PHMSA published the proposed rule discussed here last week which will require rail carriers to provide greater levels of information about hazardous materials in train consists to first responders when potentially dangerous incidents occur. A BNSF train rolls through a curve near Rock Island, Washington in July of 2017. Image © 7/2017 by Nikki Burgess; all rights reserved.
This week’s post finds us in the middle of the Independence Day holiday’s extended weekend. Hopefully, everyone is enjoying the summer break! Remember all the right safety tips—tend campfires carefully, always have a designated driver, and of course, practice proper safety if handling fireworks. Don’t allow the holiday to turn tragic for you or your family. Meanwhile, here’s the news from the regulatory world this week:
PHMSA
As discussed in last week’s blog, PHMSA has now published the proposed rule regarding real time train consist information requirements for rail carriers transporting hazardous materials. If adopted, HM-263 will require all railroads to generate in electronic form, maintain, and provide to first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel, certain information regarding hazardous materials in rail transportation to enhance emergency response and investigative efforts. Comments are due by August 28th.
See all the formal details here: 2023-13467.pdf (govinfo.gov)
USPS
In a change that may affect some hazmat shippers, the Postal Service is proposing to add a third validation under ‘‘Barcode Quality’’ that will require that an IMpb must include a valid, unique 3-digit STC that accurately represents the mail class, product, and service combination on the physical label affixed to the package. Additionally, it must also correspond with electronic package level details and Extra Services Code(s) contained within the Shipping Services File (SSF). Any variance in the data presented in the electronic submission of a parcel or a variance with the physical aspect of the label affixed to a parcel presented for mailing will be subject to the IMpb noncompliance fee if a mailer falls below the 98 percent threshold. The Postal Service is proposing to implement this change effective October 1, 2023.
See the details: 2023-13440.pdf (govinfo.gov)
Transport Canada
The Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) has released the draft of Safety Standard CAN/CGSB-43.126 for a 60-day consultation period ending on August 21st. This standard is incorporated by reference within the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations) and the new edition will come into force once published with a six-month phase-in (transitional) period. The standard sets out the requirements for reconditioning, remanufacturing and repair of drums for the transportation of dangerous goods.
Find out how to comment here: Reconditioning, remanufacturing and repair of drums for the transportation of dangerous goods (CAN/CGSB-43.126) (canada.ca)
The Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) has released the draft of Safety Standard CAN/CGSB-43.151 for a 60-day consultation period ending August 18th. This standard is incorporated by reference within the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations) and the new edition will come into force once published with a six-month phase-in (transitional) period. The standard sets out the requirements for packaging, handling, offering for transport and transport of explosives (Class 1).
Find full information here: Packaging, handling, offering for transport and transport of Explosives (Class 1) (CAN/CGSB-43.151) (canada.ca)
OSHA
The agency proposes extending the ICR related to its Formaldehyde Standard. This chemical is in common use in industry and some consumer applications and can be hazardous when not properly handled and disposed of. Comments are due by August 28th.
See the proposal here: 2023-13694.pdf (govinfo.gov)
EPA
The agency proposes to extend its requirements for an ICR related to the chemical reporting provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act and associated confidential business information (CBI) from subject stakeholders. Comments are due by July 31st.
Find out more here: 2023-13948.pdf (govinfo.gov)
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