Search

PHMSA Amends the Bulk Explosives Shipping Rules

Posted on 12/21/2015 by Roger Marks

In the Federal Register today, PHMSA published a Final Rule to amend the rules for shipping explosives by cargo tank motor vehicles (CTMV) or multi-purpose bulk trucks (MBTs). The new explosives shipping rules incorporate by reference consensus standards from IME Standard 23, the Institute of Makers of Explosives’ (IME) Safety Library Publication No. 23 (Free download available here.) In doing so, PHMSA adds provisions of nine longstanding special permits with established safety records into the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). 

The Final Rule is part of PHMSA’s ongoing effort to incorporate longstanding special permits with established safety records into the text of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

The two main outcomes of the rulemaking are that it:
  • Authorizes transportation of certain explosives, ammonium nitrates, ammonium nitrate emulsions, and other specific hazardous materials in non-bulk and bulk packagings, which are otherwise prohibited under the current rules; and
  • Addresses the construction of new multi-purpose bulk trucks.
shipping bulk explosives 1.4 hazmat placard
Special Permits Incorporated into the HMR


Nine longstanding special permits have been incorporated into US DOT’s hazmat shipping regulations. Of the special permits addressed in this rulemaking, the newest was issued in 2001 and the oldest in 1980.

DOT-SP 4453: Transportation of certain Division 1.5D explosives in non-DOT specification bulk, hopper-like tanks.

DOT-SP 5206: Transportation of Division 1.5D explosives in privately operated bulk hopper-type units.

DOT-SP 8453: Transportation of Division 1.5D explosives and Division 5.1 materials in DOT specification cargo tanks and certain non-DOT specification cargo tanks and portable tanks.

DOT-SP 8554: Transportation of Division 1.5D explosives and/or Division 5.1 oxidizers in bulk motor vehicles described in the special permit.

DOT-SP 8723: Transportation of Division 1.5 explosives and/or Division 5.1 oxidizers in bulk, in DOT specification, and non-DOT specification packagings.

DOT-SP 9623: Transportation of Division 1.5D explosives and Division 5.1 oxidizers in cargo tank with a dromedary compartment (cargo compartment) containing Division 1.1 explosives mounted directly behind the trailer cab.

DOT-SP 10751: Transportation of certain Division 1.1, 1.4, and 1.5 explosives; Division 5.1 oxidizers; and Class 3 combustible liquids in separate containers mounted on the same vehicle frame.

DOT-SP 11579: Transportation of Division 1.1B, 1.1D, 1.4B, 1.4D, 1.4S, and 1.5D explosives; Division 5.1 oxidizers; Class 8 materials; and Class 3 combustible liquids in separate containers secured on the same vehicle frame.

DOT-SP 12677: Transportation of certain Division 1.1, 1.4, and 1.5D explosives; Division 1.5 oxidizers; Class 8 corrosive liquids; and Class 3 combustible liquids in separate containers secured on the same vehicle frame.

The Final Rule is effective January 20, 2016. This PHMSA rulemaking was listed in Lion News earlier this year as one of the Hazmat Final Rules to Watch for in 2016.

Interactive, Collaborative Workshops for Hazmat Shippers

Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest hazmat shipping regulations that affect your business. At the Hazardous Materials Transportation Certification Workshop, collaborate with other industry managers and build a step-by-step approach to shipping hazmat safely and in full compliance with the 49 CFR rules. Meet US DOT’s three-year training requirement for “hazmat employees” (49 CFR 172.704) and be confident you will make the right decisions when you offer hazmat for transport. Don’t wait—the 2016 workshop schedule is available now and sessions are filling up fast. 
 

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, new rules, PHMSA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

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

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

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.