"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 178.816 - Topple test."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "178.816"
section_name: "Topple test."
chapter_name: "PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS"
part_number: "178"
part_name: "SPECIFICATIONS FOR PACKAGINGS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.97."
cfr_part: "178"
---


# 178.816 Topple test.

(a) *General.* The topple test must be conducted for the qualification of all flexible IBC design types.

(b) *Special preparation for the topple test.* The flexible IBC must be filled to not less than 95 percent of its capacity and to its maximum net mass, with the load being evenly distributed.

(c) *Test method.* A flexible IBC must be toppled onto any part of its top upon a rigid, non-resilient, smooth, flat, and horizontal surface.

(d) *Topple height.* For all flexible IBCs, the topple height is specified as follows:

(1) Packing Group I: 1.8 m (5.9 feet).

(2) Packing Group II: 1.2 m (3.9 feet).

(3) Packing Group III: 0.8 m (2.6 feet).

(e) *Criteria for passing the test.* For all flexible IBCs, there may be no loss of contents. A slight discharge (e.g., from closures or stitch holes) upon impact is not considered to be a failure, provided no further leakage occurs.

[Amdt. 178-103, 59 FR 38074, July 26, 1994, as amended at 66 FR 45386, Aug. 28, 2001]