Changes Proposed for Requirements for the Transportation of Batteries and Battery-Powered Devices
August 4, 2008The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is proposing to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to align them with international standards by incorporating various changes affecting shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements. According to PHMSA, these changes are necessary to align the Hazardous Materials Regulations with recent changes to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
The proposals include amendments and clarifications addressing the safe transportation of batteries and battery-powered devices. PHMSA developed these proposals in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration to improve the safe transportation of batteries and battery-powered devices.
Consistent with recent changes to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions, PHMSA also is proposing to clarify the prohibition against transporting electrical devices, including batteries and battery-powered devices that are likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous amount of heat.
Moreover, PHMSA is proposing to modify and enhance requirements for the packaging and handling of batteries and battery-powered devices, particularly in air commerce, to emphasize the safety precautions that are necessary to prevent incidents during transportation.
Details of the proposed changes can be found in the notice published in the Federal Register.
Comments on these amendments must be received by September 29, 2008. Include the agency name and docket number PHMSA-2008-0005(HM-215J) or RIN-2137-AE31 at the beginning of the comment. Note that all comments received will be posted without change on the Federal Rulemaking Portal. Interested parties may submit comments by any of the following means:
- Federal Rulemaking Portal: follow the online directions for submitting a comment.
- Fax: Fax comments to (202) 493-2251.
- Mail: Mail comments in duplicate to Docket Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, Dockets Operations, M-30, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. To receive confirmation of receipt of comment, include a self-addressed stamped envelop.
- Hand Delivery: Comments may be hand delivered to U.S. Department of Transportation, Dockets Operations, M-30, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For more information, contact Glenn Foster or Charles Betts, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards, at (202) 366-8553, or Shane Kelley, International Standards, at (202) 366-0656, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
August 14th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
These amendments to the law are, unfortunately, necessary due to the world climate and the time in which we live. I think taking these precautions makes sense and hopefully prevents some disaster in the future.