Safety advisory notice--Removal from service.

Comments: Recently, five (5) 33-pound propane cylinders authorized under DOT Special Permit (DOT-SP 13957) ruptured during storage at a facility in Miami, Florida. The purpose of this notice is to alert owners and users of certain cylinders manufactured under this special permit to potential safety problems and to advise them to remove the cylinders from service as outlined in this notice. Also, PHMSA requests information on any other failures or leakage of lading, involving all cylinders made under DOT-SP 13957, which include 10-pound, 20-pound, and 33-pound cylinders, that may not have been previously reported to the agency.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-10081.htm

Public Workshop on Loading & Unloading

Comments: As part of PHMSA's efforts to review bulk loading and unloading of hazardous materials and to develop risk reduction strategies, the agency invites interested persons to participate in a public workshop that will examine industry data, identify industry best practices and standards, discuss the role of recommended practices for loading and unloading, and consider industry actions that have the potential to reduce risk during loading and unloading. PHMSA seeks the broadest participation of industry, federal agencies, state and local government, standards organizations, the emergency response community, employee groups, environmental and public interest organizations, and the public. PHMSA seeks individuals and organizations willing to speak at the public workshop. Interested persons are invited to submit papers on related topics.

Public meeting: June 14, 2007, starting at 9 a.m.

The meeting will be held at Lowe's L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, 480 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024. For information on the facilities or to request special accommodations at the meeting, please contact Mr. Rick Boyle by telephone or e-mail as soon as possible.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-9066.htm

HM-215F Final Rule - Revision and Reformatting

Comments: PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations to revise and consolidate the requirements applicable to the use of the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, Transport Canada's Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, and the International Atomic Energy Agency's Safety Standards Series: Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material. The revisions and reformatting provide a user-friendly format to promote understanding of the conditions and limitations on the use of international standards and regulations. In addition, PHMSA is authorizing the use in domestic transportation of portable tanks, cargo tank motor vehicles, and rail tank cars manufactured in accordance with Transport Canada's Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. The amendments adopted in this final rule maintain the high transportation safety standard established under the Hazardous Materials Regulations.

Effective date: October 1, 2007.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/07-1959.htm

HM-208F - Final Rule Registration & Fees

Comments: PHMSA is amending the statutorily mandated registration and fee assessment program for persons who transport or offer for transportation certain categories and quantities of hazardous materials. In this final rule, we are eliminating the 24- hour, seven-days-per-week telephonic expedited registration option because it is no longer necessary now that there is an internet option.

In addition, we are adopting an explicit exception from registration requirements for Indian Tribes. We are not increasing registration fees in this final rule.

This final rule is effective June 30, 2007.

 For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-8394.htm

HM-218E NPRM Cargo Tank Vehicles and Compressed Cylinders

Comments: PHMSA proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) to revise certain requirements applicable to the manufacture, maintenance, and use of DOT and MC specification cargo tank motor vehicles, DOT specification cylinders and UN pressure receptacles. The proposed revisions are based on petitions for rulemaking submitted by the regulated community and are intended to enhance the safe transportation of hazardous materials in commerce, clarify regulatory requirements, and reduce operating burdens on cargo tank and cylinder manufacturers, requalifiers, carriers, shippers, and users. 

Comments must be received by June 11, 2007.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-6942.htm

TSA Extends Air Cargo Security Compliance Dates

Comments: This interim final rule (IFR) amends the Air Cargo Security Requirements final rule (Air Cargo Final Rule) by extending the compliance dates by which aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, and indirect air carriers (IACs) must ensure that their employees and agents with unescorted access to cargo, and IAC proprietors, general partners, officers, directors, and certain owners of the entity successfully complete a Security Threat Assessment (STA). This extension is based on technology problems that TSA is experiencing with the processing of STA applications.

Effective Date: This rule is effective March 20, 2007.    Comment Date: Comments must be received by May 21, 2007.    Compliance Dates: Compliance date for STAs for employees under Sec. Sec.  1544.228, 1546.213, 1548.15, and for IAC proprietors,

general partners, officers, directors and certain owners of the entity under Sec.  1548.16: Changed from March 15, 2007, to a requirement that the operators submit names and other identifying information to TSA by May 15, 2007. The date that all covered individuals must have successfully completed the STAs is extended to a date that TSA will specify in a future notice in the Federal Register.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/07-1327.htm

HM-224B Transportation of Compressed Oxygen and Chemical Oxygen Generators

Comments: PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to: require cylinders of compressed oxygen and other oxidizing gases and packages of chemical oxygen generators to be placed in an outer packaging that meets certain flame penetration and thermal resistance requirements when transported aboard an aircraft; revise the pressure relief device (PRD) setting limit on cylinders of compressed oxygen and other oxidizing gases transported aboard aircraft; limit the types of cylinders authorized for transporting compressed oxygen aboard aircraft; and convert most of the provisions of an oxygen generator approval into requirements in the HMR. PHMSA is issuing this final rule in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to increase the level of safety associated with transportation of these materials aboard aircraft.

Effective Date: The effective date of these amendments is October 1, 2007.Voluntary Compliance: Voluntary compliance with all these amendments, including those with a delayed mandatory compliance date, is authorized as of March 2, 2007.

 For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-1487.htm

Safety advisory notice Unauthorized Marking of Cylinders 06-06

Comments: This is to notify the public that we (PHMSA) have discovered the unauthorized marking of high-pressure compressed gas cylinders, mainly cylinders containing welding gases, fire extinguishers, and self-contained breathing apparatus, by Consulting and Safety Specialists, Inc. (CSSI), located at 924 Lefort Bypass, Thibodaux, LA 70301.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-21994.htm

HM-215I Final Rule Harmonization With International Regulations

Comments: This final rule revises the Hazardous Materials Regulations to maintain alignment with international standards by incorporating various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations and vessel stowage requirements. These revisions will harmonize the Hazardous Materials Regulations with certain recent changes to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and the United Nations recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Effective date: January 1, 2007.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-9849.htm

HM-223E Enhancing Rail Transportation Safety and Security for Hazardous Materials Shipments

Comments: SUMMARY: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), is proposing to revise the current requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials transported in commerce by rail. Specifically, we are proposing to require rail carriers to compile annual data on specified shipments of hazardous materials, use the data to analyze safety and security risks along rail transportation routes where those materials are transported, assess alternative routing options, and make routing decisions based on those assessments. We are also proposing clarifications of the current security plan requirements to address en route storage, delays in transit, delivery notification, and additional security inspection requirements for hazardous materials shipments. In today's edition of the Federal Register, TSA is publishing an NPRM proposing additional security requirements for rail transportation.
Submit comments by February 20, 2007. To the extent possible, we will consider late-filed comments as we develop a final rule.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-21518.htm

Packaging Requirements Compressed Gasses - Correction

Comments: In Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, parts 100 to 185, revised as of October 1, 2005, on page 584, Sec. 173.302a is corrected by reinstating the second sentence of paragraph (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 173.302a Additional requirements for shipment of nonliquefied (permanent) compressed gases in specification cylinders.

* * * * *(d) * * * The maximum filling density of the diborane may not exceed 7 percent.* * *
* * * * *

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-55531.htm

TSA-2004-19515 - Air Cargo Security Requirements

Comments: This interim final rule (IFR) amends the Air Cargo Security Requirements final rule (Air Cargo Final Rule) (published May 26, 2006, and corrected in June 2006) by extending the compliance dates by which certain requirements must be completed. TSA has concluded that the regulated community will be unable to meet some deadlines in the Air Cargo Final Rule because of the large number of employees and agents subject to the requirements. TSA is, therefore, extending dates for the following requirements: That aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, and indirect air carriers (IACs) ensure that their employees and agents with unescorted access to cargo successfully complete a Security Threat Assessment (STA); that IACs ensure that their employees and agents performing security-related duties are trained in the IAC's security program; and that airport operators ensure that individuals with unescorted access to expanded Security Identification Display Areas (SIDA) are subjected to a criminal history records check (CHRC) and a name-based security threat assessment (STA), receive proper security training, and hold appropriate personnel identification.
Effective Date: This rule is effective October 23, 2006. Comment Date: Comments must be received by December 26, 2006. Compliance Dates: Compliance date for STAs for employees under Sec. Sec. 1544.228, 1546.213, 1548.15, and for IAC proprietors, general partners, officers, directors and certain owners of the entity under Sec. 1548.16: Changed from December 1, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Compliance date for STAs for agents under Sec. Sec. 1544.228, 1546.213 and 1548.15: Changed from December 1, 2006 to June 15, 2007. Compliance date for training of IAC employees under Sec. Sec. 1548.11: Remains November 22, 2006.
Compliance date for training of IAC agents Sec. Sec. 1548.11: Changed from November 22, 2006 to June 15, 2007. Compliance date for submission and approval of extension of Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) boundaries to cargo areas under
Sec. 1542.205(a)(2) and (3): Remains October 23, 2006. Compliance date for full compliance with requirements for individuals with unescorted access to expanded SIDA under Sec. Sec. 1542.205(b)(2), 1542.209, 1542.211, 1542.213, and Security Directives: Changed from October 23, 2006 to January 22, 2007.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-8904.htm

HM-224E Final Rule Correction - Lithium Batteries With Equipment

Comments: PHMSA is correcting an error in an interim final rule, published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2004. That interim final rule imposed a limited prohibition on offering for transportation and transportation of primary lithium batteries and cells as cargo aboard passenger-carrying aircraft and equipment containing or packed with large lithium batteries.

Effective date: October 1, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-15941.htm

HM-218D - NPRM Miscellaneous Amendments 

Comments: PHMSA proposes to make miscellaneous amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations based on petitions for rulemaking and PHMSA initiatives. These proposed amendments are intended to update, clarify or provide relief from certain regulatory requirements. Among other provisions, PHMSA is proposing a new proper shipping name and UN identification number for fuel mixtures composed of ethanol and gasoline to help emergency response personnel respond appropriately to incidents involving such fuel mixtures. In addition, PHMSA proposes to update certain incorporations by reference, revise and clarify certain hazard communication requirements, and clarify transportation requirements applicable to dry ice, detonator assemblies and explosives. PHMSA also proposes to provide expanded exceptions from regulation for household hazardous wastes and small amounts of materials used in pharmaceutical research. 

Comments must be received by November 24, 2006. 

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-7913.htm

HM-189Z - Final Rule Correction 

Comments: PHMSA is correcting a minor error in a final rule, published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2006. That final rule corrected editorial errors, made minor regulatory changes and, in response to requests for clarification, improved the clarity of certain provisions in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

Effective date: October 1, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-7793.htm

HM-189Z - Minor Editorial Corrections and Clarifications

Comments: This final rule corrects editorial errors, makes minor regulatory changes and, in response to requests for clarification, improves the clarity of certain provisions in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The intended effect of this rule is to enhance the accuracy, and reduce misunderstandings of the regulations. The amendments contained in this rule are minor changes and do not impose new requirements.

Effective date: October 1, 2006. 

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-15282.htm

HM-231 NPRM Packaging Amendments

Comments: In this NPRM, PHMSA is proposing to make miscellaneous amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) based on changes to packaging requirements in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, petitions for rulemaking received in accordance with requirements specified in 49 CFR, 106.95, and PHMSA initiative. These proposed amendments are intended to clarify certain regulatory requirements specific to bulk and non-bulk packaging. The amendments proposed in this NPRM also include incorporation of requirements for construction, maintenance and use of Large Packagings, clarification of specification marking requirements, and revisions to packaging definitions.

Comments must be received by November 30, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-7360.htm

HM-215I Harmonization with International Regulations

Comments: PHMSA is proposing to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to maintain alignment with international standards by incorporating various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations and vessel stowage requirements. These revisions are necessary to harmonize the Hazardous Materials Regulations with recent changes to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Comments must be received by October 16, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-7200.htm

HM-208F PHMSA Proposes to Increase Registration Fees

Comments: This rule proposes to amend the statutorily mandated registration and fee assessment program for persons who transport or offer for transportation certain categories and quantities of hazardous materials. For those registrants not qualifying as a small business or not-for-profit organization, we are proposing to increase the fee to $1,975 (plus a $25 administrative fee) for registration year 2007-2008 and increase the fee to $2,975 (plus a $25 administrative fee) for registration year 2008-2009 and following years. The fee increase is necessary to fund the national Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grants program at approximately $28,000,000 in accordance with the Administration's Fiscal Year 2007 budget proposal to Congress. PHMSA is also proposing to eliminate the expedited telephonic registration option. The number of telephonic registrations has steadily decreased with the addition of the internet registration option, therefore, we believe that this registration option is no longer necessary.

Submit comments by October 16, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-13312.htm

HM-240 Final Rule Correction 

Comments: On December 9, 2005, PHMSA published a final rule to revise terminology, definitions, and requirements for consistency with the Hazardous Materials Safety and Security Reauthorization Act of 2005. These amendments included revising the definitions of ``hazmat employee'' and ``hazmat employer''; modifying shipping paper retention requirements; providing a security plan exception for farmers; and replacing the term ``Exemption'' with ``Special permit.'' This final rule corrects an error in the final rule. This correction also addresses the amendments applicable to shipping paper retention requirements, the definition of ``hazmat employer,'' and the transition from ``Exemption'' to ``Special permit.'' 

Effective date: August 8, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-12804.htm 

HM-220E Final Rule Requirements for UN Cylinders

Comments: In this final rule, PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to adopt standards for the design, construction, maintenance and use of cylinders and multiple-element gas containers based on the standards contained in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Aligning the HMR with the international standards promotes greater flexibility, permits the use of advanced technology for the manufacture of pressure receptacles, provides for a broader selection of pressure receptacles, reduces the need for special permits, and facilitates international commerce in the transportation of compressed gases without sacrificing the current level of safety and without imposing undue burdens on the regulated community.

Effective Date: This final rule is effective on September 11, 2006. Voluntary Compliance Date: Compliance with the requirements adopted herein is authorized as of June 12, 2006. However, persons voluntarily complying with these regulations should be aware that appeals may be received and as a result of PHMSA's evaluation of these appeals, the amendments adopted in this final rule could be subject to further revision.

The incorporation by reference of publications listed in this final rule has been approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 11, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-5182.htm

HM-213B - Withdrawal of notice of proposed rulemaking.

Comments: PHMSA is closing this rulemaking proceeding, having considered and declined to adopt proposals for further regulating the transportation of flammable liquids in the product piping on cargo tank motor vehicles. On the basis of public comments and additional data and analysis, PHMSA has concluded that further regulation would not produce the level of benefits we originally expected and that the quantifiable benefits of proposed regulatory approaches would not justify the corresponding costs. Although PHMSA is withdrawing its rulemaking proposal, the agency will develop and implement an outreach program to educate the industry, first responder community, and the public about potential risks associated with unprotected product pipelines on these vehicles and will continue to collect data and other information in order to address the issue further if warranted.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-8782.htm

HM-226A - Infectious Substances - Category A or B

Comments: PHMSA is revising the transportation requirements for infectious substances, including regulated medical waste, to adopt new classification criteria, new exceptions, and packaging and hazard communication requirements consistent with revised international standards and to clarify existing requirements to promote compliance. These revisions will ensure an acceptable level of safety for the transportation of infectious substances and facilitate domestic and international transportation.

This final rule is effective October 1, 2006.

Voluntary Compliance Date: Voluntary compliance is authorized 30 days following publication of this final rule.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-4992.htm

Air Cargo Security Requirements - TSA-2004-19515

Comments: The Transportation Security Administration is amending its regulations to enhance and improve the security of air cargo transportation. This final rule requires airport operators, aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, and indirect air carriers to implement security measures in the air cargo supply chain as directed under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. This final rule also amends the applicability of the requirement for a ``twelve-five'' security program for aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more to those aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds to conform to recent legislation.

Effective Date: This final rule is effective October 23, 2006. Compliance Date: By November 22, 2006, Indirect air carriers must comply with the requirements for Indirect air carrier training under Sec. 1548.11. By December 1, 2006, aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, and indirect air carriers must comply with the requirements for-- Security threat assessments under Sec.1544.228, 1546.213, 1548.15, and 1548.16; and Indirect air carriers that do not currently hold a security program under part 1548, and that offer cargo to an aircraft operator operating under a full all-cargo program or a comparable foreign air carrier under Sec. 1546.101(e), establishment of, and operation under, a TSA security program in part 1548.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-4800.htm

Safety Advisory: Manufacture, Marking, and Sale of Untested Gas Cylinders

Comments: PHMSA was recently notified of the manufacture, marking, and sale of certain high pressure DOT exemption cylinders that were not tested in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. These cylinders were manufactured and/or distributed by Luxfer, Inc. (Luxfer), Riverside, CA. Luxfer and its independent inspection agency, Arrowhead Industrial Services, Inc. (Arrowhead), reported to PHMSA that 6,325 high pressure cylinders manufactured to the DOT CFFC and FRP-1 standards as authorized in DOT-E 10915, DOT-E 9634, and DOT-E 9894, had been shipped from Luxfer without undergoing the required autofrettage and hydrostatic tests. In a joint effort, Luxfer and Arrowhead have retrieved 2,581 of the untested cylinders. The model numbers and serial numbers of the remaining 3,744 cylinders are listed in this notice.

Only cylinders with the listed serial numbers listed are affected. A person with a listed cylinder should discontinue use of the cylinder and return it to Arrowhead at the address below so the autofrettage and hydrostatic test can be completed before its next use. Shippers and compressed gas filling facilities are advised that these cylinders do not meet the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations and may not be offered for transportation or transported until the required testing is completed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne E. Chaney, Cylinder Program Manager, Office of Hazardous Materials Enforcement, (202) 366-4700, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 7104, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-6535.htm

HM-237 Final rule; Response to Appeals; Correction Lighters & Lighter Refills

Comments: On January 23, 2006, PHMSA published a final rule entitled ``Requirements for Lighters and Lighter Refills'' that amended requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations pertaining to the examination, testing, certification, and transportation of lighters and lighter refills. In response to appeals submitted by persons affected by the final rule, this final rule amends requirements applicable to the transportation of lighter refills and allows for immediate voluntary compliance with certain provisions.

The effective date of this final rule is January 1, 2007. Voluntary compliance: Except for paragraphs (a), (b)(1), (b)(3),(b)(4), and (d) in Sec. 173.308, voluntary compliance with the final rule amending 49 CFR parts 171, 172, and 173 published at 71 FR 3418 on January 23, 2006, and with this final rule is authorized as of April 25, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-3834.htm

HM-228 Requirements for Carriage by Air

Comments: This final rule amends the requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) for the transportation of hazardous materials by aircraft. This final rule clarifies the applicability of part 175; clarifies the exceptions from regulation for operator equipment and supplies, special aircraft operations, and passengers and crewmembers; revises separation distances for the shipment of radioactive materials by cargo aircraft; and updates the regulations to comply with security requirements for explosive special permits. These changes are being made to finalize outstanding petitions for rulemaking, convert certain special permits into regulations, and promote international harmonization, where appropriate.

The effective date of this Final Rule is October 1, 2006. Voluntary compliance is authorized April 21, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-2596.htm

Final Rule PHMSA-05-22461- Revisions to Civil and Criminal Penalties

Comments: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is revising its regulations to reflect revisions to the civil and criminal penalties in the Hazardous Materials Safety and Security Reauthorization Act (Title VII of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users), enacted on August 10, 2005. We are also revising baseline assessments for violations related to training and security plans and making editorial changes in our List of Frequently Cited Violations in our Guidelines for Civil Penalties. We publish our Guidelines for Civil Penalties in order to provide the regulated community and the general public with information on the hazardous material penalty assessment process.
This rule is effective February 17, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-1491.htm

HM-215F NPRM Reformatting Authorization International Transport Standards and Regulations

Comments: In this notice of proposed rulemaking, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations by revising and consolidating the requirements applicable to the use of the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the Canadian Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations, and the International Atomic Energy Agency Safety Standards Series: Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material. The revisions and reformatting provide a user-friendly format to promote understanding of the conditions and limitations on the use of international standards and regulations, thereby ensuring that an acceptable level of safety is maintained while facilitating the transportation of hazardous materials.

Comments must be received by March 28, 2006. To the extent possible, we will consider late filed comments as we develop the final rule.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-516.htm

Final Rule HM-237 Requirements for Lighters and Lighter

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-464.htm

Comments: This final rule amends requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) pertaining to the examination, testing, certification, and transportation of lighters and lighter refills. This action will clarify regulatory requirements and, where appropriate, decrease the regulatory burden, while continuing to provide for the safe transportation of lighters and lighter refills in commerce.

The effective date of these amendments is January 1, 2007.

2006 IATA Checklists

Comments: IATA has posted three checklists to their website. They are;

1) Non-Radioactive
2) Radioactive and
3) Dry Ice

For Complete Info: http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/dangerous_goods/download.htm

They are  near the bottom of the page.

14 CFR Corrections FAA-2003-15085; Amendments 121-318 and 145-25

Comments: On October 7, 2005, the FAA published a final rule, ``Hazardous Materials Training Requirements'' (70 FR 58796; Oct. 7, 2005). The rule added appendix O to part 121 to prescribe the requirements for hazardous materials training under part 121, subpart Z, and part 135, subpart K. The appendix contains two tables (one for will-carry certificate holders, and the other for will-not-carry certificate holders) showing various categories of persons, defined by job function or responsibility, and the specified category they must receive. In both tables, in the entry for ``Provisions for passengers and crew,'' there should not have been an ``X'' in the column for ``Shippers.''

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-24225.htm

49 CFR Correction

Comments: Sec. 173.315 is corrected by adding paragraph (i)(8) to read as follows:

Sec. 173.315 Compressed gases in cargo tanks and portable tanks.

(8) Each pressure relief valve outlet must be provided with a protective device to prevent the entrance and accumulation of dirt and water. This device must not impede flow through the valve. Pressure relief devices must be designed to prevent the entry of foreign matter, the leakage of liquid and the development of any dangerous excess pressure.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-55517.htm

HM-240 Mandated Revisions To 49 CFR

Comments: This final rule revises terminology, definitions, and requirements for consistency with the Hazardous Materials Safety and Security Reauthorization Act of 2005. These amendments include revising the definitions of ``hazmat employee'' and ``hazmat employer;'' revision of shipping paper retention requirements; providing a security plan exception for farmers; adding conditional applicability of postal laws and regulations; and replacement of ``Exemption'' with ``Special permit.''

Effective date: January 9, 2006.

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-23754.htm

ANPRM HM-238 Storage of Explosives And Other High-Hazard Materials
 
Comments: PHMSA is considering requirements to address the current safety and security risks associated with the storage of explosives during transportation. In this notice, PHMSA is soliciting comments concerning measures to reduce the risks posed by the storage of explosives while they are in transportation and whether regulatory action is warranted. We also invite comments as to whether enhanced requirements for storage incidental to movement should apply to other hazardous materials (e.g., materials toxic by inhalation).

For Complete Info: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-22751.htm

ICAO Publishes Guidance Document On Infectious Substances

Comments: The 2005/2006 edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions and its Addenda (Doc 9284-AN/905 dated 18/3/05 and 30/6/05) reflect amendments made to the Infectious Substances requirements published in the 13th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and certain requirements in the 14th revised edition. These requirements were developed in coordination with experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other technical experts in the field of transportation, packaging and health.

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