What to Expect: Dangerous Goods Transportation 2019 II Special Permits

5 years ago

We are continuing our special two-part examination of dangerous goods transportation in 2019. Our next topic on the list is the conversion of special permits. The PHMSA is going to continue converting special permits into the text of the Hazmat Regulations Manual. HMR’s will be updated to contain provisions in certain widely-used or long-standing special permits that have an established safety record. These changes to special permits will carry a couple of benefits. The first benefit is that these changes provide wider access to to the regulatory flexibility offered in special permits. The next benefit is that the need for numerous renewal requests will be eliminated. Not only that, but they also potentially reduce paperwork burdens and help maintain a secure level of safety. Next up on the prediction docket are the changes proposed for International Standards Harmonization.

U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration PHMSA

Many things are expected of the PHMSA. Among that long list is the insurance that regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce are consistent with standards adopted by international authorities. Simply put, they’re expected to keep things harmonized. To make the prediction even simpler, the PHMSA is expected to continue harmonizing more and more facets of international hazmat transportation standards. But, what are the benefits of harmonization?

First and foremost, it enhances safety. Second, it’s a major component behind compliance facilitation. Third, harmonization improves upon the efficiency of the global transportation system. The greater the efficiency the greater the commerce. That makes sense. Now, without getting too complicated, how does the PHMSA determine what needs to be harmonized further? In November 2018 the PHMSA proposed a plan to have the HMR amended to maintain alignment with international standards and consequently facilitate the safe global trade of hazardous materials. Lastly, for the final round of predictions, come the changes the PHMSA is giving research.

The PHMSA, if you haven’t noticed already, is very attentive. That attention doesn’t just end at regulations, it also continues onwards towards research. They prioritize research with an acute specialization in safety, risk identification, and mitigation. This section of the review is less so a sum of predictions and more a list of active research endeavors. The PHMSA has prioritized over 30 research projects. Furthermore, in no particular order, here’s a few of the most important:

Development of an Overarching Structure for Assessing and Managing Risks through the Hazmat Transportation Supply Chain
Understanding Failure Rates of New and Reconditioned Hazmat Drums in Transportation
Understanding the Impact of Recycled Material Content on Failure Rates of Hazmat Containers
Understanding and Preparing for Changes in Lithium Battery Uses, Characteristics, and Commercial and Non-Commercial Transportation
Testing Methods and Criteria for the Classification of a Material as a Corrosive Solid.

In conclusion, HazmatHub hopes that this two-part summary helped to educate on what the PHMSA does, potential changes it could make on hazmat transportation, and on the current dangers of hazmat transportation.

Take control of your Hazmat transport that can assure you transparency from the port to your destination nationwide, request a free quote today and discover your hazmat logistics solution.

For more information, follow us each week for the latest hazmat news or contact HazmatHub here.

dangerous goods transportation, Hazmat Permits, Hazmat Regulations Manual, Hazmat Training, PHMSA