Carriers and others now have until March 14, 2008, to comment on a proposal by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) that would apply to bulk loading and unloading of hazardous materials, according to information published February 8 in the Federal Register.
Based on information and comments received so far, PHMSA plans to consider strategies for enhancing the safety of bulk loading and unloading operations, including whether additional regulatory requirements may be necessary.
PHMSA published the original call for comments on the proposal January 4, 2008, which included:
•Incident data related to bulk loading and unloading operations.
•Discussed recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
•Provided an overview of current federal regulations applicable to bulk loading and unloading operations.
•Summarized the results of a public workshop PHMSA hosted last year on the subject.
•Set forth proposed recommended practices for bulk loading and unloading operations.
PHMSA wants comments on the proposal (Docket Number PHMSA-2007-28119; Notice No. 07-9) submitted by March 14, but to the extent possible, will consider comments received after that date. PHMSA said it also will consider strategies, including additional regulatory requirements, as necessary.
The February 8 Federal Register information is available online.
Additional information in the Federal Register for 2008 also is available online in daily publications.