Want to help update the HMR? Here’s your chance.
A new proposal makes notable changes to the hazardous materials regulations. If any of these amendments affect you or your operations, now is the time to make your voice heard.
Proposed changes
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) intends to update the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) by adopting various changes, including changes to proper shipping names (PSN), hazard classes, packing groups (PG), special provisions (SP), packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements.
Below are more noteworthy changes PHMSA plans to include with the HM-215Q proposed rule:
- Incorporating references to international regulations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, and the United Nations (UN) Model Regulations.
- Updating the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) by adding, revising, or removing certain proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, bulk packaging requirements, and passenger and cargo aircraft maximum quantity limits.
- Correcting multiple HMT entries that were inadvertently modified in previous rulemakings.
- Removing the phaseout date (January 2, 2023) from the transport provisions for polymerizing substances to allow for continued use of the provisions.
- Adding a new entry to HMT, “UN3550 Cobalt dihydroxide powder, containing not less than 10% respirable particles” and corresponding packaging provisions.
- Removing the exceptions provided for small lithium cells and batteries for transportation by aircraft. This is consistent with the elimination of similar provisions in the ICAO Technical Instructions.
- Removing the requirement to include a phone number on the lithium battery mark.
- Removing the requirement to have a lithium battery test summary for button cell installed in equipment.
- Lowering the temperature threshold at which transport of certain materials in portable tanks requires temperature control. Specifically, this would lower the threshold temperature for a material which is likely to decompose with a self-accelerated decomposition temperature (SADT) or polymerize with a self-accelerated polymerization temperature (SAPT) from 50 °C (122 °F) to 45 °C (113 °F) when transported in portable tanks.
- Revising the requirements in 173.167 for ID8000, consumer commodity material, which is different than the phased out ORM-D classification.
- Updating references related to valve protection for cylinders during transportation.
Reasons for change
The proposed amendments to the HMR will maintain alignment with international dangerous goods regulations and standards through a regulatory proposal known as HM-215Q. Harmonization facilitates international trade by minimizing costs and other burdens of complying with multiple or inconsistent safety requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials.
PHMSA is asking all interested parties to comment on the proposed changes by July 31, 2023. If possible, PHMSA will consider comments that miss the deadline while they are finalizing the rule. While making comments, make sure you provide as much detail and information as you can that supports your stance.
Comments on the proposed changes can be made through the Federal Rulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov. If you plan to submit comments, make sure you include the agency name, docket number PHMSA–2021–0092 (HM–215Q) or RIN 2137–AF57.
Key to Remember: The changes PHMSA has proposed are not set in stone yet. If any of these amendments affect you or your operations, now is the time to make your voice heard. Comments on the proposed changes must be submitted to PHMSA by July 31, 2023.