Archive for News

Gear Up for Change: The 2024 ERG Arrives May 1st

One of the most popular and certainly among the most useful and used of the USDOT’s family of publications is almost due for its revised issuance. The Emergency Response Guide, typically referred to simply as the “ERG,” will make its every-fourth-year reappearance on May 1st. The 2024 edition will supersede the current 2020 edition. The... The post Gear Up for Change: The 2024 ERG Arrives May 1st appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: Public Comment Period Opens on International Rules for Safe Radioactive Material Transport

Today’s blog publishes right after the “Spring Forward” event—did you remember to reset your clocks? This is the one Monday of the year when perhaps everyone might be just a little off-kilter, so remember: take your time today and don’t let the change impair your attention to health and safety. We’ll also encounter the St.... The post DG Digest: Public Comment Period Opens on International Rules for Safe Radioactive Material Transport appeared first on Labelmaster Read more [...]

DG Digest: PHMSA amends the HMR in HM-219D final rule, effective April 3, 2024

Today’s blog finds us in the very first week of “meteorological spring.” Just a few weeks to the equinox! Hopefully, this means warmer weather will start to make its way across the country. Of course, it also means that in many places, severe weather will be starting to make its seasonal comeback, so be sure... The post DG Digest: PHMSA amends the HMR in HM-219D final rule, effective April 3, 2024 appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

With the growing proliferation of lithium batteries, here’s how we’ve got safe shipping covered 

Lithium batteries power our lives—from smartphones and power tools to hoverboards and e-bikes. But their potential fire risk is so significant that airlines don’t even allow them in checked bags. The lithium battery chain is now expected to grow by more than 30 percent annually for the remainder of the decade, with a market size... The post With the growing proliferation of lithium batteries, here’s how we’ve got safe shipping covered  appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: EPA updates fees for the Toxic Substances Control Act

The last full week of February found things just a touch slow in the regulatory world; this coming week features “Leap Day,” which happens just once every four years. So, do something special to enjoy it! Here’s the latest news: EPA The agency finalized amendments to the rule that established fees for the administration of... The post DG Digest: EPA updates fees for the Toxic Substances Control Act appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

Faster than coffee: Automating hazmat shipping with DGIS software

Why do so many people love single-serve coffee makers? Because they make a complex process simple and fast. That’s also why many hazmat organizations use advanced automation software. Dangerous Goods transport is one of the most complex processes in modern industry. Automation solutions that make hazmat shipping simpler and faster are essential for keeping your... The post Faster than coffee: Automating hazmat shipping with DGIS software appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: NEW IMDG and ADR Corrigenda Released

It’s Presidents Day this Monday, honoring all the men who have thus far served as our nation’s chief executive. Most people have a favorite president from history; do you? Given the holiday, most federal and state agencies are closed today. However, last week did feature some new regulatory action. Here’s the latest: IMDG Code The... The post DG Digest: NEW IMDG and ADR Corrigenda Released appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: New tranche of semi-annual regulatory agendas released

Winter rolls on as we all recover from “The Big Game” on Sunday. Did your team win? Hey—there’s always next year, and baseball spring training starts later this week. Never give up, right? It was a relatively quiet regulatory week; here’s the latest news: Semi-Annual Regulatory Agendas A third tranche of new regulatory agendas has... The post DG Digest: New tranche of semi-annual regulatory agendas released appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: An NPRM from OSHA in reference to required emergency response measures and organization

“Punxsutawney Phil,” the famous prognosticating groundhog in Pennsylvania, did not, according to news reports, see his shadow last Friday. According to the tradition, that means we’ll see a speedy end to winter. Let’s hope that groundhog nailed it! Meanwhile, however, just in case he’s wrong, be sure your winter safety plans remain in effect until... The post DG Digest: An NPRM from OSHA in reference to required emergency response measures and organization appeared first Read more [...]

DG Digest: Proposed rulemaking from the CPSC regarding reducing required size of safety marks on consumer coin/button cell battery packaging

Here we are at the end of January! Whew! One more month of the worst weather to go. Hopefully, later this week, “Punxsutawney Phil” the famous groundhog in Pennsylvania will predict a quick end to winter.  Hang in there and stay safe! Here’s this week’s regulatory news: CPSC The Commission published a proposed rule (via... The post DG Digest: Proposed rulemaking from the CPSC regarding reducing required size of safety marks on consumer coin/button cell battery packaging Read more [...]

DG Digest: PHMSA Publishes its latest tranche of Special Permit actions

The third week of January finds us all still shivering as we endure the heart of the winter season. Hopefully, everyone is staying warm and keeping safe. January is a tough time of year, but it won’t last forever. Hang in there! Here’s the latest regulatory news: PHMSA The agency has published its latest tranche... The post DG Digest: PHMSA Publishes its latest tranche of Special Permit actions appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: PHMSA publishes its revised organizational chart for 2024.

Mid-January is living up to its billing this year—most of the country is plugging through some really bitter weather. Are your operations coping? In this kind of cold and snow, it’s important to keep putting safety first. As we go to press, this Monday is also the Martin Luther King holiday, and the Labelmaster family... The post DG Digest: PHMSA publishes its revised organizational chart for 2024. appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: PHMSA creates guidance document for micromobility devices powered by lithium ion batteries.

Brrrr!!! We’re getting into the coldest and snowiest part of the year in much of the country, and we have at least a couple of months to go to really see a chance of relief. So, make sure that your company’s winter weather plan is operating correctly. Snow and ice should be clear of pedestrian... The post DG Digest: PHMSA creates guidance document for micromobility devices powered by lithium ion batteries. appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

What customers are saying about Labelmaster’s new line of CurTec shipping products

Recently, Labelmaster announced the addition of CurTec high-performance plastic containers, drums and pails to our already robust packaging offering—allowing us to provide the industry’s broadest assortment of UN-certified primary containers. For Dangerous Goods (DG) pros, the lineup may be the right packaging solution to fit their needs for safe and compliant shipping. Here’s what we’ve... The post What customers are saying about Labelmaster’s new line of CurTec shipping Read more [...]

DG Digest: Federal civil penalty fees adjusted for inflation last week

Happy New Year, everyone! I’m sure that I speak for the entire Labelmaster family when I say that we hope you had a great holiday season and that you will have a safe, prosperous, and productive 2024! As is often the case during the end-of-year holiday period, the regulatory world also slowed down a little.... The post DG Digest: Federal civil penalty fees adjusted for inflation last week appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: US Postal Service proposal to impose new packaging requirements for hazmat consigned by mail.

Holiday reminder – if you’re shipping to a destination with the expectation of a pre-December 25th arrival, time is just about up! If you are consigning dangerous goods, the holiday doesn’t excuse us from ensuring compliance, so let’s all bear down through the rush and ship things in accordance with what we know is correct!... The post DG Digest: US Postal Service proposal to impose new packaging requirements for hazmat consigned by mail. appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: United States Postal Service proposing to require the hazardous materials icon in lieu of the service icon.

Holiday time bustle continues! Many workplaces will see a little short-handedness amongst the staff as employees take seasonal vacation periods, so let’s all make sure that we help the folks that are working to do so safely, avoiding “short-cuts” that may appear to save time or make up for someone not being present, but in... The post DG Digest: United States Postal Service proposing to require the hazardous materials icon in lieu of the service icon. appeared first on Labelmaster Read more [...]

DG Digest: PHMSA proposal would revise classification for some low-hazard fireworks and small arms cartridges

Can you believe it’s December already? Wow! The old year is almost gone as we move into the full swing of the holiday period. That often means lots of parties, extra driving and shopping, and lots of distractions. Let’s make sure that whether we are at work or play, home or the office, keep safety... The post DG Digest: PHMSA proposal would revise classification for some low-hazard fireworks and small arms cartridges appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

4 ways non-essential hazmat training can boost your career.

Regulations mandate that hazmat employees—i.e., people who directly handle or supervise shipments of Dangerous Goods—be trained to perform their specific functions. To comply with these regulations, you may already participate in training sessions, or be taking one or more online hazmat training courses. That training is mandatory. But what about hazmat training that isn’t mandatory?... The post 4 ways non-essential hazmat training can boost your career. appeared first on Labelmaster Read more [...]

DG Digest: OSHA Advisory Committee to meet Dec 12th & U.S. EPA proposes including concept of ‘environmental justice’ into regulatory analysis

Welcome back all! Hopefully, everyone had a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy the just-concluded Thanksgiving holiday period. This edition of the DG Digest is a “two-weeker,” given that there was no publication last Monday, the 19th. As one may therefore guess, any number of things popped up over the last fourteen days, so let’s... The post DG Digest: OSHA Advisory Committee to meet Dec 12th & U.S. EPA proposes including concept of ‘environmental justice’ into Read more [...]

Why lithium battery shippers must examine insurance costs and coverage

Shipping lithium batteries or battery-powered devices is an ongoing challenge. From the everyday batteries that power laptops and games to the larger batteries that power eBikes to the massive ones that power electric vehicles, complying with evolving regulations takes expertise and dedication. But regulatory compliance isn’t the only challenge. What about insurance? In recent years,... The post Why lithium battery shippers must examine insurance costs and coverage appeared first on Labelmaster Read more [...]

DG Digest: PHMSA announces virtual “Research & Technology Forum” that explores new ways of dealing with hazardous materials.

This edition of the DG Digest appears just as the nation wraps up the Veteran’s Day holiday. The Labelmaster family joins all Americans in saluting those who have served. Thank you! Here’s the regulatory news from the week just concluded: PHMSA The agency’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) will hold a public Research, Development... The post DG Digest: PHMSA announces virtual “Research & Technology Forum” that explores new ways of dealing with hazardous Read more [...]

DG Digest: U.S. EPA seeks to address health risks of trichloroethylene (TCE)

The start of November is here; a kind of “last chance” for many regions of the country to get their winter plan in place before the snow and cold weather arrive in earnest. If your workplace is one that is affected by such weather, it’s past time to have your snowplow contractor signed up and... The post DG Digest: U.S. EPA seeks to address health risks of trichloroethylene (TCE) appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

A Simple Guide to 2023/24 Dangerous Goods Regulatory Books

The simple guide to 2023/24 Dangerous Goods regulatory books Don’t look now, but it’s almost winter, and it will be 2024 before you know it. That means new Dangerous Goods regulations will soon be coming into force—and you’ll need new regulatory publications to keep track of them. Of course, sometimes it’s hard just keeping track... The post A Simple Guide to 2023/24 Dangerous Goods Regulatory Books appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: EPA is working on adjustments within the universal waste regulations to improve safety standards and reduce fires from mismanaged end-of-life lithium batteries.

If you’re like many readers of this blog, you’re seeing this on Tuesday morning, after it appeared in your email overnight. If that’s you—Happy Halloween! Let’s all remember that the kids are going to be out in force for their treats in the evening, and they may not pay as much attention as they should... The post DG Digest: EPA is working on adjustments within the universal waste regulations to improve safety standards and reduce fires from mismanaged end-of-life lithium Read more [...]

DG Digest: Transport Canada publishes a new final rule with miscellaneous amendments to the TDGR.

Today’s blog finds us rolling into the last week or so of October, and we all know what that means—Halloween is coming. There’s going to be a lot of parties and events and a lot of excited kids out and about over the next week or so, so let’s all make an extra effort at... The post DG Digest: Transport Canada publishes a new final rule with miscellaneous amendments to the TDGR. appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

Top 12 questions (and answers) about Capsuloc™ secondary hazmat containers

“Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?” That’s one question we hear a lot about our new Capsuloc™ secondary hazmat containers. They don’t look or work like the metal can exemption shippers Dangerous Goods shippers have used for decades. But once people see all the advantages Capsuloc kits offer, they want to know as many... The post Top 12 questions (and answers) about Capsuloc™ secondary hazmat containers appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 16th, 2023

  Week of October 16th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance As companies look to expand – whether domestically or internationally – there is a wide range of factors to consider, including the supply chain challenges.  Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE Have questions about dangerous goods... The post Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 16th, 2023 appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: Final rule from the FMCSA governing how emergency exemptions published.

Mid-month October finds us in the middle of Fire Prevention Month. Fire departments across the nation are having open houses and offering information about how to help keep your home and workplace safer from fire and other dangers. Take the opportunity to tune up your fire prevention plans!  It was a rather quiet regulatory week;... The post DG Digest: Final rule from the FMCSA governing how emergency exemptions published. appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: PHMSA announces a meeting of the Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee.

It’s the second week of October and begins with a federal holiday. Hopefully, if you have the day off, you can enjoy the break and see some fall colors! Here’s the latest news: PHMSA The agency published a renewal of a set of ICR’s that address security plan requirements and hazmat route planning. Other information... The post DG Digest: PHMSA announces a meeting of the Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee. appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 2nd, 2023

  Week of October 2nd, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance The push toward greater sustainability, automation and speed within the supply chain has led to further innovation in packaging. Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE Have questions about dangerous goods transport? Call the Labelmaster Regulatory Hotline... The post Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 2nd, 2023 appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: FRA publishes new safety advisory to help protect workers

Uh-oh. It’s October already! How did that happen? Now’s the time to start making sure that your winter safety plans are ready to go and that your contracts with snow removal vendors are finalized. You don’t want your workplace to be the last in line for this vital service. Employee slips and falls rise dramatically... The post DG Digest: FRA publishes new safety advisory to help protect workers appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: PHMSA’s extends comment period for HM-265A

The last official week of the summer season was typical from a regulatory standpoint; a little of this, a little of that. Hopefully, everyone is ready for the fall and its attendant change in the weather and the nature of many activities. Be sure that whether you are at work or play, that you factor... The post DG Digest: PHMSA’s extends comment period for HM-265A appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 18th, 2023

  Week of September 18th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance It is only September, but supply chain professionals are already thinking about 2024 and beyond. Monitoring emerging trends and challenges is important in order to proactively plan for the future. Let’s examine some recent industry news on how to navigate supply... The post Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 18th, 2023 appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: STB’s Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee to meet October 18th

Amazingly enough, it’s already mid-September. Hopefully everyone is getting back into the groove of having the kids back in school and having most employees back from summer vacations. This coming week is the last of the calendrical summer, and before too long the fall will be here. If your workplace is in a location that... The post DG Digest: STB’s Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee to meet October 18th appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

How extra testing earned Capsuloc™ secondary hazmat containers a Special Permit

New ideas in Dangerous Goods packaging don’t come along very often. And when they do, they get a lot of extra regulatory scrutiny. Take secondary hazmat packaging kits. For decades, the only option available was the metal can, and all the packaging regulations providing exceptions were written with metal cans in mind. So, when we... The post How extra testing earned Capsuloc™ secondary hazmat containers a Special Permit appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: OSHA Requests Extension on ICR Contained in HAZWOPER Program

This edition of the DG Digest publishes on September 11th—today is the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11/2001 terror attacks. The Labelmaster family joins all Americans in remembering those we lost on that awful day, and the first responders and military personnel that have given so much since then. It’s a short digest this week, as... The post DG Digest: OSHA Requests Extension on ICR Contained in HAZWOPER Program appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 5th, 2023

  Week of September 5th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Disruptions are just a fact of life in the supply chain, and they continue to emerge – whether due to droughts, hurricanes, supplier issues or outdated systems. That’s why it’s important for organizations to be prepared for when they arise.  Let’s... The post Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 5th, 2023 appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: PHMSA and FRA reverse 2020 rule, suspend authorization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport in rail tank cars.

Labor Day has come and gone. Hopefully, you had a great summer, topped out by a relaxing long holiday! Today (if you’re reading this on Tuesday) is the traditional day when most schoolchildren return to classes. That means busier roads, crosswalks, and lots of excited little ones out much earlier than has been the case... The post DG Digest: PHMSA and FRA reverse 2020 rule, suspend authorization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport in rail tank cars. appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

DG Digest: The FRA Extends Comment Period That Would Impose New Certification Requirements.

We head into the final week of August with high heat persisting in many areas of the country. Although the autumn might be just around the corner, now’s no time to let up on our precautions against heat related illness and injury. Let’s remain vigilant and help protect our co-workers until things start to cool... The post DG Digest: The FRA Extends Comment Period That Would Impose New Certification Requirements. appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]