PHMSA Adjusts List of Hazmats That Require Security Plans
The American Trucking Associations and the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) are two of the commenters who have persuaded the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to propose changes in the list of hazmats for which shippers must prepare security plans. Yesterday's proposal, if finalized, would mean plans would not be required for most non-flammable, non-poisonous compressed gas shipments. But no change in proposed in the current requirement of security plans for moving Division 2.3 and Division 6.1 poison inhalation hazard (PIH) materials or for any quantity of Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives.
Comments are due by Nov. 10. The proposal would not change the current security plan requirement for shipments of 3,000 kg or more of Division 4.2 spontaneously combustible materials in Packing Groups I and II, but it would eliminate the security plan requirement for Division 4.2 materials in Packing Group III because the security risks associated with those materials are not believed to be sufficient to warrant development and implementation of security plans.
And PHMSA is expanding security plan requirements in one area. Plans are currently required for shipping certain agents (such as ricin or anthrax) that can be weaponized and cause disease outbreaks in humans and animals. Now, the agency wants to expand this so plans are required for pathogens that affect plants. The yesterday's proposal would clarify that in-depth security-training is required only for hazmat employees who are directly involved with implementing security plans -- not for all workers involved with hazmats.
Visit http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-20856.htm to read the full text of the proposed rule.