DOT ISSUES FINAL RULE ON AMENDED HAZMAT TRANSPORT RULES
The U.S. Transportation Department’s Research and Special Programs Administration has completed amendments to its hazardous materials transport rules so they are aligned with international standards.
Most of the changes involve proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations and vessel stowage requirements. The final rule also revises requirements for UN portable tanks and intermediate bulk containers. RISPA said the revisions are “necessary to facilitate the transport of hazardous materials in international commerce.”
The changes correspond to United Nations recommendations, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, and the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions.
The amendments become effective Oct. 1. For more information, contact Joan McIntyre of DOT’s Office of Hazardous Materials Standards at (202) 366-8553, or Bob Richard, DOT’s assistant international standards coordinator, at (202) 366-0656. The amendments are available online at: http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=29888271859+95+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve.