PHMSA published the proposed rule discussed here last week which will require rail carriers to provide greater levels of information about hazardous materials in train consists to first responders when potentially dangerous incidents occur. A BNSF train rolls through a curve near Rock Island, Washington in July of 2017. Image © 7/2017 by Nikki Burgess;…
DG Digest: FMCSA Renewing ICR titled, ‘‘Hazardous Materials Safety Permits.’’
Even as many workplaces begin to see open docks and other work areas for the summer, wildfire smoke has become a prevalent concern. Be sure that if your site is located in an area that is affected by such smoke, that you have a safety plan in place to minimize the impacts and protect your…
Transport Canada Publishes a Revised Tank Car Construction Standard
Mid-May is here and with it both some serious stormy weather as well as some rapidly warming temperatures in various parts of the country. If your workplace hasn’t yet shifted into its “summer safety season” programs, now’s the time to make it happen. Storm damage and heat related illnesses can both be trouble for your…
DG Digest: PHMSA publishes a safety advisory related to the recent train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Here we are in April! Spring Break time is here, so let’s all be sure that we have planned how we will help employees stay safe during a period when many workplaces may be shorthanded or have employees daydreaming of the beach (don’t we all!). Hopefully, warmer weather will soon give all of us a…
DG Digest: Transport Canada has published an advisory regarding the upcoming phase-out deadlines for Class 111 tank cars used in flammable liquids service.
A short but “sweet” DG digest this week, with only one item—but this week also includes St. Valentine’s Day: a chance for a little “sweet” in one’s own life, perhaps. Be sure and do something fun to enjoy the day! Here’s our rather abbreviated digest: Transport Canada The ministry published an advisory spelling out the…
DG Digest: New rules will have a significant impact on shippers using the USPS to ship dangerous goods.
Here we go right into December—the beginning of meteorological (vice astronomical) winter. Brrrrr! Cold and snow are now impacting much of the nation, so let’s all make sure we help our employees cope safely, with prompt snow and ice removal at our workplaces, careful attention to employees that have to work outside, and keeping an…
DG Digest: IATA published revised acceptance checklists for the 64th DGR effective in 2023
We move into the last week of October, and snow is beginning to fall in many northern areas of the country. Be sure your snow removal vendor is all set up—don’t get caught out! Most vendors will only take on a certain number of clients, so be sure you retain yours before their docket fills…
DG Digest: FMCSA makes changes to agency rules, also corrects errors and removes obsolete references from its regulations.
Welcome to October! Not only is the fall season now rolling in; October is National Fire Prevention Month. Does your workplace have good suppression equipment, a solid emergency plan, and a well-trained employee team ready to deal with fire and fire prevention? This is the month to especially focus on and address these issues. As…
DG Digest: PHMSA announced regulatory enforcement discretion for medical waste generated from patients with monkeypox.
The last full week of August is over! Wow. Here comes the new school year—most schools will be back in session in the next week or two. Watch out for those school buses that will soon be on the move in the morning and late afternoon, and the many places where increased foot and car traffic…
DG Digest: PHMSA requests comments on potential move to electronic shipping papers
Welcome back to the DG Digest after a brief summer hiatus! The last few weeks have been eventful, with perhaps the biggest news item being one of general interest: the Supreme Court decision in the matter of “West Virginia vs. USEPA.” This ruling, the subject of which was a Clean Air Act regulation not specifically…