Search

49 CFR Hazmat Update: Emergency Response Phone Numbers

Posted on 6/6/2016 by Roger Marks

Last week, US DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) posted a long list of major (and not-so-major) changes to the 49 CFR hazmat shipping rules. Among these changes was an important update regarding the emergency response phone number shippers must provide on the shipping papers for most hazmat shipments.
 

Change for Hazmat Emergency Response Phone Numbers


As of July 5, DOT will require emergency response phone number to be presented using numbers only.

Alphanumeric phone numbers (i.e., “1-800-4HAZMAT”) will no longer be accepted. In the past, most touchtone phones had letters associated with each digit and printed clearly on the buttons. This is no longer the case. To prevent confusion and dialing mistakes that could cost responders precious time in an emergency situation, DOT will require numeric phone numbers only. 1-800-4HAZMAT, for example, should be written as 1-800-442-9628 on hazmat shipping papers.
 

What Is a Hazmat Emergency Response Telephone Number?


The emergency response telephone number connects emergency response personnel to a provider of emergency response information (ERI). The number must be manned 24/7, so that at any time a responder can call and get critical information about hazardous materials involved in a crash or other emergency.

Because not all hazmat shippers can keep a telephone number staffed 24/7, many rely on a third-party service provider to meet the emergency response information requirements of 49 CFR. If the third-party provider your company uses presents its phone number alphanumerically, make sure you update your shipping papers to prevent noncompliance with the updated 49 CFR rules.
 
DOT hazmat shipping papers
 

Hazmat Training in Boston, Hartford, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and more


Get up to speed with all the latest 49 CFR, IATA, and IMDG Code rules for shipping hazmat by ground, air, and vessel at the Complete Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Workshops in northeast cities in July. Join full-time, expert instructors and other hazmat professionals from your area to build confidence working with the complex rules that affect your shipments. Your hazmat training is backed by a full year of Lion Membership for fast answers to your shipping questions, updates on rule changes, exclusive content and resources, and discounts on select training events. Sign up now to keep your 3-year DOT certification up-to-date.  
 

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, new rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

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

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

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 course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

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.