PHMSA Issues Emergency HMR Waivers PHMSA Issues Emergency HMR Waivers to Aid Hurricane Recovery

The US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) Emergency Waivers last month to streamline hurricane recovery in Georgia and Florida.

In effect until November 15, 2018, these emergency HMR waivers apply to persons in emergency or disaster areas working under the direction of State or Federal agencies charged with leading the recovery effort from Hurricane Michael.

PHMSA HMR Waiver #7
This HMR waiver applies to “persons conducting operations under the direction of EPA Region 4 or the US Coast Guard (USGC) Seventh or Eighth Districts within the Hurricane Michael emergency area of Florida.”

PHMSA HMR Waiver #8
This HMR waiver applies to persons conducting operations under the direction of EPA or USCG in the Hurricane Michael emergency area of Georgia.

PHMSA’s Authority to Grant Hazmat Waivers

Under 49 CFR 1.97(b)(3), PHMSA is authorized to waive compliance with any part of the HMR, provided that the waiver is:
 

1. In the public interest.
2. Not inconsistent with the safety of hazmat transport.
3. Necessary to facilitate safe movement of hazardous materials into, from, and within an area of major disaster or emergency.

In 2017, PHMSA issued emergency HMR waivers in the wake of storms Maria, Harvey, and Irma.

Online Hazmat Training

Can’t join Lion for live, expert-led hazmat training before the end of the year? No problem!

Complete your hazmat training at Lion.com for a fully-engaged learning experience that drives home critical hazmat topics and always covers the latest regulations. Check out the latest versions of Lion’s popular hazmat online courses:

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)
Recurrent Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)

Hazmat Training for New and Experienced Hazmat Employees

New hazmat employees need a solid grasp of the hazmat regulations and what they must do to help maintain compliance. Every step of the hazmat shipping process is regulated in some way, and even small mistakes can lead to fines now approaching $80,000 per day, per violation.

The Shipping Hazmat by Ground—Ops Online Course provides hazmat general awareness, security awareness, and function-specific training for new or experienced hazmat employees. Personnel who complete this course learn how to comply with the regulations that govern their hazmat-related activities.

Have questions about training your team? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we will be happy to provide some clarity on who needs training, what training they need, and how to get it all accomplished.

Tags: dangerous, emergency, goods, hazmat, PHMSA, preparedness, shipping, training