DOT Hazmat Rules Planned for 2018

US DOT and US EPA last week released semiannual Agendas of rulemaking activities, many of which could impact hazardous materials professionals in 2018. Today, let’s review those new or changing restrictions and requirements that are most likely to hit the books as Final Rules this year.

Lion Members: If you missed our holiday-week Bulletin, login to the Members Area of Lion.com now for a full breakdown of the Fall Unified Agendas. Lion Members can log in here and check the Regulation Updates tab—the latest post is under Special Bulletins and dated 12/27/17.

2018 DOT Hazardous Materials Final Rules

The US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is readying four Final Rules for promulgation in 2018.

Enhanced Safety Provisions for Lithium Batteries by Air—RIN 2137-AF20

Expected in February 2018, this Interim Final Rule will harmonize the 49 CFR hazmat regulations with evolving international standards for shipping lithium batteries by air. International requirements to be adopted include:

• Prohibiting lithium-ion cells and batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft;
• Limiting state-of-charge to 30%; and
• Limiting the use of alternate provisions for small cells or batteries by air.

Oil Spill Response Plans for High-Hazard Flammable Trains—RIN 2137-AF08

This Final Rule, expected in July 2018, will expand the applicability of oil spill response plans for trains transporting Class 3 flammable liquids in certain volumes and orientations across the train. Reminder: A “High Hazard Flammable Train” is a train carrying 20 cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid in a continuous block or 36 or more such cars across the entire train
 

Miscellaneous Amendments Pertaining to DOT Specification Cylinders—RIN 2137-AE80 DOT will address various petitions from industry stakeholders pertaining to the manufacture, maintenance, and use of DOT specification cylinders. The rulemaking will also incorporate two existing hazmat special permits into the 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

Response to Industry Petitions—RIN 2137-AF09

PHMSA plans to address 19 petitions from hazmat stakeholders to provide clarification and/or relief within the hazmat shipping regulations.

Will you feel the impact of any new hazmat rules in 2018? This is just a small piece of the picture. DOT is planning proposed rules and pre-rule actions as well—check out the full slate of rulemakings in the Fall Agenda or sign in as a Lion Member to see the full Member Bulletin.

DOT Hazmat Training in January 2018

Meet DOT’s three-year training requirement for hazmat professionals and brush up on what you need to know to keep hazmat shipments in full compliance with 49 CFR. Collaborate with experienced peers, find solutions to your compliance challenges, and be ready to certify your ground shipments in 2018 and beyond.

Don’t miss trusted, expert-led training when it comes to Hartford, Boston, Albany, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore in January 2018! Sign up here.

For international hazmat shippers, IATA DGR and IMDG Code training is also available. Save when you attend the complete, 4-day Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Certification Workshops near you.
 

Tags: DOT, hazmat, hazmat shipping, lithium batteries, new rules