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…
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011
U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) recently introduced Senate Bill 1952, known as the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011, which would amend and reauthorize the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (the “HMTA”) with the intended goal of improving hazardous materials transportation safety in the United States. The Senate legislation proposes changes to the U.S.…
Summary of the 40th Session of the United Nations Sub-Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
From Nov. 28 to Dec. 7, 2011, the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (the “Sub-Committee”) met in Geneva, Switzerland, to continue its work on the development of the 18th revised edition of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations (the “Model Regulations”). The Sub-Committee agenda…
Newest Version of RegStick Features Multi-Publication Access, Improved Performance
Labelmaster recently rolled out RegStick™ 2.0, an update of our novel electronic solution that provides up-to-date regulatory publications on a portable USB drive. This new release contains several innovative features that improve the RegStick experience: Our library of RegStick regulatory publications is now available from a single stick. Instead of purchasing individual sticks for each…
Product Returns Present a Hazmat Challenge for Retailers
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…
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…
Introducing the Labelmaster Blog
Welcome to the new Labelmaster Blog, your source for the latest hazardous material regulatory news, industry updates, new product availability, and more! Our company’s intricate knowledge of the ever-shifting domestic and international regulatory landscape ensures that if it’s happening in hazmat, you’ll read about it here. We encourage reader participation and conversation, so please reach…