"Hazardous Matters" is the quarterly newsletter for PHMSA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS). As always, it is packed with the latest news, expert tips, and essential insights for the safe handling and shipment of hazardous materials. Stay informed, stay safe!

A Message from PHMSA's Associate Administrator

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2024!

2023 was a busy year for PHMSA, with many successful activities. We also were reminded of our need to remain vigilant for safety improvements by some tragic hazardous materials accidents in the rail, highway, and marine modes of transport. Those reminders helped frame our annual activity review and our future plans.

To that end, PHMSA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety recently developed a plan for the coming year that links to the Department's Strategic Goals of Safety; Equity; Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness; Climate and Sustainability; Transformation; and Organizational Excellence. Our plan focuses our activities to meet the departmental goals through three distinct areas—Leveraging Partnerships; Fostering Innovation and Economical Solutions; and Attracting, Developing, and Retaining World Class Talent. The plan also includes tangible outputs that help us know we are achieving success.

For instance, tangible outputs include forging three new partnerships in areas where gaps exist. One such area is our recent connection with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). NENA represents the more than 6,000 public safety access points operating throughout the United States. By partnering and offering training on available emergency response information sources and grant opportunities we can ensure that our nation's 911 call centers are better prepared to provide responders with the information they need.

Outcomes also include completing our policy on the use of recycled plastics for packaging and improving our processes to analyze and enable innovation more rapidly. I know 2024 will bring many challenges but I am also confident that the great team here at PHMSA is prepared and able to resolve these challenges and continue improving on our impressive safety record.

William S. Schoonover
Associate Administrator, PHMSA

Safety Advisory: Cylinders Requalified by BJ MedQuip Repair Service, Inc.

 

In June 2023, PHMSA issued a Safety Advisory to notify the public of cylinders that were over-pressurized during the requalification process and require condemnation. Affected cylinders are marked by Requalifier Identification Number (RIN) N046 and dated between March 2018 and March 2023. The Safety Advisory affects approximately 10,000 DOT 3AL cylinders, used in medical oxygen service. To facilitate proper disposition, PHMSA issued an Enforcement Discretion notice, stating that it will not take enforcement action against any trained collecting personnel who transport affected cylinders for the purpose of recovery and condemnation, including venting.

Additionally, under RIN N046, approximately 15,000 cylinders were under-pressurized during testing. These cylinders do not require condemnation, but do require a periodic requalification prior to filling, or being transported in commerce.

To assist the public, PHMSA has deployed a Cylinder Advisory webpage devoted to the issue. The page provides links to the Safety Advisory and Enforcement Discretion notices, explains cylinder markings, and offers tools to determine if a given cylinder is impacted and locate a requalifier.

For additional questions, contact the Hazardous Materials Info Center 1.800.HMR.4922 or e-mail: infocntr@dot.gov

Spotlight: PHMSA's New Online Fireworks Approvals Portal

Are you a fireworks manufacturer?

PHMSA has developed a new online Fireworks application system for firework manufacturers to submit their applications directly into the Fireworks Portal online application.

The new system provides for application management, allowing applicants to enter their own information, and to receive instant feedback on the completeness and accuracy of the application, reduced denials and rejections of applications due to pre-submission error detections, and no more waiting to find out a document is missing from the application. This new system will lead to an overall faster application processing time, and provide improved usability of the system by the applicant.

Applicants must create a PHMSA Portal account prior to submitting firework application requests, which will allow you to start an application for a new firework approval, save changes, and return to it later.

The new system can be accessed using the PHMSA Portal, at https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov. When ready to submit a firework application continue by selecting Fireworks New. Just remember: the review process does not begin until the application is completed, and you've clicked "SUBMIT"!

 

United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

The 63rd session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods was held November 27 to December 6 in Geneva, Switzerland. At the meeting, Associate Administrator William S. Schoonover presented a document from the United States encouraging the Sub-Committee to embrace opportunities in its work developing and maintaining the United Nations Model Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Mr. Schoonover focused on how technological advancements and modernization of supply chains introduce opportunity and challenges in regulating dangerous goods transport. He noted that a holistic strategy which incorporates technological advances and responds to the evolution of the transport system supports a key United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to "build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation." The message was well-received and set the foundation for a collaborative approach to the topics on the Sub-Committee's agenda for the current biennium, which have the potential to significantly impact transportation safety and environmental sustainability.

Published biennially, the UN Model Regulations are implemented world-wide to ensure products vital to our every-day lives are delivered safely and efficiently. The work of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods contributes directly to the development of quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient national and global infrastructure, economic development, and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety extends its thanks to PHMSA and US DOT leadership for their consistent support in maintaining the United States' leading role in this important body's work.

NPRM: Streamlining Requirements for the Approval of Certain Energetic Materials

On November 30, PHMSA published the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) "HM-257A: Streamlining Requirements for the Approval of Certain Energetic Materials" to the Federal Register. This NPRM proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to:

• Streamline the classification and approval process for low-hazard ground device fireworks
• Codify existing guidance for UN3178 novelty devices
• Revise classification criteria for small arms cartridges to include tracer ammunition
• Include the PHMSA Portal as the method to submit applications for all explosives approvals
• Allow for voluntary termination of an explosive approval by the approval holder.

If you're involved in the pyrotechnics supply chain, PHMSA wants your input! The public comment period for this NPRM ends on February 28, 2024.

Interested in being the first to know when PHMSA posts notices and rulemakings to the Federal Register? Receive email notifications from the Federal Register whenever PHMSA posts by visiting the FederalRegister site and clicking 'Subscribe' at https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration.

 

OHMS Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) Forum

PHMSA's Office of Hazardous Material Safety (OHMS) held its annual Research, Development & Technology (RD&T) Forum on November 28, 2023. The virtual forum showcased ongoing and future research projects, discussed program strategies and priorities, and gathered input from hazardous materials transportation stakeholders. The one-day session began with remarks from Dr. Robert Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, and Associate Administrator Mr. William Schoonover. Operation Systems Director Yolanda Y. Braxton provided an overview of the RD&T program's mission.

The forum featured presentations on Rail, Equity, and Batteries and presentations from our Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) participants. SBIR projects included hazardous materials communication using RFID trackers, wearable PPE-integrated sensors, bioremediation for hazardous materials spills, and battery state of charge device technology. Rail projects addressed LNG transportation risks, while the Equity sessions explored environmental justice considerations and developed the equity measurement tool for OHMS's activities. The Batteries session covered strategies for de-energizing lithium-ion batteries and safety systems.

The presenter's slides will be posted here. For more information, stakeholders can email the OHMS RD&T Program at HazMatResearch@dot.gov.
 

Safety Tips for Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Micromobility Devices

The lithium-ion batteries powering micromobility devices—like ebikes and scooters—are considered hazardous materials. When riding, charging, shipping, or disposing of these devices, special care is required to protect your battery from damage. This resource was developed to help owners and riders of micromobility devices understand lithium-ion battery safety. In addition to helpful safety tips for caring for, shipping, and disposing of these batteries, the brochure also explains what to do when a battery shows signs of damage, to help prevent a serious fire.

Link: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/safety-tips-lithium-ion-battery-powered-micromobility-devices

 

Security Requirements and Considerations for Hazardous Materials Transportation

Millions of tons of hazardous materials transported each day, but not all shipments carry the same level of risk. Certain quantities and types of hazmat require security plans due to the elevated risks that they pose.

This brochure outlines the Safety and Security Plan requirements found in 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart I, including when a security plan is required, what should be included in the plan, and what additional training is necessary for those who fall under the security plan requirements. It also offers suggested security measures, per PHMSA's Risk Management Self-Evaluation Framework, to help develop of these plans.

Link: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/security-requirements-brochure

 
Check the Box Resources: Available in Chinese and Spanish!

Every year, approximately 1,500 transportation incidents occur when hazardous materials are shipped undeclared. Since 2019, PHMSA's Check the Box campaign has helped the public understand the risks of undeclared hazmat, and how to ship these products safely.

Our primary Check the Box brochure is now available in three languages! Whether you prefer English, Spanish, or Simplified Chinese, you can learn about safe, compliant shipping of hazardous materials by following the links below:

English: https://www.transportation.gov/check-box/check-box-brochure

Spanish: https://www.transportation.gov/check-box/check-box-brochure-spanish

Simplified Chinese: https://www.transportation.gov/check-box/check-box-brochure-chinese

And for more PHMSA resources in Spanish, be sure to visit our Publicaciones page!

PHMSA develops compliance assistance materials that make it easier to understand and comply with the HMR. All resources below are available at: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/publications.

Coming soon: 2024 Edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG).

 

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For additional information contact:

The Hazardous Materials Info Center

1.800.HMR.4922 or (1.800.467.4922)

E-mail: infocntr@dot.gov

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov

Questions or suggestions for the next newsletter? Email Training@dot.gov, with the subject: "Newsletter."

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