The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) is reviewing five industry and trade association petitions to update hazmat regulations. The five petitions deal with:
- New proper shipping names for lithium batteries (LBs) in cargo transport units and battery-powered equipment and vehicles. PHMSA’s Emergency Response Guidebook includes separate emergency response guidelines for lithium-ion, lithium-metal, and wet batteries, which can slow down a response.
- Modifying the definition of “liquid.” A redefinition would be based on the penetrometer test approved under United Nations modal regs.
- Increasing the weight threshold for large LBs under the Materials of Trade above 66 pounds. Larger format LBs that can power a nighttime construction site must currently be transported as fully-regulated Class 9 hazmats, requiring strict packaging, handling, and training requirements.
- Making food-grade vinegar with 30% or less by weight acetic acid exempt from bulk shipment Special Permits, and
- Lowering the minimum steel thickness threshold for reconditioning and reuse of steel drums. Hazmat packaging reconditioners asked for the change.
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