PHMSA to include special permits into regulations

Special Permits that have an established safety record to be included into hazmat regulatons

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) is looking to incorporate special permits into the hazmat regulations that have a proven safety record and that many other companies use.

Special Permit inclusion into regulations

Good news for companies that have had to continuously renew special permits as wells as the hazmat transportation community. PHMSA is propsing a rule making to include special permits that have an established safety record and that are in wide use by many hazmat shippers and transporters  to be included into the hazmat regulations for all to use.

Special permits allow a company or individual to package or ship a hazardous material in a manner that varies from the regulations so long as an equivalent level of safety is maintained. PHMSA is proposing revisions to the regulations to provide a wider access the flexibility that has been given in special permits, which will help cut down on renewal requests to the agency.

Factors that influence whether or not a specific special permit is a candidate for regulatory action include the safety record for hazardous materials transported under a special permit; broad application of a special permit; suitability of provisions in the special permit for incorporation into the HMR; rulemaking activity in related areas; and agency priorities.

How to submit your comments

Comments will be accepted unit February 22, 2010. You may submit comments identified by the docket number (PHMSA-2009-0289 (HM-233A) by any of the following methods:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.

Fax: 1-202-493-2251.

Mail: Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Routing Symbol M-30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.

Hand Delivery: To Docket Operations, Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.