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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
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2026-08-12T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsHazmat SafetyHazmatIn-Depth ArticleFocus AreaUSAEnglishTransportationHazmat Rulemaking procedures
The final word on HM-268 part 2
In the last article, we covered the first half of PHMSA's HM-268 final rules, which focused largely on documentation, special permits, and several widely used hazmat exceptions. In this second and final installment, we'll look at the remaining HM-268 rules, including changes affecting agricultural operations, rail transportation, refrigerating machines, cylinders, residue IBCs, and fireworks approvals.
Unless otherwise noted, HM-268J through HM-268P become effective on September 3, 2026. HM-268M becomes effective on August 19, 2026, and HM-268Q becomes effective September 8, 2026.
HM-268J: Updated farmer training threshold
PHMSA increased the income threshold used for a specific farmer security training exception. The revision reflects economic changes since the threshold was originally established.
HM-268K: Rail reporting updates
Several outdated rail-related reporting requirements were removed, including references to obsolete industry publications and reporting practices. PHMSA also updated certain tank car unloading provisions to better reflect current operations and technology.
HM-268L: Unloading drums and IBCs while on a vehicle
PHMSA incorporated provisions from long-standing special permits into the HMR, allowing certain Class 3, 6.1, 8, and 9 liquids to be unloaded from drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) while the packaging remains on the vehicle, subject to specified safety requirements.
HM-268M: Refrigerating machines using flammable refrigerants
As industries transition to refrigerants with lower global warming potential, PHMSA expanded options for shipping smaller refrigerating machines containing flammable refrigerant gases.
HM-268N: Larger refrigerating machines
PHMSA also addressed larger refrigerating machines containing low-flammability refrigerants by authorizing transportation under specified conditions.
HM-268O: Extended cylinder requalification intervals
Adopting provisions from DOT Special Permit 14175, PHMSA now allows certain DOT 3A and 3AA cylinders to be requalified at intervals of up to 10 years when approved examination methods are used.
HM-268P: Relief for empty residue IBCs
Certain empty residue IBCs may now move without some of the shipping paper, marking, and placarding requirements that would otherwise apply, provided specified conditions are met.
HM-268Q: Expanded fireworks certification authority
PHMSA expanded the authority of Fireworks Certification Agencies to approve certain display fireworks and entertainment-industry pyrotechnics that meet applicable APA standards. According to PHMSA, the change is intended to streamline the fireworks approval process.
Key to remember: Taken together, HM-268J through HM-268Q revise requirements affecting agricultural operations, rail transportation, drums and IBCs, refrigerating machines, cylinders, residue packagings, and fireworks approvals.
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2026-08-11T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsCrystalline SilicaToxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAIn-Depth ArticleEnglishFocus AreaToxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHAUSA
Silica Safety from Dust to Dawn
Are you excited about that new building or home renovation? Warning: there may be a predator in your plan! Silica seems to be making a grand new appearance because of the popularity of artificial stone in flooring and countertops. It’s an extremely functional compound with many uses, but exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust can have significant health consequences, particularly for workers in certain industries.
The most common form of crystalline silica is quartz, which is found in sand, clay, gravel, and other rock forms. It especially likes to lurk in engineered materials that contain more crystalline silica by weight than natural stones like marble or granite.
Blasting, cutting, and grinding these engineered stone slabs is known to produce dust containing harmful silica that can enter the lungs and eventually be fatal. The silica particles are so small, they are unnoticeable so many workers may not realize they are at risk. This is why OSHA has established a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to reduce or eliminate worker exposure to silica. The NEP establishes a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
How can silica be fatal?
Silica itself is not dangerous. However, when it’s disturbed and becomes airborne, it’s a force to be reckoned with. The crystalline silica particles are so small, they easily bypass the body’s natural defense mechanisms and make their way deep into the lungs. Eventually, exposed workers develop a chronic and progressive scarring of the lungs, known as silicosis.
Once the lungs are scarred enough, they lose elasticity and can no longer function. Those with silicosis may experience:
- Shortness of breath and persist coughing,
- Chest pain,
- Fatigue,
- Weight loss, and eventually
- Respiratory failure.
Silicosis also can worsen other health issues, such as lung cancer and kidney disease, making the situation even more deadly.
Who is most susceptible?
Construction workers lead the pack for industries most at risk for silica exposure. However, that doesn’t mean other industries shouldn’t be on alert. In fact, OSHA estimates that about 2.3 million U.S. workers are exposed to silica.
Anyone dealing with silica-containing materials are at risk. These materials include:
- Granite, marble, quartz;
- Concrete, brick, and ceramic tiles;
- Glass;
- Manufactured stone slabs;
- Roofing tiles;
- Grouts, mortar, and joint compounds;
- Talcum powder;
- Asphalt;
- Some food additives; and
- Abrasive blasting materials.
The increase of silicosis diagnosis among artificial stone countertop workers is staggering and is causing irreversible lung damage and early death. Sadly, lung transplantation may be the only life-saving option for those who can overcome delayed diagnosis and health insurance challenges.
This problem has been highlighted by just one state. An April 2025 report from California's Department of Public Health (CDPH) revealed:
- 15 deaths from silicosis
- 294 medically diagnosed cases
- 31 lung transplants
- 26 additional transplant referrals
What can be done about it?
Reducing or eliminating silica exposure requires:
- Performing risk and hazard assessments to determine where silica exposure may occur;
- Prioritizing engineering controls (e.g., wet methods, ventilation, etc.) to control airborne silica and silica dust;
- Implementing administrative controls to reduce exposure time and frequency;
- Issuing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE);
- Monitoring employee health with medical surveillance and screening;
- Complying with regulatory requirements; and in some cases,
- Banning artificial stone products with specified silica content percentages.
Key to remember: Silica is everywhere and it is wreaking havoc on our workers. Exposure, especially from engineered stone, poses severe health risks, making strict controls and OSHA compliance essential for protecting workers.
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2026-08-11T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsHazmat SafetyHazmatIn-Depth ArticleFocus AreaUSAEnglishTransportationHazmat Rulemaking procedures
The final word on HM-268 part 1
PHMSA has finalized the first nine rules in the HM-268 series, converting several 2025 proposals into regulatory changes affecting hazmat shippers, carriers, and other regulated parties. Most of these rules become effective on September 3, 2026, except HM-268E, which has a later effective date of December 2, 2026.
HM-268A: Updating the aerosol definition
PHMSA revised the definition of an aerosol to include aerosols that contain and dispense only gas. Previously, the HMR definition required the gas to expel a liquid, paste, or powder. The change aligns the HMR with international standards and may reduce the need for special permits when shipping qualifying gas-only aerosol products.
HM-268B: Smaller limited quantity markings
Shippers using the limited quantity exception now have greater flexibility when marking packages. PHMSA authorized a reduced-size limited quantity marking that may be incorporated directly into a shipping label for qualifying domestic highway, rail, and vessel shipments. The reduced marking cannot be used for air transportation and certain other applications.
HM-268C: Expanded materials of trade relief for lithium batteries
Industries such as construction, landscaping, entertainment, and food service increasingly rely on lithium battery-powered equipment. PHMSA updated the Materials of Trade (MOT) exception by increasing allowable lithium battery quantities and providing additional flexibility for transporting batteries used in conducting a business.
HM-268D: Electronic emergency response information
Carriers may now use electronic emergency response information (ERI) in place of paper documents. Emergency response information can be maintained and displayed electronically, provided it is immediately available when required.
HM-268E: Eliminating a duplicate hazardous substance list
PHMSA removed its duplicate list of CERCLA hazardous substances and now relies on EPA's list found in 40 CFR 302.4. The change simplifies regulatory maintenance by eliminating the need for PHMSA to maintain a separate list while preserving the underlying hazardous substance requirements.
HM-268F: Continued use of certain special permit packaging
Companies may continue using qualifying packaging authorized under an expired special permit, provided the packaging remains in compliance with the conditions established under the original permit. This addresses situations where packaging remains safe and compliant even though a permit holder no longer renews the authorization.
HM-268G: Simplified special permit renewals
PHMSA removed the requirement to submit special permit and approval renewal applications at least 60 days before expiration. Holders may now submit renewal applications at any time on or before the expiration date.
HM-268H: Electronic payment of registration fees
PHMSA finalized its transition away from paper check payments by requiring hazardous materials registration fees to be submitted electronically.
HM-268I: Electronic registration documents
Motor and vessel carriers may now carry PHMSA registration certificates electronically rather than maintaining paper copies onboard, provided the documents can be presented during an inspection.
Key to remember: These first nine HM-268 final rules highlight PHMSA's efforts to update documentation requirements, digitize administrative processes, improve consistency with international standards, and provide additional flexibility in several areas of hazmat transportation.
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2026-08-11T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsTemporary trip permitsVehicle Registration PermitsBusiness policies and procedures - Motor CarrierBusiness planning - Motor CarrierFocus AreaIn-Depth ArticleFleet OperationsRegistration and Permits - Motor CarrierEnglishTransportationBusiness planning - Motor CarrierUSA
Avoid costly delays: build permit lead time into your planning
Permits are a necessary compliance step whenever you’re going to be operating within a jurisdiction not covered by your IFTA/IRP registrations or making oversize/overweight moves. Each permit takes a varying length of time to obtain – ranging from seconds to days, or sometimes even longer. Build time for obtaining permits into your dispatch and planning process to help prevent avoidable delays, added costs, and compliance risks.
Permits are not “one size fits all.”
Some permits can be obtained very quickly, with instant approval being common for trip and fuel permits. Conversely, OS/OW permits can take longer because they may require route review, load details, axle spacing, dimensions, weight, and other trip-specific information before approval.
The cost associated with permits range greatly from state to state, permit to permit, and can even vary based on load and trip specific details: such as length of time the permit is needed for, or the size and weight of the load. Some permits will be a flat-fee for a single day trip, while others may be calculated as an amount per mile or weight.
When planning ahead matters most.
When you are operating solely intrastate, you only need a permit for that state. Once you begin crossing state lines, you will need a permit for each state in which you operate. If you won’t be operating in a state permanently, then you can get a temporary permit, whereas carriers who operate in multiple states regularly will need permanent permits in each state they operate in.
Planning ahead is especially important when a move
- Crosses multiple jurisdictions,
- Involves oversize or overweight freight, and/or
- Requires travel on a specific route.
The cost of waiting too long.
Waiting until the last minute can lead to obstacles that impede your ability to operate as planned. If an application requires additional information, a state office is closed, or a route needs to be adjusted, you may need to pause operations until it is sorted. This can lead to missed delivery windows, driver downtime, added fuel and lodging costs, unhappy customers, and pressure to make risky decisions.
The ROI of planning ahead.
Permit planning is not just about paperwork. It supports safer routing, more accurate dispatching, better customer communication, and stronger compliance records. For oversize/overweight moves, advance planning can also help identify whether secondary permits—such as city, county, or local permits—may be required along the route.
Key to remember: For carriers managing multiple trucks, routes, and customers, building permit lead times into the planning process can improve reliability. Instead of reacting to last-minute obstacles, fleets can make informed decisions about routing, equipment, delivery timing, and whether permanent credentials may be more efficient than repeated temporary permits.
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2026-08-11T05:00:00Z
NewsHR ManagementEnglishTalent Management & RecruitingAssociate Benefits & CompensationWage and HourChange NoticesChange NoticeWage and HourCaliforniaHR GeneralistMinimum WageNon-Exempt employees Associate RelationsFocus AreaHuman Resources
California will increase minimum wage, salary in 2027
Effective date: January 1, 2027
This applies to: Employers with employees in California
Description of change: Under California Labor Code section 1182.12(c), the state's minimum wage will increase from $16.90 to $17.40 per hour, effective January 1, 2027. The annual salary threshold for exempt employees will increase from $70,304 to $72,384 in 2027.
View related state info: Minimum wage - California
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2026-08-11T05:00:00Z
NewsHR ManagementEnglishConnecticutTalent Management & RecruitingAssociate Benefits & CompensationWage and HourChange NoticesChange NoticeWage and HourHR GeneralistMinimum WageNon-Exempt employees Associate RelationsFocus AreaHuman Resources
Connecticut will increase minimum wage in 2027
Effective date: January 1, 2027
This applies to: Employers with employees in Connecticut
Description of change: Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from $16.94 to $17.48 per hour beginning January 1, 2027. Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo reported that the employment cost index increased by 3.2 percent over the 12-month period ending on June 30, 2026, accounting for the $0.54 increase to the state’s minimum wage.
View related state info: Minimum wage - Connecticut
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.