Hazardous Materials: Enhanced Enforcement Procedures-Resumption of Transportation
pipeline-safety · Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration · Published 2013-10-02 · Effective 2013-11-01 · 78 FR 60755
Document
Document number
2013-23894
Federal Register citation
78 FR 60755
CFR reference
49 CFR 109
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
pipeline-safety
Sub-agency
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Publication date
2013-10-02
Effective date
2013-11-01
DOT docket
Docket No. PHMSA-2012-0259 (HM-258B)
Abstract
PHMSA is addressing certain matters identified in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2012 related to the Department's enhanced inspection, investigation, and enforcement authority. Specifically, PHMSA is amending the package opening provision to include procedures for an agent of the Secretary of Transportation to open packages of perishable hazardous materials and to provide notification to the responsible party that an agent has exercised a safety inspection or investigation authority. In addition, we are establishing equipment requirements for agents. The Department's enhanced inspection, investigation, and enforcement procedures were previously established through notice and comment rulemaking and thoroughly address the hazardous material transportation matters identified by Congress. This final rule is required to codify changes to Federal hazardous materials transportation law and to ensure transparency and consistency for hazardous materials inspectors across all modes of transportation. As it affects only agency enforcement procedures, there are no additional compliance costs to industry associated with this final rule.