As the holidays approach, many retail companies will see an influx of product returns due to extremely liberal return policies geared to attract customers. Retailers’ employees, though, don’t always recognize the potential hazards inherent in some consumer products. As a result, they may unknowingly violate federal laws and regulations, and put many at risk. Improperly…
ICAO Considering Tighter Restrictions for Shipments of Lithium Batteries
While the International Civil Aviation Organization Dangerous Goods Panel recently declined to implement more stringent rules for shipping lithium batteries, the group has agreed to convene a special session early next year, at which time it is expected they will reconsider the matter. Last month, the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) considered a working paper…
OSHA GHS Implementation Advances to OMB
After a few weeks of delays, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) submitted its revised hazard communication standard, which implements the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), to the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for final review on Oct. 25. The OIRA…
OSHA GHS Implementation Remains in Regulatory Limbo
September has come and gone without the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiling its revised Hazard Communication Standard. As mentioned in our previous post, OSHA is in the final stages of a rule-making process that will modify the current hazard communication standard to incorporate elements of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling…
Recent Changes to US Hazard Communication Requirements for Labels, Placards and IBCs
On July 20, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published final rule HM-218F, which adopted various amendments to the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations in order to update and clarify certain regulatory requirements. By implementing these amendments, PHMSA hopes to: promote safer transportation practices; eliminate unnecessary regulatory requirements; finalize outstanding petitions for rulemaking; facilitate…
New FedEx Ground Hazardous Materials Shipping Requirement Takes Effect Next Month
Beginning Aug. 1, 2011, FedEx Ground is implementing a new hazardous materials shipping rule that requires hazardous materials documentation be completed and submitted electronically. The new requirement is intended to reduce data entry errors and provide accurate information to emergency responders in the event of an incident. FedEx Ground will require all shippers to complete…
Implementation of Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations Still in a Holding Pattern
More than a year-and-a-half after the publication of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s HM-224F Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the path to a published rule remains elusive. At this current juncture, it appears PHMSA has yet to receive any direction on how to proceed in relation to the many controversial proposed requirements in…