Preparing Your Hazmat Shipments for 2014
As we approach year’s end, it is critical to look ahead and prepare for the many new hazmat shipping requirements that will become mandatory in 2014 and beyond. Don’t be caught off guard when these updated 49 CFR, IATA, and IMDG rules go into effect—prepare your operations to comply now. Shipping mistakes can lead to injury to personnel and costly shipping delays.
US Hazardous Material Regulations
Here are some key changes to the DOT rules that come into effect through 2014 and beyond.
Placarding Division 5.2 (Organic Peroxide) Shipments — Effective January 1, 2014, the transition period for the new Division 5.2 (Organic Peroxide) placard design officially ends. After this date, no new shipments may use the old (Pre-2006) placard design, and all new shipments must use the new bi-colored design that debuted in 2007. [49 CFR 172.552]
New Labels for Infectious Substances and Class 9 Hazard — On October 1, 2014, the transition period for the new Division 6.2 Infectious Substances and Class 9 Miscellaneous Hazard labels also ends. Old (Pre-2011) labels can’t be used after this date. [49 CFR 172.432 and 172.446]
Old Limited Quantity Marking — The US DOT extended the phase-out deadline for the old-style limited quantity marking, the ID number in diamond, from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2016. [49 CFR 172.315(d)(1)]
Font Size on Non-bulk Packages — To harmonize with international standards, beginning January 1, 2017, the US DOT will enforce minimum font sizes for identification number markings on non-bulk packages. [49 CFR 172.301(a)(1)(i)]
IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR)
On January 1, 2014, the 55th Edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations go into effect. The most significant changes this year have to do with lithium battery shipments and reorganizing the chapter on package markings. Marking Size on Non-bulk Packagings — Effective January 1, 2014, all international hazmat regulations, including the IATA DGR, are instituting minimum size requirements for markings on non-bulk packagings. The identification number markings must be:
- At least 12 mm in size for packages larger than 30 kg or L
- At least 6 mm in size for packages greater than 5 and up to 30 kg or L
- Of an adequate size for smaller packages
[IATA DGR 7.1.4.4]
New Rules for Lithium Battery Air Shipments — Starting March 31, 2014, packages containing large amounts of smaller lithium batteries prepared under Section IB of Packing Instruction 965 or 968 will require a Shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods instead of the alternative documentation authorized in previous editions of the DGR. IATA is authorizing a three-month transition period for shippers and transporters to adjust to this new rule. During the first quarter of 2014, compliance with the new requirements is optional. [IATA DGR Introduction, p. xxiii]
IMO’s Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)
On January 1, 2014, hazmat vessel shippers must comply with the 2012 edition of the IMDG Code (Amendment 36-12). The latest edition authorizes new types of packaging aboard vessels, expands special provisions for shipping unique materials, and completely reorganizes Part 7 governing transport operations.
Marking Size on Non-bulk Packagings — Effective January 1, 2014, all international hazmat regulations, including the IMDG Code, are instituting minimum size requirements for markings on non-bulk packagings. The identification number markings must be:
- At least 12 mm in size for packages larger than 30 kg or L
- At least 6 mm in size for packages greater than 5 and up to 30 kg or L
- Of an adequate size for smaller packages
[IMDG 5.2.1.1]
If you are not currently operating according to the above regulations, it is advisable to make the required changes to your operations. Preparing for and abiding by the rules are important for several reasons:
- DOT inspectors can come to your company at any time to ensure compliance.
- Your company can learn how the changes will affect operations.
- You can develop a phased-in transition plan.
Proper preparation and implementation will go a long way to avoiding the penalties and delayed shipments that result from noncompliance. Get up to speed on the 2014 hazmat shipping rules for ground (49 CFR), air (IATA), and ocean (IMO) at the Complete Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Certification Workshops! Discover how changes to the regulations will affect your day-to-day shipping operations and prepare to comply with the new requirements.
Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, IATA, IMDG, new rules
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