A sampling of what you've missed in the March / April 2006 issue of HAZMAT Packager & Shipper...

As a Subscriber, you would have learned ....

that DOT has changed its interpretation of what it considers the correct RQ if a hazardous waste’s constituents or their respective concentrations are unknown. On several occasions, it had written that the appropriate RQ for the waste is the RQ assigned to the waste stream (e.g., that assigned to stream “F001"). For consistency with EPA interpretations, DOT has revised its position.

that a new DOT regulation removes a rule excepting ORM-D materials from the inspection requirements applicable to the acceptance of hazardous materials for transport by aircraft. These materials now will be subject to the same acceptance checks that are required for other classes of hazardous materials.

about the reuse, repair and maintenance of IBCs and the many special requirements governing the repair and maintenance of DOT intermediate bulk containers.

that DOT proposed important changes in Docket HM-215F, in the Federal Register of January 27, 2006, regarding revisions and reformatting of certain 49 CFR authorizations to use the international codes in place of the basic DOT regulations when shipping internationally.

that ICAO is in the process of revising its limited quantity marking provisions. Learn how they intend to proceed.

that the proper securement of cargo in all modes of transportation, although challenging, can be approached confidently when using the author’s analysis of rail, ocean and highway regulations and practices.

that Docket HM-228, Revision of Requirements for Transportation by Aircraft, a DOT final rule to be effective October 1, 2006, will pose some substantial business challenges for the transportation of many hazardous materials for which, to date, air transportation has been taken for granted.

that DOT is preparing rules to permit DOT inspectors to open packages during transportation, as a result of a new amendment to the hazmat law,. This would occur with packages suspected of containing hazardous materials when by their markings, or otherwise, they do not seem to indicate that such items are present.