Hazmat shippers will want to take note of new UN recommendations regarding minimum dimension requirements for package markings that could have an effect as soon as next year. The 17th edition of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations requires that the UN number marked on packagings must meet minimum…
PHMSA Adopts Secondary Closure Requirement for Certain Air Shipments of Hazardous Liquids
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…
A Look at Five Common Hazmat Packaging Violations
Shipping hazardous materials involves compliance with a host of applicable regulations dependent on the material and mode of transport in order to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved in the process. However, confusion over certain aspects of hazmat transport leads to repeated violations of such rules. In order to help keep shippers aware…
Changes to 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook Now Available
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
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)…
The 2012 Dangerous Goods Instructors Symposium Returns to Chicago
The seventh edition of Labelmaster’s now iconic Dangerous Goods Instructors Symposium is coming up on Sept. 5-7 in our hometown of Chicago. I’m looking forward to welcoming more than 150 old and new colleagues to our meeting, which will take place at the DoubleTree Magnificent Mile. If you haven’t been to one of these unique…
New Inspection Rules for Importing Hazardous Chemicals into China
China has tightened the reins on hazardous chemical imports: beginning Feb. 1, China started compulsory inspections on more than 150 hazardous chemicals and substances brought into the country, specifically focusing on GHS compliance. The Chemical Inspection and Regulation Service (CIRS) noted that this is the result of an update to China’s 2012 Catalog of Entry…
Common Questions About the 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook
With the 2012 version of the Emergency Response Guidebook scheduled for distribution in the next few months, we’ve naturally received quite a few questions related to when ERGs will be in stock. The following FAQ aims to answer these inquiries: When will the ERG be ready to ship? In short, it’s up to the U.S.…
ICAO DGP Concludes Discussions, Agrees to Amend ICAO Technical Instructions to Further Reduce Risk Associated With Lithium Battery Shipments
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…
Amendment 35-10 of International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Now Mandatory
Background on the IMDG Code The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is the worldwide regulation for transporting dangerous goods by sea. The IMDG Code is written in conjunction with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The IMDG…