As we publish, it’s Tax Day! Are you ready? Hopefully everyone has things under control for the year. It’s always an adventure. Meanwhile, it was an eventful regulatory week as PHMSA published its long awaited HM-215Q harmonization rule. Let’s dive right in:
PHMSA
As just noted, the final rule updating international harmonization was published. The HM-215Q catches the US up to the current IATA and IMDG Code requirements (all UNMR based) and it should make life a little easier those engage din multi-modal shipping. Here are some highlights:
- New incorporation by reference (ICR) updating the international regulations that the 49 CFR allows use of and reference to in some situations (Part 171)
- Revisions and corrections to table entries in the HMT (Part 172.101), including the removal of UN1169 and corresponding to the Proper Shipping Name of UN1197
- A variety of changes to Special Provisions including A54 dealing with lithium batteries in excess of 35 kg
- Changes to various Part 173 packing instructions, including for excepted quantities and important changes to how ID8000 is treated
- Lithium battery shipping modifications in 173.185 including changes to the UN 38.3 test document requirements and harmonization of the new lithium battery mark size and telephone number omission with the international regulations
- Changes to the requirements for passenger and crew DG allowances and exceptions in air transport
- A variety of revisions to packaging specifications and test requirements
The new rule is effective May 10th, with a variety of transitional dates applying to specific parts of the rule. The above summary should not be considered exhaustive and it is important for stakeholders to review the rule themselves for items that may be particularly applicable to their operations. Here is your link to the rule.
The agency is also offering updated materials related to its hazardous materials registration program for applicable stakeholders. Find the new information here.
PHMSA has also published new guidance related to shipping damaged, defective, and recalled (DDR) batteries. This is a topic that generates a great deal of angst for shippers, so be sure to take a look.
The agency also put forward an ICR related to cargo tank specifications.
FRA
In a major action, the agency finalized a rule setting a two-person minimum train crew size rule under most circumstances. Certain limited exceptions may be allowed for smaller operations and a variety of passenger services. See the full rule here.
FMCSA
The agency published an ICR related to how it designs and administers its customer satisfaction surveys. The ICR will give stakeholders an opportunity to be responsive to the agency about what sort of information would be most helpful for them to have in terms of customer needs. See the ICR here.
OSHA
The agency published another ICR related to the certification/test requirements for portable fire extinguishers in the workplace. Caring for these devices is a major part of the safety routine for most EHS professionals. See the ICR here.
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