To a certain degree, the “dog days” of summer do seem to be here; action in the regulatory sector last week was limited, the exception being two major rules implemented to impact the nation’s rail infrastructure, affecting both safety of operation and the carriage of flammable liquids. Here’s the week’s breakdown: FRA FRA announces…
DG Digest: Special Permit Delays, USPS Updates Pub 52, and the EPA’s New Tool
August is now in full swing, and the summer doldrums have, at least to a degree, struck the regulatory scene. It was a quiet week, in so far as it goes. However, here are the highlights, which do contain several items of interest: PHMSA: There was an announcement in reference to delayed applications in the…
DG Digest: EPA E-Manifest Fee Update & PHMSA Proposes Expanded OSRPs
EPA: Posts Proposed E-Manifest Fee Schedule Framework: The US EPA posted a proposed rule in the Federal Register on July 29, 2016, creating a framework for establishing a user fee schedule for its electronic hazardous waste manifest tracking and record keeping system (E-Manifest system). In addition, this rulemaking also includes minor amendments to the E-Manifest regulations…
DG Digest: PHMSA v. Pittsburgh, FAA Backs Off a Bit, & DOT Being “Spooky”
Here it is mid-July already! We here at Labelmaster hope your plans for a summer break are on your schedule, but the regulatory world seems to be seeing little change of pace—those agencies are out there and staying busy with new information and requirements. Here’s the latest: PHMSA Pre-empts Pittsburgh, PA In an interesting turn…
DG Digest: FMCSA on Driver Qualifications, FRA Pushes Crossing Safety, and EPA to Allow Emissions Override for Emergency Generators
Believe it or not, the Independence Day holiday is over already! Hopefully, your summer is going well—and not too quickly to miss enjoying. And here at Labelmaster, so far the summer season has yet to slow down the pace of regulatory news, so let’s dive right in: FMCSA Corrects an error in its June 7,…
DG Digest: FRA, PHMSA, TSA, FMCSA and OSHA Fines Increasing
Last week’s DG Digest was pre-empted by an otherwise very busy schedule here at Labelmaster; so, this week, we’ll be covering the last two weeks instead of just one. Gosh it’s been busy! Whatever happened to the “lazy crazy hazy days of summer?” Gone with the song, apparently. Herewith, the action on the DG/EH&S front…
Okay, Fine! PHMSA to Increase Penalties on August 1st
The USDOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) took a big step forward yesterday in upping the ante for shippers who knowingly violate the regulation contained in the US 49 CFR Parts 100 – 185 Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Increases in penalties had been bandied about the industry for some time, and have now…
DG Digest: EPA revises haz chem reporting, FRA on train crew staffing, & the Coast Guard establishes safety rules for barge owners
Today is the Summer Solstice; the longest day of the year. Lots of daylight for safe and effective work on those out of doors projects around home, office, or plant—do it safely! The world of Dangerous Goods and EH&S was typically busy over the last week: EPA The EPA is amending its hazardous chemical reporting…
DG pro has weird allergic reaction to the words “lithium batteries”
A Midwestern Dangerous Goods professional has developed a psychosomatic reaction to the words lithium batteries, apparently resulting from overexposure to news articles, blog posts and customer inquiries about the subject. Ted—who requested his last name and company not be revealed—experiences facial skin outbreaks, headaches and nausea when he hears or reads the words lithium battery…
DG Digest: PHMSA Updates to 49 CFR, OSHA’s Annual Heat-Related Warning, and a Tribute to a DG Hero
June is here! Hopefully your summer is starting to ramp up—safely, of course! As usual, the world of Dangerous Goods and EH&S kept right on going, regardless of seasonal changes. Here’s the latest: PHMSA: In what is easily the week’s biggest news, PHMSA released a set of new amendments to the 49 CFR Parts 100…