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    PHMSA Responds to Recent Rule Appeals, Proposes to Extend ORM-D System Phase-Out Until End of 2015

    - May 25, 2012 - ,

    The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the U.S. Federal Register today addressing appeals that resulted from recent harmonization rules HM-215K and HM-231, both of which dealt with hazmat packaging requirements. Companies should examine the NPRM carefully and work with their respective trade organizations to ensure that…

    US Postal Service Prohibits International Shipments of Lithium Batteries

    - May 17, 2012 - , ,

    Effective yesterday, the United States Postal Service (USPS) amended its mailing standards, the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), to incorporate provisions prohibiting the outbound international mailing of lithium batteries and devices containing lithium batteries. The move brings the USPS international mailing standards in line with recent actions by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the…

    PHMSA Adopts Secondary Closure Requirement for Certain Air Shipments of Hazardous Liquids

    - May 7, 2012 -

    U.S. shippers of hazardous materials via aircraft should take note of new restrictions for combination packages containing liquids adopted by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) last month. The new rule, HM-231A, amends the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations to “require closures of inner packagings containing liquids within a combination packaging intended for transportation by…

    Changes to 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook Now Available

    - April 24, 2012 -

    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

    - April 11, 2012 - ,

    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

    - March 20, 2012 -

    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

    - March 19, 2012 - ,

    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…

    ICAO DGP Concludes Discussions, Agrees to Amend ICAO Technical Instructions to Further Reduce Risk Associated With Lithium Battery Shipments

    - February 10, 2012 -

    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…

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