Lion.com will be offline for scheduled maintenance from 11 PM ET on Saturday, September 13, to 1 AM ET on Sunday, September 14.
Search

Keeping Up With the Changes to International Dangerous Goods Regulations

Posted on 12/20/2011 by James Griffin

Q. How much longer can I ship something as a Consumer Commodity, ORM-D?
 
A. On January 19, 2011, the Department of Transportation (DOT) promulgated a new regulation that phases out the ORM-D classification [76 FR 3308]. In the past, this classification has applied to packages of “consumer commodities.” These are defined as materials that are “packaged and distributed in a form intended or suitable for sale through retail sales agencies…for consumption by individuals for purposes of personal care or household use” [49 CFR 171.8]. In essence, these are typical hazardous materials that are packaged in a form you could find on a store shelf.
 
ORM-D packages have been given much relief from the regulations, including, but not limited to:
 
  • Not needing to use UN performance tested packaging,
  • Not requiring hazard class labels on packages,
  • Not requiring placards for vehicles containing ORM-D packages, and
  • Not having to create hazmat shipping papers (unless the material is a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, marine pollutant, or going by air or vessel).
To harmonize with other international hazmat regulations (which do not recognize the ORM-D classification), the DOT has decided to phase out ORM-D and simply place these packages under the label “limited quantity.” The good news is that limited quantities still get the same relief as ORM-D. The only real practical difference for most shippers is that the markings on the outside of the package will be slightly different.
 
There are actually two phase-out dates for the ORM-D classification. For those that ship materials as ORM-D-AIR (which is more uncommon), the last acceptable date is December 31, 2012. Then, one year later, on December 31, 2013, the common ORM-D classification will come to an end.
 
It is important to note you do not have to wait until these dates to ship something under the new limited quantity reliefs. You can switch over to the new limited quantity rules at any time during this transition period.

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, limited quantities, new rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Get to know the top 5 changes to OSHA’s revised GHS Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200 and how the updates impacts employee safety at your facility.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.