PHMSA Proposes Changes in Combustible Liquids Shipping Regulations

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on Monday published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in the Federal Register that would provide changes to the hazardous materials regulations (HMR) [at 49 CFR Parts 100-185]. The ANPRM, published at 75 Fed. Reg. 17111-19, would harmonize the regulations for shipments of combustible liquids with international hazmat shipping regulations. PHMSA proposes the change in the HMR based on three petitions submitted by the International Vessel Operators Hazardous Materials Association, the Dangerous Goods Advisory Council, and U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc.

Under the ANPRM, PHMSA seeks comment from industry on the potential harmonization of HMR definitions and requirements for combustible liquids with international standards, as well as the modification of domestic marking and placarding of combustible liquids in order to eliminate confusion upon shipment overseas and the possible expansion of current HMR exceptions for combustible liquids to also accommodate unique operational requirements.

The public ANPRM comment period ends July 6, 2010. PHMSA is accepting electronic comment submissions via the Federal eRulemaking Portal using docket number PHMSA-2009-0241 (HM-242). Comments may also be submitted via fax, (202) 493-2251, or via mail, to:Docket Management System; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.