The Department of Transportation's Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) has completed amendments to its hazardous materials transport rules to align them with international standards.
RSPA said most of the changes involve proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements. The final rule also revises requirements for UN portable tanks and intermediate bulk containers. RSPA also said the revisions are “necessary to facilitate the transport of hazardous materials in international commerce.”
These changes correspond to United Nations recommendations, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, and the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions. The amendments, which take effect Oct 1, 2001, are available online at this address: http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov.