Next round of hazmat rule changes proposed by PHMSA

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is proposing its next round of updates to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to better align U.S. requirements with the latest international dangerous goods regulations and standards.

The proposal, dubbed HM-215S, could affect shippers, carriers, and others handling hazardous materials.

Changes to a wide range of requirements could affect how hazardous materials are classified, packaged, and transported. Proposed changes include updates to:

• Hazardous materials descriptions and proper shipping names, including new entries for butyl acrylates, vanadium pentoxide, chlorophenols, and several types of batteries;
• Hazard classes and packing groups;
• Special provisions;
• Packaging authorizations;
• Quantity limits for air transportation;
• Vessel stowage requirements; and
• International standards incorporated into the HMR by reference.