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…
DG Digest: FRA & PHMSA seek info on fully-automated transport systems
Spring has arrived—I hope it is starting to bloom in your hometown! Remember to be careful when getting those outdoor spaces back into service after their winter shutdown. It’s easy to injure muscles that may not have seen much use since last October! Regulatory activity this last week focused on the US government’s efforts to…
DG Digest: PHMSA asks for renewal of IRC on shipping papers use and functionality
As the nation celebrated Mardi Gras last week and then got down to the business of waiting out the rest of the winter season (I know I’m tired of it!) another slowish week in the regulatory world unfolded. It did however see an information collection request from PHMSA about shipping papers—the first action other than…
Hazmat experts agree—it’s time to sign up for the Dangerous Goods Symposium!
Register today! Rates go up April 1. September seems a long way off, doesn’t it? We in the Midwest are still digging out from our biggest snowfall in a couple of years, and major league baseball players are only just reporting to spring training this week. But it’s not too soon to talk about September,…
DG Digest: PHMSA reinstates the definition of ‘specification package’
The Groundhog saw his shadow last week, so it looks like we’re in for more winter. Big surprise! However, at least it means we’re finally sliding downhill towards the spring. Things on the regulatory front in the US remain fairly quiet, but our Canadian friends are active, releasing a new round of proposals relating to…
DG Digest: Confluence of circumstances led to Lac-Megantic not guilty verdicts
Believe it or not, we’re already past mid-January and heading towards the home stretch of what is typically the most troubling weather month of the year across the country. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep your eyes on the calendar! Spring will come sure enough. Meanwhile, it was a fairly active week in the regulatory…
Hazmat hopes: A 2018 wish list from top Dangerous Goods professionals
Last November, we asked our readers a simple question: What’s your biggest wish for 2018 in the entire Dangerous Goods galaxy? What regulation would you change? What stress-inducing process would you simplify? What one thing would you change to make your job easier—and the world safer? DG pros from all over responded, with wishes ranging…
DG Digest: FAA Proposes its Largest-to-Date $1.1 Million Dollar Lithium Battery Fine
As the winter holidays loom close, regulatory activity has slowed accordingly. Canada remains busy though, releasing a new revision to its maritime rules. Otherwise things are a bit slow. Have a wonderful holiday next Monday! Here’s the latest: Canada TDGR Our neighbors to the north have completed and published a long awaited revision to their…
DG Digest: IATA to Explore New Limits on Some Lithium Battery Shipments and the FBI Issues IRC under The Bioterrorism Act
As busy holiday preparations overtake most of the country—have you finished YOUR shopping?—the regulatory scene remains relatively quiet in terms of “heavy hitters,” although quite a few items of interest certainly did pop up this week. Perhaps the recently concluded UN meetings in Geneva will lead to increased action in the new year—if so, we’ll…
DG Digest: PHMSA and the FRA to Publish Revised RIA in Response to FAST Act
Mid-October finds regulatory activity back at slow ebb, with action “nibbling at the corners” vice featuring heavy rulemaking. Hopefully everyone is getting a chance to catch up with their autumn chores—winter will soon be with us! Here’s this week’s news: PHMSA PHMSA and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are publishing a revised Regulatory Impact Analysis…