Shipping hazardous materials involves compliance with a host of applicable regulations dependent on the material and mode of transport in order to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved in the process. However, confusion over certain aspects of hazmat transport leads to repeated violations of such rules. In order to help keep shippers aware…
Changes to 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook Now Available
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently posted its summary of changes to the 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). The ERG is revised every four years in order to accommodate new product introductions, technology updates and regulatory changes. The following is the list of modifications to the 2012 ERG as provided by PHMSA:…
PHMSA Considering Harmonization with International Air Requirements for Transport of Lithium Batteries and Cells
PHMSA is attempting to breathe new life into stronger domestic shipping standards for lithium batteries with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued today. PHMSA originally issued a NPRM to address the air transportation risks posed by lithium cells and batteries more than two years ago. Since that time, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO)…
OSHA to Publish GHS Final Rule, Revise Hazcom Standard
In an effort to “improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive,” the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its Hazard Communication Standard to align it with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals,…
OSHA to Announce GHS Updates to Hazard Communication Standard in Teleconference
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a news release announcing a March 20 teleconference to provide details on the final rule that updates the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Hazard Communication Standard to align it with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals: “Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, joined by…
New Inspection Rules for Importing Hazardous Chemicals into China
China has tightened the reins on hazardous chemical imports: beginning Feb. 1, China started compulsory inspections on more than 150 hazardous chemicals and substances brought into the country, specifically focusing on GHS compliance. The Chemical Inspection and Regulation Service (CIRS) noted that this is the result of an update to China’s 2012 Catalog of Entry…
ICAO DGP Concludes Discussions, Agrees to Amend ICAO Technical Instructions to Further Reduce Risk Associated With Lithium Battery Shipments
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) held its specially scheduled working group this week at ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada. The meeting was chaired by Geoff Leach, the member nominated by the United Kingdom. Sixteen out of the 19 members were in attendance along with observers from Dangerous Goods Advisory Council…
Review of OSHA’s GHS Final Rule Concluded
UPDATE (2/23): The Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs concluded the review of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s revised hazard communication standard on Feb. 21, 2012. The rule was returned to OSHA with a “consistent with change” notice, meaning OIRA did make modifications to the proposed rule. OSHA will…
Amendment 35-10 of International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Now Mandatory
Background on the IMDG Code The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is the worldwide regulation for transporting dangerous goods by sea. The IMDG Code is written in conjunction with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The IMDG…
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011
U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) recently introduced Senate Bill 1952, known as the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011, which would amend and reauthorize the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (the “HMTA”) with the intended goal of improving hazardous materials transportation safety in the United States. The Senate legislation proposes changes to the U.S.…