Regulation Updates
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Current updates, changes and proposals from all major hazardous materials and dangerous goods regulatory organizations and government bodies.
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July 26, 2011PHMSA/DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation: Revisions of Special Permits Procedures; Response to Appeals; Corrections PHMSA–2009–0410 (HM– 233B)Summary: This is a summary of Commission's document, Report No. 2931, released June 20, 2011. The full text of this document is available for viewing and copying in Room CY–B402, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC or may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc. (BCPI) |
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June 28, 2011PHMSA/DOT Notification of Anticipated Delay in Administrative Appeal Decisions: PHMSA-2011-0132Notice Summary: This notice advises the public that PHMSA is currently reviewing numerous administrative appeals (i.e., petitions for reconsideration) on recently issued final rules. In accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, this notice provides notification to parties having brought certain administrative appeals of the anticipated delay in processing these administrative appeals. |
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June 27, 2011PHMSA/DOT Final Rule: PHMSA–2011–0102 (HM–145O) Hazardous Hazardous Materials: Revision to the List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable QuantitiesSummary: PHMSA amends the Hazardous Materials Regulations by removing saccharin and its salts from the list of hazardous substances and reportable quantities. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, requires PHMSA to list and regulate all hazardous substances designated by statute or by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA recently removed saccharin and its salts from their list of hazardous substances through notice and comment rulemaking. This final rule simply harmonizes the lists to better enable shippers and carriers to identify the affected hazardous substances, comply with all applicable regulatory requirements, and make required notifications if the release of a hazardous substance occurs. |
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February 1, 2011
FMCSA/DOT Notice of proposed rulemaking: FMCSA-2010-0167 (HM–213D) Hazardous Materials: Safety Requirements for External Product Piping on Cargo Tanks Transporting Flammable LiquidsSummary: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposes to amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to require certain motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce to use electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) to document their drivers' hours of service (HOS). Under this proposal, all motor carriers currently required to maintain Records of Duty Status (RODS) for HOS recordkeeping would be required to use EOBRs to systematically and effectively monitor their drivers' compliance with HOS requirements. Additionally, this proposal sets forth the supporting documents that all motor carriers currently required to use RODS would still be required to obtain and keep, as required by section 113(a) of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Authorization Act (HMTAA). It explains, however, that although motor carriers subject to the proposed EOBR requirements would still need to retain some supporting documents, they would be relieved of the requirements to retain supporting documents to verify driving time. FMCSA also proposes to require all motor carriers––both RODS and timecard users––to systematically monitor their drivers' compliance with HOS requirements. Motor carriers would be given 3 years after the effective date of the final rule to comply with these requirements. |
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January 27, 2011
PHMSA/DOT Notice of proposed rulemaking: PHMSA–2009–0303 Electronic On-Board Recorders and Hours of Service Supporting DocumentsSummary: PHMSA is proposing to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to prohibit the transportation of flammable liquids in unprotected external product piping on DOT specification cargo tank motor vehicles. If adopted as proposed, these amendments will reduce fatalities and injuries that result from accidents during transportation involving the release of flammable liquid from unprotected external product piping. |
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August 24, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Notice of proposed rulemaking: PHMSA–2009–0126 (HM–215K) Hazardous Materials: Harmonization With the United Nations Recommendations, International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, and the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by AirSummary: PHMSA proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to maintain alignment with international standards by incorporating various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements. These revisions are necessary to harmonize the Hazardous Materials Regulations with recent changes made to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods—Model Regulations. |
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August 5, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Notice of proposed rulemaking: PHMSA–2009–0410 (HM–233B) Hazardous Materials Transportation: Revisions of Special Permits ProceduresSummary: PHMSA is proposing to revise its procedures for applying for a special permit to require an applicant to provide sufficient information about its operations to enable the agency to evaluate the applicant’s fitness and the safety impact of operations that would be authorized in the special permit. In addition, PHMSA is providing an on- line application option. |
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July 28, 2010
FRA/DOT Final Rule: FRA–2004–17530 Inflation Adjustment of the Ordinary Maximum and Aggravated Maximum Civil Monetary Penalties for a Violation of the Hazardous Material Transportation Laws and RegulationsSummary: FRA is adjusting the ordinary maximum penalty and the aggravated maximum penalty that it will apply when assessing a civil monetary penalty for a violation of the Federal hazardous material transportation laws or a regulation, special permit, or approval issued under those laws. The aggravated maximum penalty is available only for a violation that results in death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property. In particular, FRA is increasing the ordinary maximum civil monetary penalty per violation from $50,000 to $55,000 and the aggravated maximum civil penalty from $100,000 to $110,000. The minimum civil monetary penalty for a violation related to training remains at $450. The minimum civil monetary penalty per violation for other hazardous material violations remains at $250. These adjustments are required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996. |
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July 28, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Notice of proposed rulemaking: PHMSA–2005–22987 (HM–238) Hazardous Materials: Requirements for the Storage of Explosives During TransportationSummary: PHMSA, in coordination with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is proposing to enhance existing attendance requirements for explosives stored during transportation by designating the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 498 as the Federally approved standard for the construction and maintenance of safe havens used for unattended storage of Division 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 explosives. |
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July 26, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Notice of proposed rulemaking: PHMSA–2010–0017 (HM–245) Hazardous Materials: Incorporation of Certain Cargo Tank Special Permits Into RegulationsSummary: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is proposing to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to incorporate provisions contained in certain widely used or longstanding cargo tank special permits that are granted to multiple parties and have an established safety record. Special permits allow a company or individual to package or ship a hazardous material in a manner that varies from the regulations provided an equivalent level of safety is maintained. The proposed revisions are intended to provide wider access to the regulatory flexibility offered in the special permits and eliminate the need for numerous renewal requests, thereby, facilitating commerce activity and reducing paperwork burdens while maintaining an appropriate level of safety. |
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April 5, 2010
FMCSA/DOT Final Rule: FMCSA–2004–18940 Electronic On-Board Recorders for Hours-of-Service ComplianceSummary: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to incorporate new performance standards for electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) installed in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) manufactured on or after June 4, 2012. On-board hours-of-service (HOS) recording devices meeting FMCSA's current requirements and installed in CMVs manufactured before June 4, 2012 may continue to be used for the remainder of the service life of those CMVs. |
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April 5, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Advance notice of proposed rulemaking: PHMSA–2009–0241 (HM–242) Hazardous Materials Regulations: Combustible LiquidsSummary: PHMSA is considering amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) as they apply to the transportation of combustible liquids. Specifically, we are considering whether to harmonize the domestic regulations applicable to the transportation of combustible liquids with international transportation standards. In addition, we are examining ways to revise, clarify, or relax certain regulatory requirements to facilitate the transportation of these materials while maintaining an adequate level of safety. The intent of this ANPRM is to invite public comments on how to accomplish these goals, provide an opportunity for comment on amendments PHMSA is considering, and present a forum for the public to offer additional recommendations for the safe transportation of combustible liquids. |
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March 9, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Final Rule: PHMSA–06–25885 (HM–232F) Hazardous Materials: Risk-Based Adjustment of Transportation Security Plan RequirementsSummary: PHMSA, in consultation with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is modifying current security plan requirements applicable to the commercial transportation of hazardous materials by air, rail, vessel, and highway. Based on an evaluation of the security threats associated with specific types and quantities of hazardous materials, the final rule narrows the list of materials subject to security plan requirements and reduces associated regulatory costs and paperwork burden. The final rule also clarifies certain requirements related to security planning, training, and documentation. |
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March 5, 2010
FMCSA/DOT Notice of public listening session: FMCSA–2004–19608 Hours of ServiceSummary: FMCSA announces that it will hold a fifth public listening session (in addition to the four sessions held in January 2010) to solicit comments and information on potential hours-of- service (HOS) regulations. Specifically, the Agency wants to know what factors, issues, and data it should be aware of as it prepares to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on HOS requirements for property-carrying commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This session will be held in the Louisville, Kentucky area in conjunction with the Mid-America Trucking Show. The listening session will allow interested persons to present comments, views, and relevant research on revisions FMCSA should consider in its forthcoming rulemaking. All comments will be transcribed and placed in the rulemaking docket for the FMCSA's consideration. |
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March 5, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Safety Advisory Notice: PHMSA–2010–0046 Use of Composite Cargo Tanks Manufactured Under DOT Special PermitsSummary: This safety advisory is issued to remind all persons who manufacture or use composite cargo tank motor vehicles authorized under DOT special permits of the requirement to conduct testing to ensure that the material to be transported in the cargo tank is compatible with the materials used in the construction of the cargo tank. |
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February 2, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Final Rule: PHMSA–06–25736 (HM–231) Hazardous Material; Miscellaneous Packaging AmendmentsSummary: In this final rule, PHMSA is amending packaging requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations to enhance compliance flexibility, improve clarity, and reduce regulatory burdens. Specifically, we are revising several packaging related definitions; adding provisions to allow more flexibility when preparing and transmitting closure instructions, including conditions under which closure instructions may be transmitted electronically; adding a requirement for shippers to retain packaging closure instructions; incorporating new language that will allow for a practicable means of stenciling the "UN" symbol on packagings; and clarifying a requirement to document the methodology used when determining whether a change in packaging configuration requires retesting as a new design or may be considered a variation of a previously tested design. This final rule also incorporates requirements for construction, maintenance, and use of Large Packagings. |
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February 2, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): PHMSA–2009–0201 (HM–208H) Hazardous Materials Transportation; Registration and Fee Assessment ProgramSummary: PHMSA is proposing to adjust the statutorily-mandated registration and fee assessment program for persons who transport, or offer for transportation, certain categories and quantities of hazardous materials. PHMSA's proposal would provide that, for registration years beginning in 2010– 2011, the annual fee to be paid by those registrants not qualifying as a small business or not-for-profit organization would increase from $975 (plus a $25 administrative fee) to $2,975 (plus a $25 administrative fee). The proposed fee increase is necessary to fund the national Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grants program at its authorized level of approximately $28,000,000. |
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February 1, 2010
Errata for IMDG Code, 2008 Edition (Amendment 34-08) Now Available in FrenchAlready available in English and Spanish, the French version of the latest corrections to the IMDG Code are now available. The errata was originally published on December 1, 2009. |
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February 1, 2010
OSHA/DOL Proposed rule; announcement of public meeting: OSHA–2009–0044Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting RequirementsSummary: OSHA is proposing to revise its Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting (Recordkeeping) regulation to restore a column to the OSHA 300 Log that employers would use to record work- related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The 2001 Recordkeeping final regulation included an MSD column, but the requirement was deleted before the regulation became effective. This proposed rule would require employers to place a check mark in the MSD column, instead of the column they currently mark, if a case is an MSD that meets the Recordkeeping regulation's general recording requirements. |
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January 14, 2010
FAA/DOT Final Rule: FAA–2009–0767Use of Additional Portable Oxygen Concentrator Devices on Board AircraftSummary: This action amends Special Federal Aviation Regulation 106 (SFAR 106), Use of Certain Portable Oxygen Concentrator Devices on Board Aircraft, to allow for the use of four additional portable oxygen concentrator (POC) devices on board aircraft, provided certain conditions in the SFAR are met. This action is necessary to allow all POC devices deemed acceptable by the FAA to be available to the traveling public in need of oxygen therapy, for use in air commerce. When this rule becomes effective, there will be a total of 11 different POC devices the FAA finds acceptable for use on board aircraft, and passengers will be able to carry these devices on board the aircraft and use them with the approval of the aircraft operator. |
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January 12, 2010
Coast Guard/DHS Notice of request for comments: USCG–2009–1079Cargo Securing Methods for Packages in Transport Vehicles or Freight ContainersSummary: The Coast Guard seeks comments from the public on methods for securing cargo in transport vehicles and freight containers in order to determine if a standardized approval or certification process or improved performance criteria for flexible strapping securing systems is needed. Under current U.S. regulations and international codes, there is no certification or qualification standard for blocking, bracing, or for the use of strapping systems for securing cargo. Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting in any direction during transport. Packages of hazardous materials must be braced and dunnaged within a container so that they are not likely to be pierced or crushed and the materials must be in proper condition for transportation. Currently, the specific method for securing cargo is left to the discretion of the individual or company packing the container. The Coast Guard is considering whether there is a need for a standardized certification or approval process for cargo securing systems. |
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January 4, 2010
OSHA/DOL Proposed Rule: OSHA–H022K–2006–0062 Hazard CommunicationSummary: OSHA is scheduling informal public hearings on its proposal to revise the Hazard Communication Standard. OSHA anticipates receiving several hearing requests, and this document describes the procedures the public must use to participate in the hearings. |
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January 4, 2010
TSA/DHS Proposed Rule: TSA–2004–17131 Aircraft Repair Station SecuritySummary: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the comment period on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) regarding the Aircraft Repair Station Security Program published on November 18, 2009. TSA has decided to grant, in part, two requests for an extension of the comment period and will extend the comment period for thirty (30) days. The comment period will now end on February 19, 2010, instead of January 19, 2010. |
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January 4, 2010
PHMSA/DOT Final Rule: PHMSA–2009–0411 Hazardous Materials: Adjustment of Maximum and Minimum Civil PenaltiesSummary: PHMSA is adjusting the maximum and minimum civil penalties for a knowing violation of the Federal hazardous material transportation law or a regulation, order, special permit, or approval issued under that law. The maximum civil penalty is increased to $55,000, and to $110,000 for a violation that results in death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property. The minimum civil penalty is increased to $275, and to $495 for a violation related to training. These adjustments are required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996. |
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January 4, 2010
FMCSA/DOT Final Rule: FMCSA–2005–23315 Requirements for Intermodal Equipment Providers and for Motor Carriers and Drivers Operating Intermodal EquipmentSummary: FMCSA amends its December 17, 2008, final rule implementing section 4118 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU). The 2008 final rule makes intermodal equipment providers (IEPs) subject to certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), and establishes shared safety responsibility among IEPs, motor carriers, and drivers. These amendments create a fifth marking option for identifying the IEP responsible for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of items of intermodal equipment (IME) in response to a petition for reconsideration from the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA); clarify regulatory text and correct an inadvertent error in response to a petition for reconsideration from the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (OCEMA); and extend the deadline for IEPs, motor carriers, and drivers operating IME to comply with certain provisions pertaining to driver-vehicle inspections in response to a petition filed by OCEMA. |
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December 23, 2009
Coast Guard/DHS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): USCG–2004–19963 Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous CargoesSummary: On December 16, 2005, the Coast Guard published an interim rule that defined "certain dangerous cargo residue" (CDC residue). After reviewing comments on the interim rule, the Coast Guard proposes to change that definition to include certain bulk liquids and liquefied gases in residue quantities. Based on changes to the CDC residue definition, the Coast Guard also proposes to revise the definition of "certain dangerous cargo." Additionally, the Coast Guard intends to adopt changes made to 33 CFR part 104 and 105 by the 2005 interim rule. |
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December 22, 2009
PHMSA/DOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): PHMSA–2009–0289 (HM–233A) Hazardous Materials: Incorporation of Special Permits Into RegulationsSummary: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is proposing to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to incorporate provisions contained in certain widely used or longstanding special permits that have an established safety record. Special permits allow a company or individual to package or ship a hazardous material in a manner that varies from the regulations so long as an equivalent level of safety is maintained. The proposed revisions are intended to provide wider access to the regulatory flexibility offered in special permits and eliminate the need for numerous renewal requests, thus reducing paperwork burdens and facilitating commerce while maintaining an appropriate level of safety. |
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April 17, 2009
PHMSA/DOT Final Rule FR Doc. E9–7825: PHMSA–2006–25910 (HM-218E) Hazardous Materials: Miscellaneous Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle and Cylinder Issues; Petitions for RulemakingSummary: PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations to revise certain requirements applicable to the manufacture, maintenance, and use of DOT and MC specification cargo tank motor vehicles, DOT specification cylinders and UN pressure receptacles. The revisions are based on petitions for rulemaking submitted by the regulated community and are intended to enhance the safe transportation of hazardous materials in commerce, clarify regulatory requirements, and reduce operating burdens on cargo tank and cylinder manufacturers, requalifiers, carriers, shippers, and users. The most significant amendment adopted in this final rule addresses a safety issue identified by the National Transportation Safety Board concerning the transportation of compressed gases in cylinders mounted on motor vehicles or in frames, commonly referred to as tube trailers. |
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October 2, 2008
PHMSA/DOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) 73 FR 57281: PHMSA-2005-22356 Hazardous Materials Regulations: Enhanced Enforcement Authority ProceduresSummary: PHMSA is proposing to issue rules implementing certain inspection, investigation, and enforcement authority conferred on the Secretary of Transportation by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety and Security Reauthorization Act of 2005. The proposed rules would establish procedures for: (1) The inspection and opening of packages to identify undeclared or non-compliant shipments; (2) the temporary detention and inspection of suspicious packages; and (3) the issuance of emergency orders (restrictions, prohibitions, recalls, and out-of-service orders) to address unsafe conditions or practices posing an imminent hazard. These new inspection and enforcement procedures will enhance DOT's ability to respond immediately and effectively to conditions or practices that pose serious threats to life, property, or the environment. |
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October 2, 2008
PHMSA/DOT Final Rule 73 FR 57001: PHMSA-2008-0227 (HM-244A) Hazardous Materials Regulations: Minor Editorial Corrections and ClarificationsEffective Date: 10/1/2008 Summary: This final rule corrects editorial errors, makes minor regulatory changes and, in response to requests for clarification, improves the clarity of certain provisions in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The intended effect of this rule is to enhance the accuracy and reduce misunderstandings of the regulations. The amendments contained in this rule are non-substantive changes. |
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August 4, 2008
PHMSA/DOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): PHMSA-2008-0005 (HM-215J)SUMMARY: PHMSA proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to maintain alignment with international standards by incorporating various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements. These revisions are necessary to harmonize the Hazardous Materials Regulations with recent changes to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. |
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July 14, 2008
UPDATE – BDP International: BDP External Advisory – 8 July '08, issue 7 »Presentation regarding the 2008 Beijing OlympicsChinese Transportation and Production DG RestrictionsSome water carriers are reporting that they recently received correspondence from their Asian operations that indicate that the materials indicated below will not be accepted at the Port of Shanghai from July 20 - Aug 31, 2008. The US DOT notes that there are on-going discussions with the Chinese government representatives and they hope to be able to continue to make progress with narrowing the list of materials that will be restricted. Due to Olympic Games in China, the Shanghai Port Authority will not accept the dangerous goods cargo listed below from July 20 - Aug 31:
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June 18, 2008
IATA Releases Addendum II to 49th Edition Dangerous Goods RegulationsThis 4-page addendum includes updates to sections 2, 4, 5, and Packing Instruction 200. All changes highlighted in yellow. Download now » 52KB PDF |
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ICAO Releases Addendum II to 2007-2008 Edition Technical InstructionsThis 2-page addendum contains 11 updates to the publication. Download now » 24KB PDF |
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May 5, 2008
PHMSA/DOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): HM-208GMay 5, 2008—Docket No. PHMSA-2008-0010 has been published. SUMMARY: This rule proposes to amend the statutorily-mandated registration and fee assessment program for persons who transport, or offer for transportation, certain categories and quantities of hazardous materials. For those registrants not qualifying as a small business or not-for-profit organization, we are proposing to increase the fee from $975 (plus a $25 administrative fee) to $2,475 (plus a $25 administrative fee) for registration year 2009-2010 and following years. The proposed fee increase is necessary to fund the national Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grants program at approximately $28,000,000 in accordance with the Administration's Fiscal Year 2008 budget. |
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May 1, 2008
PHMSA/DOT Final Rule PHMSA–2006–25446 (HM–243) PublishedApril 21, 2008—Docket No. PHMSA–2006–25446 has been published. SUMMARY: PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to permit certain fuel cell cartridges and fuel cell systems designed for portable electronic devices to be transported by passengers and crew in carry-on baggage on board passenger-carrying aircraft. Fuel cell cartridges and fuel cell systems are an emerging energy technology developed to provide a more efficient, longer-lasting, and renewable power source for electrically operated equipment. This final rule prescribes regulations for transporting fuel cells containing flammable liquids, including methanol; formic acid; certain borohydride materials; or butane that meet certain performance and consumer use standards. PHMSA is issuing this final rule in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). |
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April 21, 2008
PHMSA/DOT Interim Final Rule PHMSA-RSPA-2004-18730 PublishedApril 21, 2008—Docket No. PHMSA-RSPA-2004-18730 has been published. SUMMARY: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, is revising the current requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials transported in commerce by rail. This interim final rule fulfills requirements in Section 1551 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. |
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April 1, 2008
PHMSA/DOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): HM-246April 1, 2008—NPRM HM-246 has been published. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration are proposing revisions to the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations to improve the crashworthiness protection of railroad tank cars designed to transport poison inhalation hazard materials. Specifically, we are proposing enhanced tank car performance standards for head and shell impacts; operational restrictions for trains hauling tank cars containing PIH materials; interim operational restrictions for trains hauling tank cars not meeting the enhanced performance standards; and an allowance to increase the gross weight of tank cars that meet the enhanced tank-head and shell puncture-resistance systems. |
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February 20, 2008
Amendment 6 to the TDG Regulations has been published by Transport CanadaFebruary 20, 2008—Transport Canada has published the sixth amendment to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations in Gazette II of the Canada Gazette, the official newspaper of the Government of Canada. See the amendment in its entirety on the Canada Gazette official website. |
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January 28, 2008
PHMSA/DOT Final Rule HM-218D PublishedJanuary 28, 2008—Final Rule PHMSA-05-21812 (HM-218D) will be effective October 10, 2008. PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations to update, clarify or provide relief from certain requirements governing the classification, packaging, or labeling of hazardous materials transported in commerce. Among other provisions, PHMSA is adopting a new proper shipping name and identification number for fuel blends composed of ethanol and gasoline. In addition, PHMSA is updating references to consensus standards, revising and clarifying certain hazard communication requirements, and clarifying transportation requirements applicable to dry ice, detonator assemblies, and explosives. PHMSA is also expanding exceptions from regulation for small quantities of hazardous materials. |
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January 23, 2008
IMDG Amendments Entered Into Force as of January 1, 2008This 3-page IMO briefing describes all amendments to the IMDG Code that have come into force on January 1, 2008. |
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January 17, 2008
European Chemicals Agency drafts fees for REACHJanuary 17, 2008—A draft of the EC REACH fees regulation has been made available prior to its final publication, following its agreement at a comitology meeting this past December 10. The regulation will establish the authority for ECHA to collect fees and charges for the registration of substances, updates to the registration of substances, requests for confidentiality, PPORD notifications, authorisations and appeals, and lists those fees and charges. See all the details here. |
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January 9, 2008
PHMSA/DOT Final Rule HM-145N PublishedJanuary 7, 2008—Final Rule PHMSA-2006-28711 (HM-145N) is now effective. The PHMSA has revised the list of hazardous substances and reportable quantities (RQs), and has also corrected errors in existing entries. Additionally, this final rule includes updates affected by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (commonly known as Superfund). |