The last week found a few places around our country seeing their first snowfall of the season—mostly just dustings, but a reminder that we all need to prepare for the change that is coming. Be sure your workplace safety plan is ready to protect your employees if snowy and icy walks, lots, and driveways are…
DG Digest: while U.S. DOT prepares for a future with autonomous vehicles, FMCSA announces listening sessions for ‘hours of service’
The first week of October found things a little slower than the end of September was, what with all the significant change documents and other items of interest that came out last month. Still, the cooler weather continues to bring “news you can use.” Here it is: PHMSA The agency announced that on Tuesday, November…
DG Digest: PHMSA rescinds pending rule requiring high-hazard freight trains use ECPs
September finished off with a fairly busy week. UPS and FedEx both chimed in with new tables for their Dangerous Goods services, and the FMCSA finally released a new medical form for CMV drivers—something that had been percolating all summer. A variety of other interesting news rounded out the period. Here’s all the latest: FRA…
DG Digest: In a busy week for the agency, PHMSA pre-empts California’s new rule governing driver rest break periods
PHMSA Interested in providing the agency with feedback on its service provision to the DG industry here in the U.S.? Now’s your chance! PHMSA has announced an information collection aimed at prompting just such data submissions from its clients—that’s us! If you’ve been waiting to have your say and want to participate, here’s your…
DG Digest: FMCSA to hold listening session on HOS, PHMSA announces new special permits
The Labor Day week is over, and the last of the summer holidays has passed. Along with the return to school for children, this time of the year often portends a busier regulatory schedule as regulators, like everyone else, get back to being busy. We’ll see how this fall goes, but meanwhile, here’s the last…
DG Digest: Listing the Significant Changes to the 60th Edition of the IATA DGR
Welcome to Fall! The nation celebrated Labor Day and the unofficial end of the summer season this last Monday; hopefully our readership had a safe and enjoyable last summer fling. The regulatory world’s summer ended with a bit of a bang, as IATA published its list of significant changes to the upcoming 60th Edition of…
2018 Dangerous Goods Symposium speaker Peter Mackay: Survey data is ammunition.
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…