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In response, PHMSA rescinded its previous interpretations and now says: 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

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

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 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

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

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

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

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

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide as a quick reference to the most common HAZWOPER questions, and get course recommendations for managers and personnel who are in need of OSHA-required HAZWOPER training.

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.