Like several of my Labelmaster colleagues, I’m an accredited DGSA, from DGAC’s SQA affiliated training program (No one can say Dangerous Goods is short of acronyms!) and hence well versed in the ADR. What those acronyms mean is that I’m somewhat knowledgeable about European Dangerous Goods regulations as they are applied in Great Britain. As…
This July 4th, why should Class 1 Explosives get all the attention?
July 4th is coming, and one hazmat class will once again monopolize the nation’s attention—Class 1 explosives. Sure, we all ooh and aah at our local fireworks displays. Many of us may even responsibly deploy firecrackers and mini-rockets during private celebrations. (It’s safe to say the bozos captured in videos like this one are not…
Hazmat legislation: TSCA reform proves Congress can still do its job
The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act—an overdue reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, better known as TSCA—has passed both houses of Congress. President Obama will soon sign it into law. This is obviously big news for the chemical industry, but it should be big news for all…
If hazmat labels could talk: An exclusive interview
Dangerous Goods is not a Pixar movie. Hazmat labels don’t talk. But if they did, they might have some interesting things to say about the role they play in shipping compliance: Q: Tell our readers about yourself. A: I’m a PVC-free, Class 9 Miscellaneous hazard class label from Labelmaster. Q: It sounds like you say…
DG Digest: TSCA Reform Bill passes the Senate and FMCSRs require seatbelts for passengers in CMVs
Short and sweet today, but look out later this week for a detailed look at the Toxic Substance Control Act! TSCA Reform Bill: After passing the House of Representatives the previous week, the much anticipated revisions to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) have passed the Senate as well. The legislation now only requires a…
DG pro has weird allergic reaction to the words “lithium batteries”
A Midwestern Dangerous Goods professional has developed a psychosomatic reaction to the words lithium batteries, apparently resulting from overexposure to news articles, blog posts and customer inquiries about the subject. Ted—who requested his last name and company not be revealed—experiences facial skin outbreaks, headaches and nausea when he hears or reads the words lithium battery…
New video explores Dangerous Goods compliance at 30,000 feet
Mike Wentz is Manager of Cargo Compliance for American Airlines, but when he talks about his job he could be speaking for any professional in dangerous good aviation in any capacity: “I knew I’d never be comfortable in the role unless I could understand the regulations back to front and be able to communicate them…
Last name in the alphabet; first name in Dangerous Goods regulations
Jeanne Zmich, Labelmaster Vice President of Research & Development—who is retiring on June 16th— has helped define and grow the Dangerous Goods industry that we work in every day. During her four decades overseeing regulations at Labelmaster, Jeanne has achieved a number of industry milestones: She co-authored a two-volume set on compliance with the original…
7 clues that Game of Thrones is really about hazmat shipping
Every Sunday night, millions of people worldwide gather to watch a show about kings, queens, dragons and Class 3 hazmat. Yes, it’s Game of Thrones, and it’s the greatest show about Dangerous Goods ever created. What’s that? You don’t think Game of Thrones is about hazmat shipping? Here are seven uncanny similarities that will prove…