Lion's office will be closed at 3:30 PM ET on Friday, May 23 and all day on Monday, May 26. Online training support is available from 8:30 AM to 5 PM ET. Contact support@lion.com.
Search

Final Rule Alert: PHMSA Removes ECP Brakes Requirement for HHFTs

Posted on 9/25/2018 by Roger Marks

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a Final Rule in the Federal Register on Tuesday, September 25 to remove requirements for electronically controlled pneumatic brake systems (ECP brake systems) on “high hazard flammable trains” of HHFTs.

PHMSA says the requirements, put in place in 2015 in response to a rash of incidents involving crude oil shipped by rail, are “not economically justified.”  

PHMSA had previously denied an appeal to its new rules for HHFTs.

Ship crude oil or other hazardous materials by rail? The Hazmat Ground Shipper—Additional Rail Requirements online course is a great way to round out your hazmat expertise and master the unique rules that apply to rail shipments. Enroll now to expand your knowledge and keep rail shipments in compliance.
 

What is an HHFT?

The 2015 regulation created new categories of trains subject to enhanced safety requirements, including ECP brakes, bolstered tank car design and protection standards, new sampling criteria for crude oil and other energy products, top speed restrictions and routing requirements, and more.

The two new definitions are:

High Hazard Flammable Train (HHFT) – a train comprised of 20 or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid in a continuous block OR 36 or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid across the entire train.

High Hazard Flammable Unit Train (HHFUT) – a train comprised of 70 or more loaded tank cars containing Class 3 flammable liquids traveling at speeds greater than 30 miles-per-hour.


Expanded Oil Spill Response Plan Rules for Rail

The enhanced safety measures for tank cars and trains should not be confused with a different new regulation, which aims to improve oil spill response on rail lines.

The 2016 proposed rule would expand the comprehensive oil spill response plans (OSRP) required for railroads that transport HHFTs.

Earlier this year, DOT indicated that they are working to complete this rule in 2018.


Nationwide Hazmat Shipper Training 

Get the training you need to ship hazardous materials by ground in the US. Trusted since the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) became law, Lion’s collaborative hazmat training workshops give you a step-by-step approach to prepare shipments.

From classifying hazmat to packaging, marking, labeling, loading, unloading, and documenting your shipments, you will learn what you need to know to stay in compliance with the latest 49 CFR rules.

See the current hazmat training schedule here.

*IATA DGR and IMDG Code training also available. See the Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Certification page.   
 

Tags: crude, flammable, hazmat shipping, HHFT, oil, rail shipping

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

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

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

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

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

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

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

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.