Regulations
US PHMSA has issued a final rule under HM-231, making a range of changes to the packaging requirements in the US Hazardous Materials Regulations. The rule includes some new definitions, changes to the packaging requirements for explosives, flexibility in the transmission of closure instructions, requirements for the construction, maintenance and use of large packagings and other amendments. The rulemaking is detailed and lengthy and will be examined in more detail in the February issue of HCB. The final rule itself can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-1615.htm. It will become effective on October 1 but voluntary compliance is authorised as from March 4.
