January may seem like seven years ago, but 2020 actually began like any other year in the Dangerous Goods galaxy. We all know what’s happened since then. The COVID-19 pandemic has, of course, impacted every sector of the global economy. From a hazmat transport perspective, three major trends emerged: Regulatory bodies overseeing Dangerous Goods transport…
DG Digest: PHMSA extends relief for rules on some hand sanitizer, FRA will require 40 states to develop plans that mitigate crossing risks
Mid-Month December saw PHMSA act to bring back part of the hand sanitizer exemptions that had expired on Halloween; details are below, but it’s important to note that the “new” (reinstated) exemption applies only to subject sanitizers manufactured PRIOR to the original expiration date. Many shippers have moved on from there and are simply shipping…
DG Digest: OSHA publishes ICR on fire extinguishers and the TSA issues ICR on cargo screening.
The coming week finds the nation preparing to celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday it is fair to say is going to be unlike any other that any of us have ever faced before. Be careful, take every necessary precaution to cope with the pandemic, and from the Labelmaster family to yours, we wish each of you…
DG Digest: Transport Canada extends temporary COVID-related certifications through January 2021.
As may have been expected with the nation focused so heavily on the national election last week, regulatory activity was at a minimum. Sadly however, the pandemic took no break, with infections rising sharply across our nation. As HS&E professionals, let’s all do what we can to help protect our workplaces and model effective mitigation measures. Only…
DG Digest: PHMSA relief exemptions for hand sanitizer expire & the EPA published the thirty-eighth update of Federal Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket.
The nation moves into November facing both a national election as well as, unfortunately, a resurgent pandemic. Let’s all stay calm, act responsibly, and do what we can to contribute to the safety and well being of our country. No matter how things go this Tuesday, in the end, we’re all in this together. The week just…
DG Digest: OSHA proposing GHS ICR that could impact five million private employers
As the nation slides towards Halloween at the end of this coming week, it’s good to remember that even though this year will be different because of the ongoing pandemic, in many places children and families will be out celebrating the holiday. Kids get extra excited and many costumes may restrict vision, so let’s all…
DG Digest: OSHA to submit ICR on handling of Ethylene Oxide
Welcome to fall! Let’s all hope the new season brings progress on our nation’s efforts to cope with the pandemic, and that the cooler weather helps with the wildfires on our West Coast and brings an end to what has been a very active Atlantic hurricane season. 2020 has just kept coming! We hope you…
DG Digest: USPS Offers Two Pub. 52 Change Proposals
The nation enters the second week of August with most of the country still struggling to contain the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure you, your family, and your workplace colleagues do the best you can to help stop the spread and protect everyone’s health. There was a variety of news this week. The Postal Service…
Beirut explosion reinforces need for hazmat storage safety
On August 4th, 2020, a massive explosion destroyed the port and devastated much of the city of Beirut, Lebanon, located on the Mediterranean Sea. While only preliminary reports exist as of press time, indications are that the blast may have been the result of the detonation for causes yet to be determined of up to…
DG Digest: PHMSA and FRA to allow LNG (UN 1972) on railways in enhanced tankers
As we approach the end of July, response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate the nation’s attention and effort. Accelerating infection rates in many regions are causing renewed shutdowns at some employers. What we can do as an industry is to work to help keep our employees as safe as possible, and ensure that…