DOT Publishes Final Rule Amending Air Transport Security Requirements for Chemical Oxygen Generators

The Department of Transportation (DOT) on Friday published in the Federal Register confirmation of the effective date of a Final Rule published earlier this year amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) [49 CFR Parts 100-185] by revising the quantity limitation from 25kg "gross" to 25kg "net" for packages of chemical oxygen generators transported aboard cargo aircraft. The effective date was confirmed to have been November 16, 2009, by the DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), after no adverse comments were filed in regard to the October 15, 2009 Direct Final Rule.

The October 15 Direct Final Rule revises a Final Rule issued originally in January 31, 2007, enhancing the safety standards of cylinders of compressed oxygen, other oxidizing gases, and chemical oxygen generators being transported in aircraft. The January 31 Final Rule amended the HMR to require these products to be transported in outer packaging that (1) meets the same flame penetration resistance standards as required for cargo compartment sidewalls and ceiling panels in transport category airplanes; and (2) provides certain thermal protection capabilities so as to retain its contents during an otherwise controllable cargo compartment fire.