Regulations last checked for updates: Feb 13, 2026

Title 49 - Transportation last revised: Feb 03, 2026
§ 178.338-12 - Shear section.

Unless the valve is located in a rear cabinet forward of and protected by the bumper (see § 178.338-10(c)), the design and installation of each valve, damage to which could result in loss of liquid or vapor, must incorporate a shear section or breakage groove adjacent to, and outboard of, the valve. The shear section or breakage groove must yield or break under strain without damage to the valve that would allow the loss of liquid or vapor. The protection specified in § 178.338-10 is not a substitute for a shear section or breakage groove.

[Amdt. 178-77, 49 FR 24316, June 12, 1984]
authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.97
cite as: 49 CFR 178.338-12