Final Rule Alert: PHMSA Reduces Hazmat Regulatory Burden

Who Says 2020 Is All Bad News?

Hopefully this brings a little good news in a year filled with enough uncertainty and bad news to fill a lifetime. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has finalized their final rule which “updates, clarifies, or provides relief from various regulatory requirements without adversely affecting safety.”

So, what does all this mean and when are the important dates? Great questions.

IMPORTANT DATES

The incorporation by reference date is effective December 28, 2020.

Delayed compliance date is effective November 26, 2021 (in connection with petitions for rulemaking P-1646, P-1691, and P-1692)

The official rule adopts petitions for relief submitted by industry representatives, shippers, carriers, and manufacturers and revises the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) in response to the 24 petitions.

Listed below is a snapshot of some of the changes. For a full list click HERE!

• Revisions to Poison Inhalation Hazards (PIH) for transportation by rail
• Aligning limited quantity exceptions with international regulations for 114 corrosive materials on the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) 172.101
• Revision to 49 CFR 173.28 (c)(1)(i) to clarify and expand flexibility in cleaning metal drums

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