In a new final rule, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is adopting the provisions of 96 special permits (SPs) into its hazardous materials regulations (HMRs).
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The SPs affect requirements in six HMR categories: cylinders—general; cylinders—nondestructive testing (NDT)/aerosols; cargo tanks/railcars/portable tanks; operational air/vessel/operational highway/rail/shipper/other; and nonbulk packaging specifications/intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).
Before this action and since 2008, PHMSA adopted 94 SPs into the HMRs; these SPs affected 13,947 holders of SPs. The 96 SPs in the current action affect an additional 832 SP holders.
SPs set forth alternative requirements—or variances—to HMR requirements provided a level of safety is achieved that is at least equal to that required by the HMRs. SPs also provide a mechanism for testing new technologies, promoting increased transportation efficiency and productivity, and improving global competitiveness. PHMSA has issued over 1,000 SPs.