Review - PHMSA Publishes Hazmat Harmonization NPRM – 5-29-23

The DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking in Monday’s (available on line today) Federal Register (88 FR 34568-34622) for “Hazardous Materials: Harmonization With International Standards”. This is a recurring rulemaking that PHMSA uses to maintain alignment with international regulations and standards by adopting various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements.

Noteworthy Changes

The preamble provides a brief description of what PHMSA calls “noteworthy proposals set forth in this NPRM”. They include:

Incorporation by reference,

Hazardous Materials Table,

Polymerizing substances,

Cobalt dihydroxide powder, and

Lithium battery exceptions.

Public Comments

PHMSA is soliciting public comments on this rulemaking. Comments may be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal {www.Regulations.gov; Docket # PHMSA-2021-0092 (HM-215Q)}. Comments should be submitted by July 31^st, 2023.

 

For a more detailed discussion of the proposed changes to the HMR, including links to the discussion of changes to section-by-section analysis, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/phmsa-publishes-hazmat-harmonization - subscription required.