Skolnik

In 1999, US Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater formed a team to evaluate the effectiveness of the DOT HAZMAT safety programs. After conducting a series of nationwide public meetings, the team concluded that the HAZMAT Programs are working reasonably well, however, the following items have been targeted for improvement: 1) Establish a focal point to administer the inter-modal and cross-modal issues and deploy Agency resources; 2) Develop DOT-wide actions to focus on high-risk or problem shippers through outreach programs, technical assistance and inspections; 3) Strengthen the training standard to eliminate human error and improve safety practices and compliance to reduce incidents. Also develop a national campaign to increase awareness of HAZMAT incidents; 4) Improve HAZMAT census, incident, compliance and budget data and improve the usefulness of this information; and 5) Gain a better understanding of undeclared shipments, the adequacy of the current regulations, safety gaps related to HAZMAT postal shipments, enhanced inspection authority and improved performance review of DOT.