Archive for News
DG Digest: EPA Awards, Sleep Disorder Testing, and 2016 ERGs on Press Now!
Happy May Day! Hopefully, the date signals a final end of winter weather, wherever you are. Here are last week’s updates from the world of Dangerous Goods and EH&S: U.S. EPA: The EPA issued an information collection request for operators of hazardous waste storage, treatment, and disposal facilities. EPA contends that the comprehensive request will... Read more [...]
How can you keep customer returns of Dangerous Goods compliant?
Q: Reviewing the PHMSA HM-253 Final Rule on reverse logistics issued March 31, it appears it doesn’t really address returns from consumers to suppliers or manufacturers. How do you suggest keeping these shipments compliant? You are correct. Although the new PHMSA ruling contains regulatory relief for reverse logistics shipments that originate from retail stores, it…
DG Digest: OSHA’s Interest in Benzene, PHMSA Guidance to Firework Makers, and FRA Lists Most Dangerous Crossings
It’s the last week of April already! Hope everyone is thinking spring by now. Here the latest’s news of note in the worlds of Dangerous Goods and EH&S: OSHA: OSHA released a new information collection request in reference to Benzene, a common industrial chemical used in many applications but that has hazardous qualities that make... Read more [...]
“I shipped lithium batteries for that?” The 10 dumbest battery devices
Shipping lithium batteries is challenging, with new air shipping regulations making air transport for many batteries all but impossible. But at least you know those batteries power the devices that make our world more amazing by the day, right? Well, not always. For every life-altering phone, tablet or fitness tracker, there’s a device so pointless…
Ultimate hazmat security: C-TPAT Compliant Seals
Seals Series, Volume 4 — A massive freighter docks overnight at a U.S. port. Its containers hold the kind of hazardous material that, in the wrong hands, could put countless American lives at risk. The next morning, the containers are offloaded to trucks and trains that take them to every corner of the country. A…
DG Digest: LithBat Webinar on Wednesday, EPA on Hydrological Alteration, and the TSA’s BASE Program
As part of our nation basks in Spring warmth and other areas get snowed under, the DG news flow this week was a little more quiet than has been the recent norm. Here are the most relevant briefs: Special Lithium Battery Regulatory Update Webinar: Shipping Lithium Batteries by air remains a huge topic of interest…
Domestic shippers take note: PHMSA to adopt ICAO lithium battery rules
When the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) imposed new lithium battery air shipping restrictions April 1, 2016, many shippers whose products never cross US borders believed that the new rules didn’t apply to them. Because those restrictions have not been adopted into the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR),... Read more [...]
DG Digest: PHMSA Adopts ICAO Battery Rules, EPA Sets New Limits for TCE, and New Coast Guard Vessel Tracking System
It’s been another busy week in the world of Dangerous Goods and EH&S. Here’s a few of the highlights: Transport Canada: Our neighbor’s version of the USDOT released a proposed revision to their performance standard for aerosol containers and gas cartridges. The revision is intend to increase the level of safety for these items and... Read more [...]
The Hazmat Quizmaster — Is That Hazmat?
Test your knowledge and take our latest quiz! Find all the regulatory resources you need at Labelmaster.com!
How a security seal control program protects your hazardous materials
Seals Series, Volume 3 Seals are a great, underappreciated hazmat security tool. In our last couple of posts, we’ve talked about situations where seals are essential in Dangerous Goods security, and where seals are a better choice than locks. But seals by themselves can only do so much. To fully exploit their potential, you…
DG Digest: FRA Grants, PHMSA Reverse Logistics, & D.O.T. Seeks Public’s Help
As the weather begins to turn for the better in most places, the regulatory world stays busy. Here are the past week’s notables: U.S. D.O.T. Announced its latest five-year research and development plan and asked for public input to its development. The plan gets used as a guide to help decide things like funding priorities…
16 reasons to sign up for the 2016 Dangerous Goods Symposium now
The 2016 Dangerous Goods Symposium—a.k.a. DGS XI—is slated for September 7–9, at the Loews Chicago Hotel. As always, the Symposium will feature workshops and presentations from some of the sharpest trainers and practitioners in the Dangerous Goods galaxy, along with unparalleled networking and plenty of downtime pleasantries. DGS XI will only be free for... Read more [...]
USDOT/PHMSA formalizes requirements for “Reverse Logistics”
In today’s edition of the US Federal Register, the United States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule under Docket # PHMSA-2011-0143 (HM-253), RIN 2137-AE82 under which the agency sets forth specific rules to regulate the transport of materials under the so-called “Reverse Logistics” principle. This function... Read more [...]
DG Digest: OSHA, the EPA and Canada Round Out a Busy Week
After a holiday weekend for many, we’re back on task with the most recent doings in the world of Dangerous Goods, EH&S, and other relevant regulations: OSHA: It seems that the agency’s effort to develop a rule dealing with so-called “Combustible Dusts” may be faltering. Apparently OSHA has pushed the issuance of any NPRM off…
Dangerous Goods Report | Vol. 5
Lithium Battery Shipping—Retail Rolls with the Changes. Cover Story: Challenging skies for lithium battery shippers. As lithium battery shipping regulations get even more complex and restrictive, retailers must adopt new processes and tactics. A look inside UN-certified packaging. Do you need it? Is it worth it? And what do all those letters and numbers mean?…
Dangerous Goods security: 5 reasons to choose a seal over a lock
Seals Series, Volume 2 Since our high school locker days, most of us are conditioned to think that the best way to keep things secure is with a lock. In the Dangerous Goods world, though, locks aren’t always the best choice. When is a seal better than a lock? You might be surprised: 1. When…
DG Digest: FRA Minimum Crews, PHMSA Special Permits, and Coast Guard Drones
Welcome to Spring! Here’s the latest news from another busy week in the world of Dangerous Goods, EH&S, and associated regulations: Federal Railroad Administration: The FRA issued a new proposed rule which would mandate two-person minimum crews for all trains operating with certain commodities and under certain conditions; this in continued response to the Lac... Read more [...]
8 technologies that could make lithium batteries safer (or obsolete)
If you ship lithium batteries, or anything with batteries in it, your job seems to get more challenging every week. New battery-shipping rules have made some air transport all but impossible, and the regulatory landscape—er, airscape—is primed for more restrictions. Do you sometimes wish lithium batteries would just go away? Dream on! Battery power is…
DG Digest: MH370 Anniversary Fuels Speculation, Guide to Paraquat Hazard Mitigation
Another busy week in the world of Dangerous Goods, EH&S, and associated regulations: FMCSA: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended the comment period for its proposed rulemaking revising the way in it assigns “Carrier Safety Fitness Determinations.” These determinations can be important to carriers for reasons like frequency of inspections, insurance costs, and... Read more [...]
The Hazmat Quizmaster | GHS Pictogram Challenge
Test your knowledge and take our latest quiz! Find all the GHS tools and answers you need at Labelmaster.com!
IMO Container Weight Verification Deadline Approaches
The International Maritime Organization‘s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its 93rd session in May 2014, approved changes to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention regarding a mandatory container weight verification requirement on shippers. The Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargo and Containers (DSC) Sub-committee approved changes to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)…
11 places security seals are essential in Dangerous Goods
Seals Series, Volume 1 If you’re in the Dangerous Goods business, you probably use security seals somewhere. Maybe lots of somewheres. But you might not realize how many ways and places DG professionals put seals to work. A closure device that can be opened only once can protect more than you might think. Locks can…
DG Digest: From OSHA’s “Flashpoint” Definition to FRA’s Quiet Zones
Another eventful week on the DG/Transport Scene! OSHA OSHA issued a revised definition of “Flashpoint,” correcting a CFR omission in its most recent iteration of the 29 CFR. Here’s the notice OSHA has partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) to create a new informational website which offers greatly enhanced safety... Read more [...]
Which of your employees needs hazmat training?
Q: Our company ships hazardous materials. How do we identify which employees actually need hazmat training? It’s vital that you make informed decisions as to which members of your team need training. Because non-existent or insufficient training is one of the most common violations cited by enforcement agencies, you need to ensure your company maintains…
How to ship lithium batteries by air—as of April 1, 2016
Have you seen all the headlines lately about shipping lithium batteries by air? How are you supposed to keep up with what’s compliant, and what isn’t? Here’s a guide to the lithium battery air transport regulations which will be effective on the 1st of April, along with a preview of what might be expected later…
DG Digest: One February 29th Every 4 Years Means Everything Happens That Day!
Leap Year’s Day brings with it a plethora of DG news to start the week: Transport Canada Released a request for response to proposed amendments to its own Dangerous Goods regulations. The new amendments cover, in general terms, training requirements, further efforts to harmonize US and Canadian efforts in the DG field, and a very…
Infographic | Hazard Class Zodiac
If you’re a Dangerous Goods professional, you believe in science, not superstition. You’d never go in for all that astrological nonsense, would you? Still, even DG pros want to know what the future holds in store. That’s why we created the Hazard Class Zodiac. Find your “sign” to learn everything about your personality, your ideal…
Addendum 4 and Supplement Addendum to the 2015-2016 ICAO Technical Instructions
2015-2016 ICAO TI Addendum 4: Doc 9284-2015-2016.ADD-4.en Supplement Addendum: Doc 9284SUP-ADDENDUM.en
DG Digest: China Transport Ministry Update, Battery Manufacturers Meet on OSHA, and RCC Webinar Information
Feb 9th – China In overseas news, the Transport Ministry of the People’s Republic of China has published new guidelines reinforcing the safety of handling of explosives, ammonia, and other materials of high concern at its ports of entry. The work comes after last summer’s deadly fire and explosions in the Chinese port city of... Read more [...]
10 strangest hazmat items in the 2016 Emergency Response Guidebook
Everyone in the Dangerous Goods business has at least one copy of the Emergency Response Guidebook nearby at all times, right? (If not, stop reading and click here right now!) But how many of us actually sit down and read it? Well, we did, and we discovered some hazmat items in the essential ERG that…
DG Digest: Star Wars criminal complaint, TDGR harmonization, and so much more!
The run-up to Valentine’s Day was not without interest in the world of Dangerous Goods and EH&S. Among the many highlights in a rather eventful week: February 9 The FRA issued a new rule regarding improved window glazing strength in all new locomotives and passenger carrying cars. The action comes as increased focus on railroad…
FAA Reathorization Legislation Focused on Lithium Batteries
Bob Richard and Neil McCulloch co-contributed to this article. When a US Senator proposes to spend tax dollars on a committee to “promote research and new standards for the safe manufacture, use or transportation of lithium batteries”, I can only sigh in frustration. This is exactly what was recently proposed by Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.. ... Read more [...]
DG Advisory Council tries to make sense of lithium battery provisions
Why would anyone choose to spend three days in Washington a few days after the city was shut down for the Storm of the Decade? That’s what 70 or so DG experts asked ourselves, before we got down to the serious business of the Dangerous Goods Advisory Council January quarterly meeting in Alexandria last week.…
Banning lithium battery cargo from commercial aircraft hurts supply chains
IATA published an update to their document titled “Lithium Batteries as Cargo in 2016” to inform lithium battery shippers of the pending ban of lithium batteries on passenger aircraft. On 27 January the ICAO Air Navigation Commission (ANC) recommended that lithium ion batteries, UN 3480 be forbidden for carriage as cargo on passenger aircraft. The…
IATA Publishes Update to Pending Ban of Lithium Battery Cargo on Commercial Aircraft
IATA published an update to their document titled “Lithium Batteries as Cargo in 2016” to inform lithium battery shippers of the pending ban of lithium batteries on passenger aircraft. On 27 January the ICAO Air Navigation Commission (ANC) recommended that lithium ion batteries, UN 3480 be forbidden for carriage as cargo on passenger aircraft. The... Read more [...]
DG Digest: PHMSA Hazmat R&D Meeting
February 4, 2016: PHMSA announces Hazardous Materials R&D public meeting The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) will host a public meeting between March 23 and March 24, 2016, at the Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters in Washington, D.C. The OHMS will be presenting the... Read more [...]
How to speak “football”—a guide for the Dangerous Goods professional
Even the most dedicated Dangerous Goods professional can’t help but hear about football this time of year. Here’s a quick guide to a selection of football terms that sound like they could refer to the Dangerous Goods business. Study this list, and you’ll sound like you know what you’re talking about at that Big Game…
DG Digest: COSTHA to co-host 3rd UN Lithium Battery Working Group Meeting
January 27, 2015: COSTHA to co-host 3rd UN Lithium Battery Working Group Meeting with REACH and PRBA The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) will co-host the 3rd Session of the current United Nations (UN) Informal Working Group on Lithium Batteries in Bordeaux, France between March 30 and April 1, 2016. The preliminary…
ICAO Panel Moves to Ban Lithium Ion Battery Transport from Passenger Aircraft
ICAO’s Air Navigation Commission (ANC) has completed its review of the Dangerous Goods Panel’s 25th meeting and will be recommending to the Governing Council of ICAO that Lithium Ion batteries be prohibited from transport on passenger aircraft. The conclusion of the Commission was that the risks of these batteries in flight was currently “not adequately... Read more [...]
DG Digest: More Lithium Battery News, PHMSA Special Permits and FRA Fines Hit Record Heights
Several items of note occurred in the DG world last week, with new and revised regulations affecting everything from Limited Quantities to Lithium Batteries and a vital Federal Agency noting that its enforcement penalties were way up: ICAO/IATA Lithium Battery Rules Changes Both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association... Read more [...]
