As the weather begins to turn for the better in most places, the regulatory world stays busy. Here are the past week’s notables: U.S. D.O.T. Announced its latest five-year research and development plan and asked for public input to its development. The plan gets used as a guide to help decide things like funding priorities…
USDOT/PHMSA formalizes requirements for “Reverse Logistics”
In today’s edition of the US Federal Register, the United States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule under Docket # PHMSA-2011-0143 (HM-253), RIN 2137-AE82 under which the agency sets forth specific rules to regulate the transport of materials under the so-called “Reverse Logistics” principle. This function…
DG Digest: OSHA, the EPA and Canada Round Out a Busy Week
After a holiday weekend for many, we’re back on task with the most recent doings in the world of Dangerous Goods, EH&S, and other relevant regulations: OSHA: It seems that the agency’s effort to develop a rule dealing with so-called “Combustible Dusts” may be faltering. Apparently OSHA has pushed the issuance of any NPRM off…
DG Digest: FRA Minimum Crews, PHMSA Special Permits, and Coast Guard Drones
Welcome to Spring! Here’s the latest news from another busy week in the world of Dangerous Goods, EH&S, and associated regulations: Federal Railroad Administration: The FRA issued a new proposed rule which would mandate two-person minimum crews for all trains operating with certain commodities and under certain conditions; this in continued response to the Lac…
DG Digest: MH370 Anniversary Fuels Speculation, Guide to Paraquat Hazard Mitigation
Another busy week in the world of Dangerous Goods, EH&S, and associated regulations: FMCSA: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended the comment period for its proposed rulemaking revising the way in it assigns “Carrier Safety Fitness Determinations.” These determinations can be important to carriers for reasons like frequency of inspections, insurance costs, and…
DG Digest: From OSHA’s “Flashpoint” Definition to FRA’s Quiet Zones
Another eventful week on the DG/Transport Scene! OSHA OSHA issued a revised definition of “Flashpoint,” correcting a CFR omission in its most recent iteration of the 29 CFR. OSHA has partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) to create a new informational website which offers greatly enhanced safety guidance for users…
DG Digest: One February 29th Every 4 Years Means Everything Happens That Day!
Leap Year’s Day brings with it a plethora of DG news to start the week: Transport Canada Released a request for response to proposed amendments to its own Dangerous Goods regulations. The new amendments cover, in general terms, training requirements, further efforts to harmonize US and Canadian efforts in the DG field, and a very…
DG Digest: China Transport Ministry Update, Battery Manufacturers Meet on OSHA, and RCC Webinar Information
Feb 9th – China In overseas news, the Transport Ministry of the People’s Republic of China has published new guidelines reinforcing the safety of handling of explosives, ammonia, and other materials of high concern at its ports of entry. The work comes after last summer’s deadly fire and explosions in the Chinese port city of…
DG Digest: Star Wars criminal complaint, TDGR harmonization, and so much more!
The run-up to Valentine’s Day was not without interest in the world of Dangerous Goods and EH&S. Among the many highlights in a rather eventful week: February 9 The FRA issued a new rule regarding improved window glazing strength in all new locomotives and passenger carrying cars. The action comes as increased focus on railroad…
DG Digest: More Lithium Battery News, PHMSA Special Permits and FRA Fines Hit Record Heights
Several items of note occurred in the DG world last week, with new and revised regulations affecting everything from Limited Quantities to Lithium Batteries and a vital Federal Agency noting that its enforcement penalties were way up: ICAO/IATA Lithium Battery Rules Changes Both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association…