Alert To All Hazardous Material Employers

Final rules in Docket HM-215E have been published in the Federal Register of July 31, 2003 (68 FR 44991). It is mostly a harmonization of 49 CFR Parts 171 through 180 with the 12th Edition of the United Nations Recommendations, the 31st Amendment of the IMO IMDG, and the 2003-2004 edition of the ICAO TI. It also includes a few miscellaneous changes based on feedback from the regulated industry, the DOT modal administrations, and the RSPA itself. Go to http://www.hazmatship.com/pdf/DOT-215EFinal.pdf to see a full copy of the published changes. This 52-page document presents a broad range of extensive changes that EVERY hazardous materials employer must review to ensure compliance. Immediate voluntary compliance is authorized with mandatory compliance by October 1, 2004.