HAZ MATT’S CORNER


Hazardous Materials Regulation Update


Matt Freeman is MoDOT’s hazard- ous materials specialist.


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The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration amended the Hazardous Materials Regulations to make updates and clarify certain regu- latory requirements and promote safer transportation practices.


Here are few of the changes:


• The 400 series cargo tank regulations now allow the closure or plugging of the top vent, requiring only the bottom drain to be open.


• The minimum placard size is reduced from 274 mm (10.8 inches) to 250 mm (9.84 inches), which is the same as in international regulations.


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• ID Numbers on bulk packages, except for intermedi- ate bulk containers, must be displayed in the same manner as non-bulk packages. The ID Number on IBCs must be at least one inch high. Before, they had to ap- pear on placards, orange panels or white squares on point.


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• The shipping name used on shipping papers by carri- ers that haul ethanol and gasoline mixture or ethanol and motor spirits with not more than 10 percent alco- hol is now: Gasohol gasoline mixed with ethyl alcohol, with not more than 10% alcohol.


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The HMR Parts 171.8 – Definitions and Abbreviations changed. The definition for Persons now includes those


Calendar Year


Missouri’s out-of-service rate for hazardous materials carriers is heading in the right direction. The state’s OOS rate is also lower than the national average.


Federal Exemption Defines Securement of Metal Coils


The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a temporary exemption for cargo securement rules, specifi- cally dealing with the way metal coils are secured when rows of metal coils with eyes crosswise are transported. The exemption is outlined in the April 14, 2011 Federal Register.


The current specific securement requirements for differ- ent configurations of steel coils are in Section 393.120 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.


FMCSA’s exemption addresses the fact that the existing rules do not address how to secure a row of metal coils if each coil touches another. In short, the exemption states that only the foremost and rearmost coils must be secured with 4X4 or larger timbers which extend to at least 75 percent of the width of the coil or row of coils.


The timbers must be placed tightly against both the front and rear sides of the coil or row of coils preventing move- ment in the forward or rearward direction. The first and last coil or row of coils must be secured as outlined in section 393.120(c). Each additional coil or row of coils situ- ated between the first and last coil must be secured to the trailer with a tiedown assembly.


The FMCSA granted the temporary exemption for a two year period beginning on April 12, 2011 and ending on April 12, 2013. The exemption still requires that carriers meet the aggregate working load limit requirements of 393.106(d).


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who manufacture, repair, test or recondition packages au- thorized for the transportation of haz mat.


This final rule was effective on August 19, 2011. Find this Federal Register listing by visiting the Federal Motor Car- rier Safety Administration website, www.fmcsa.dot.gov. Search for Federal Register Volume 76, No. 139.


Haz Mat Haulers Improved Safety


I would like to send a big thanks to all drivers and carriers who haul hazardous materials. The percentage of haz mat hauling vehicles placed out of service fell in each of the past three years. This is outstanding!


It is proof that Missouri carriers and drivers take care of their tanks and trucks. You play a big part in keeping our roads safe. Again thank you!


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