PHMSA Amends the Bulk Explosives Shipping Rules

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.

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