Lion News

12/13/2019

Less Famous Hazmat Marks and Labels

These lesser-known hazmat marks and labels may not the get the exposure or the press that Class 3's, Class 8's and lithium batteries enjoy, but they deserve a chance in the spotlight. You never know when recognizing one of these could help you or your employees manage a dangerous situation.

12/06/2019

Hazmat Label Basics: Part I

Hazmat labels play a monumental role in the safe transportation of hazardous materials. US DOT’S Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)...

05/21/2018

PHMSA to Address 2-mm Border Rule for Hazmat Labels

Following the lead of international authorities, DOT now plans to rescind or otherwise un-do a requirement for all hazmat labels to feature a 2-millimeter solid line forming the inner border.

02/26/2016

PHMSA Issues Two Hazmat Container Interpretations

This year, PHMSA has responded to a number of requests-for-interpretation from industry professionals seeking clarity on specific parts of the Hazardous Materials Regulations at 49 CFR 171–181. These interpretations are a great representation of the way hazardous materials regulations intersect with the realities of managing and shipping hazmat in the real world. 

07/22/2015

GHS Labels for Tanker Trucks and Rail Tank Cars

Under OSHA’s “HazCom 2012” Standard (HCS), mandatory for chemical manufacturers, processors, and distributors as of June 1, 2015, containers of hazardous chemicals must display new labels and pictograms...

07/21/2015

New Lithium Battery Shipping Rules Mandatory August 7

On August 6, 2014, PHMSA updated the lithium battery shipping provisions of the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR 171-180). The new lithium battery shipping rules more completely harmonize the US regulations with evolving international standards. While some dicrepancies remain, domestic and international rules for shipping lithium batteries are now more similar than ever...

08/19/2014

How Small Is Too Small for Hazmat Markings?

In 2013, domestic and international regulatory agencies (DOT, IATA, and IMO) implemented regulations to standardize the size of markings on packages of hazmat. Standardization across national borders, modes of transportation, and industry sectors streamlines compliance, reduces confusion, and increases the safety, security, and efficiency of international hazmat transportation. During this process, the one element that...

05/20/2014

Don’t Get Burned: Shipping Elevated-temperature Materials

06/18/2013

Labeling Small Limited Quantity Shipments

Over the next few years, the Department of Transportation is phasing out the old ORM-D classification for consumer commodities and replacing it with an expanded universe of limited quantity authorizations. In most cases, the only difference for the end-user will be...

03/19/2013

DOT Basic Descriptions: Shipping Papers vs. Marks and Labels

A common question raised in Lion’s hazmat workshops lately is how the DOT’s recent change to the order of elements for basic descriptions will affect marking and labeling procedures for packages. Read on for answers to this common question and a refresher on the package marking and labeling requirements...