The U.S. Department of Transportation wants to hear from you! They are reaching out to industry stakeholders for their valuable input on how to improve the current hazardous materials regulatory system.
In a recent notice published in the Federal Register, the agency has listed a whopping 46 topics that they are considering in order to modernize the hazmat regulatory system. Your comments and suggestions on these topics can make a real difference.
“As new technologies are developed, understanding of the risks inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials may change. New technologies can potentially provide new opportunities to improve packaging, hazard communication, and incident minimization,” the agency said. “PHMSA recognizes new technologies and techniques can potentially reduce costs and burdens to society but remains focused on our primary mission to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of hazardous materials, including energy products, that are essential to our daily lives.”
The agency is seeking input on multiple questions regarding 46 different topics related to the hazmat regulations.
Some of the topics under consideration include:
- Evaluation of carrier maintenance of emergency response information
- Requirements for damaged, defective, or recalled lithium cells and batteries
- Basic oil spill response plan applicability
- Removal of the 60-day renewal requirement for approvals and special permits
- Convention for safe containers data plate and inspection requirements
- Identification of freight containers in rail transportation
- Updating requirements for transporting hazardous materials on passenger carrying motor vehicles
- Cargo tank thickness and corrosion inspection requirements
- Emerging technologies
The hazardous materials regulatory system, as described by PHMSA, is designed to minimize risks and prevent accidents related to dangerous substances. This system prioritizes the identification of safety and security hazards, aiming to decrease the likelihood and impact of any potential hazardous material release.
The agency aims for the regulations to achieve three primary goals:
- Ensure that hazardous materials are packaged and handled safely and securely during transportation.
- Provide effective communication to transportation workers, emergency responders, and the general public of the hazards about the materials being transported.
- Minimize the consequences of an accident or incident should one occur.
The deadline to submit your comments and make your voice heard is Oct. 3. You can provide feedback online using the docket number PHMSA–2019–0031. Your valuable input will be carefully considered and could contribute to future amendments.
Source: Land Line
