PHMSA

The train now departing

INSTRUCTORS If there is one sector of the business that knows more than any other about the regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods, their pitfalls and the problems of their implementation, it is probably training professionals. A new association aims to set standards and establish a certification process for these important personnel

Build a better tank

RAIL Analysis of recent incidents in North America involving rail tank cars, together with technical research work, has underpinned new proposals for enhanced tank car performance standards from PHMSA and FRA

An inspector calls

ENFORCEMENT Regulators understand that good enforcement involves a carrot as well as a stick. Recent developments in the US suggest the authorities are willing to embrace those who consistently fail to comply and take steps to show them the way to do it right – without letting go of the stick completely

An inspector calls

ENFORCEMENT Regulators understand that good enforcement involves a carrot as well as a stick. Recent developments in the US suggest the authorities are willing to embrace those who consistently fail to comply and take steps to show them the way to do it right – without letting go of the stick completely

Catch that train

As an industry, we are often told that the best – indeed, the only – way to minimise the number of accidents, incidents, casualties and fires is (like Aretha Franklin with a head cold) "train, train, train". And so, shippers and carriers around the world merrily go off to train their fools, happy in the knowledge that they are doing the right thing.

Seven thousand feet up

CONFERENCE REPORT The thin air of New Mexico energised delegates and speakers at last year's DGAC conference, which was just as well as following the programme required an alert mind.

PHMSA aligns CERCLA list

the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) revised the list of hazardous substances and reportable quantities

Walk the line

The 'enterprise approach' being taken by DOT and PHMSA means that contact with the regulated industry is vital to support rulemaking decisions and generate the data that underpin them. DGAC's 29th annual conference offered an ideal opportunity for regulators and industry to get together and, broadly speaking, industry seemed to like what it heard

Back to the real world

Some regulators like to put it about that there are no more major changes in the pipeline. That's not what it feels like for industry and last year's DGAC annual conference gave delegates plenty to think about

PHMSA sweeps up

It has been a while, but the rulemakers in Washington have recently issued a wide-ranging final rule covering several topics. Although some of the amendments to the regulations appear to be minor, they may well have a significant impact on the way shippers package their products

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