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

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

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

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

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

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

Sarah Baker

Planner

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

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.