Search

PHMSA Relaxes Position on Hazmat Package Closures and Tape

Posted on 6/8/2018 by Roger Marks

Tape-on-orange.jpgIn May 2018, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a new interpretation of the 49 CFR hazmat rules to clarify the agency’s position on package closures.

In the past, PHMSA has held that “changing the size (e.g., width) of tape from that specified in the packaging test report and closure notification constitutes a change in design.“

Join other hazmat shippers and an expert instructor at the DOT Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Workshop, coming to Detroit on June 18—19 and Cincinnati on June 19-20,

This meant that if the closure instructions for your package call for a one-inch wide strip of “XYZ tape” to secure the box, and you instead use a two-inch piece of XYZ tape, you’ve will have violated the HMR by using a package of a different “design” to ship your material.  

The consultant who requested clarification from PHMSA argued successfully in his letter that using a wider strip of tape would only improve package performance, provided that the tape was of the same type required in the closure instructions/notification.

In response, PHMSA rescinded its previous interpretations and now says: 

“…increasing the width of the tape from that specified in the packaging test report and closure notification does not constitute a change in design, provided the tape is otherwise of the same specification originally tested.”
tape-Class-9.JPG
Hopefully, this latest PHMSA interpretation will stick. See the PHMSA letter of interpretation here.


Hazardous Materials Shipper Training (49 CFR, IATA, IMDG) 

Meet DOT and IATA training mandates in cities nationwide in 2018. Be confident your shipments are in full compliance with the latest 49 CFR and DGR requirements for ground or air transport, earn CM Points and CEUs, and leave with trusted resources to simplify compliance and support your decisions.
 

Tags: dangerous, goods, hazmat, hazmat shipping, new rules, PHMSA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

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

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Shipping papers are a crucial part of safely shipping hazardous materials. See the top 5 mistakes shippers make on shipping papers, and how to avoid them.

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.