PHMSA Proposes Hazmat Harmonization Changes
DECEMBER 17, 2018
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is proposing changes to harmonize hazardous material regulations with recent changes to maritime, air and international dangerous good shipping regulations.
The purpose of these proposed changes would be to align current U.S. hazmat shipping rules with international standards, including recent changes in regulations with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, United Nations (UN), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Categories and topics addressed in the proposed rules include:
- Sections of IMDG, ICAO, UN Modal Requirements, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and International Standards Organization (ISO)
- Transport Canada regulations incorporated by reference
- Updates to the 172.101 hazmat table
- Defining articles containing dangerous goods
- Lithium battery test summary
- Baggage equipped with lithium batteries
- Segregation of batteries from specific hazardous materials
- Alternative criteria for classification of corrosive materials
- Provisions for polymerizing substances
By incorporating various amendments, this PHMSA rule would make changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations and vessel stowage requirements.
Comments on the proposed changes can be made until Jan. 28, 2019.
Be sure to regularly check our blog for updates on this rule, and others, on a local and national level.