Search

PHMSA Starts Rolling on New Crude Oil Volatility Standards

Posted on 1/16/2017 by Roger Marks

UPDATE 01/18/17: PHMSA's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to potentially establish vapor pressure limits for crude oil and possibly other Class 3 flammable hazardous materials appeared in the Federal Register today.  View it here. 

The US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking input on potentially establishing vapor pressure limits for unrefined petroleum-based products (and potentially all Class 3 liquids) shipped by any mode.

The ANPRM is a response to petition from the New York State Attorney General’s office (Petition P-1669), which requests that PHMSA add a new paragraph (a)(6) to 49 CFR 174.310 that would require all crude oil transported by rail to have a Reid vapor pressure (RVP) of less than 9.0 psi.

Limiting the vapor pressure, it is thought, may reduce the risk of death or damage from fires or explosions that result from accidents involving crude oil.

View the ANPRM, Hazardous Materials: Volatility of Unrefined Petroleum Products and Class 3 Materials, here.

49 CFR Hazmat Classification for Crude Oil

Rail car carrying crude oil or class 3 flammable liquidUnder the current Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), shippers must consider all hazards when classifying hazmat for transport. [49 CFR 173.22] Crude oil and other unrefined petroleum products may fall into a number of DOT hazard classes or divisions. In addition to characteristics of a Class 3 flammable or combustible liquid, these products may exhibit hazards like:  

  • Flammable gas (Division 2.1);
  • Non-flammable, non-poisonous compressed gas (Division 2.2);
  • Gas poisonous by inhalation (Division 2.3);
  • Poisonous material (Division 6.1); or
  • Corrosives (Class 8).

This makes accurate and complete classification of crude oil and petroleum products a bigger challenge than for some other materials.  

Other Recent 49 CFR Crude Oil Rulemakings

The ANPRM regarding unrefined petroleum volatility and vapor pressure is the latest development in PHMSA’s ongoing effort to enhance the safety of crude oil shipments in North America.

In May 2015, PHMSA published a Final Rule that established new sampling and testing rules for crude oil, bolstered tank car standards, speed restrictions for certain trains, new braking standards, new routing requirements, and an aggressive schedule to retrofit outdated tank cars. In addition, the Final Rule created two new designations of trains carrying hazardous materials: High-Hazard Flammable Trains (HHFTs) and High-Hazard Flammable Unit Trains (HHUFTs).

In July 2016, PHMSA proposed a rule to expand the comprehensive oil spill response plans (OSRP) required for railroads that transport HHFTs. Final action on this proposed rule is expected in July 2017, according to the DOT’s Fall Regulatory Agenda.

Convenient Online Training for Hazmat Rail Shippers

To help rail shippers and railroads maintain compliance with changing US DOT standards for hazmat shipments, the new Hazmat Ground Shipper—Additional Rail Requirements Online Course covers the complex rules for this unique mode of transport. Designed to help offerors meet DOT’s function-specific hazmat training mandate at 49 CFR 172.704(a)(2), the course covers the requirements for shipping hazmat by tank car, freight container, and bulk or non-bulk packages.

Learn more about the course and sign up here.

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, new rules, PHMSA, Rail

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

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

Sarah Baker

Planner

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.

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.