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…
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…