A sampling of what you've missed in the January / February 2007 issue of HAZMAT Packager & Shipper...

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

     that a marking change for packages containing excepted quantities has been adopted in the UN Model Regulation.  The proposed required words “DANGEROUS GOODS IN EXCEPTED QUANTITIES” have been replaced by a new symbol with minimum dimensions of 100 mm by 100 mm.  Also to be indicated in the marking is the class or division of the dangerous goods in the package, as well as - if not already marked on the package - the name of the consignee or consignor. 

    that final rules adopted in DOT Docket HM-215I  require shipping paper hazmat entries to be displayed using the UN-number-first sequence (currently allowed as an option) for the basic description of hazardous materials.  The required sequence is UN ID number first, followed by the proper shipping name, hazard class (and subsidiary risk(s), if any), and packing group (if any).  Revised § 171.14(e) allows use of the old, “proper shipping name first” sequence until January 1, 2013. 

    that DOT will be proposing some very important changes that would seriously affect the application of the closure notification rule, particularly for shippers.  In an on-going debate between DGAC and the DOT in which the meaning of the rule has been challenged DOT advises that “considering the apparent misunderstanding of this requirement, we will try to provide clarification in future rulemaking action.”  Shippers need to begin thinking about contacting DOT on this important development.  DOT needs to be made aware of the potential ramifications regarding the direction the agency seems to be pursuing.

that the dual rail security NPRMs introduced by TSA and PHMSA in December cover the subject matter of the municipal self-help measures substantially and are intended to establish much-needed national uniformity in rail security regulations, especially in highly populated areas.  This article describes in detail the main substantive measures of these proposed rules.

    that Special Provision 146 (applicable to the Class 9 environmentally hazardous liquids and solids entries, UN 3077 and UN 3082) has been revised.  This SP will now allow materials designated as such by any competent authority - for example, under the European transport regulations - to be transported under those entries domestically even if not considered a hazardous material under the HMR.  

    that classification criteria changes have been made to Class 6.1 affecting how the regulations apply to a number of materials.  These relate to the packing group criteria and cut-off thresholds for regulation based on all routes of exposure (i.e., oral, dermal, and inhalation).  The most important change is to the threshold for regulation based on oral toxicity.   Changes to these classification criteria result in that some materials (solids) not now regulated become regulated under Packing Group III, whereas other materials (liquids) currently regulated in that packing group are no longer regulated. 

    that a meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) “Working Group of the Whole” Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) was held in Beijing, China, from 25 October to 3 November 2006, with another meeting scheduled for Memphis, Tennessee to begin on April 30, 2007.  A few final decisions for changes to the ICAO TIs (and thus eventually to the IATA DGRs) have already been made.  Be sure to see the report about these decisions and for other changes being considered. 

    that classification changes have been made in Class 3 changing how the regulations apply to a number of materials.  A new flash point breakpoint is now drawn at 140ºF (60ºC) in place of 141ºF (60.5ºC).  A series of related consequential changes have been made to the HMR.