Peter Mackay, editor-in-chief of HCB, will introduce the results of the 2018 Dangerous Goods Confidence Survey during the 13th annual Dangerous Goods Symposium, September 5–7, 2018, in Rosemont, Illinois. Revealing the results of the annual Dangerous Goods Confidence Survey has become a mainstay of the Dangerous Goods Symposium. Co-sponsored by Labelmaster, HCB and—for the first…
DG Digest: OSHA proposes changes to electronic injury reporting system
OSHA The agency promulgated a proposed rule that will provide regulatory relief to certain railroad construction and repair activity involving cranes. The American Association of Railroads worked with OSHA and the FRA to craft the rule. See its parameters here In the week’s biggest news, OSHA is seeking comment on a proposal to remove the…
DG Digest: PHMSA weighs in on class 9 non-bulk requirements, tape width on spec packages, and further international harmonization
The summer season kicks off with a slightly elevated level of regulatory action, including interesting interpretations from PHMSA. Meanwhile, it’s time to start planning for the warm season at your company. Are you ready with a plan to mitigate the risk of heat related illness for your employees? Proactive is far better than reactive for…
Avengers vs. Solo: A movie review for hazmat professionals
So far, it’s been a great summer season at the movies for Dangerous Goods professionals. Two blockbuster movies about hazardous materials transport have already blasted their way into your local multiplex. We’re talking, of course, about Avengers: Infinity War and Solo: A Star Wars Story. Now, to the layperson, Avengers may appear to be a…
DG Digest: PHMSA to solicit input on improvements to 2020 ERG
Monday marked Memorial Day, 2018. The Labelmaster family joins with the rest of our nation in expressing our gratitude to those who have fallen in the service of our nation. Their sacrifice is everlasting. The week wraps up with the following regulatory news: OSHA The agency issued a renewed ICR dealing with permit required confined…
DG Digest: PHMSA aligns with ICAO & IMO on 2mm inner border issue for labels
May proceeds with a little more action on the regulatory front, with PHMSA contributing guidance on the always confusing label border issue and the FRA updating PTC progress. Here’s all the latest: PHMSA The agency published a Letter of Interpretation clarifying the “2mm inner border” issue for labels in 49 CFR 172.407(c)(3). PHMSA said that…
PHMSA publishes proposed upcoming regulatory agenda
The US government’s Office of Management and Budget, or OMB, recently published the projected regulatory agenda that PHMSA intends to pursue over the next six months. Federal agencies typically publish their agendas on a semiannual basis as an indicator of the priorities they envision working on. Such activities will be published in the Federal Register…
DG Digest: PHMSA defines scope and mission of new Accident Investigation Team
The year progresses; here it is May tomorrow already! April closes out with significantly increased regulatory activity; the biggest news being PHMSA’s announcement of a new Research and Development Forum and a big plug for its new Hazmat Investigative team. See all the details below: PHMSA The agency reiterated the mission of its new hazmat…
DG Digest: OSHA Issues ICRs on Bloodborne Pathogens, Mechanical Presses, and Explosives
Spring is finally springing over the nation; the last few days have brought warmer weather and a slackening of the late snowfall that has plagued so many places around the country. Let’s hope it sticks; the spring, not the snow! It was a relatively quiet week in the regulatory world; here the latest happenings: PHMSA…
What Obexion’s special permit means for lithium battery shipping
If your business ever ships damaged, defective or recalled lithium-ion batteries—or devices that contain them—you need a thorough knowledge of section 173.185 of the 49th volume of the Code of Federal Regulations. Ha! Just kidding! You really only need to know one word: Obexion. Here’s why: In addition to its revolutionary, fire-mitigating fiberboard material, every…