PHMSA Narrows Hazmat Security Requirements

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is removing selected items from a list that requires security plans for their transportation.

Officials said that the narrowing of the list was based on a risk analysis of the materials. Materials were evaluated by whether or not they could be used as weapons if they were intercepted or stolen by terrorists.

The list includes radioactive materials, explosives, chemicals that can be used in making explosives, toxic chemicals that pose an inhalation hazard, biological agents and toxins. PHMSA removed materials that were not likely to be targeted, or were in quantities too small to be dangerous to the public.

PHMSA rules required security plans covering personnel, vehicles and temporary storage for goods in transit for all items on the list. They apply to all transportation modes and are enforced by regulatory agencies for each mode: Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Coast Guard.

Reducing the number of goods on the list will reduce shippers' regulatory and paperwork costs, the agency said.

The revised list may be found in the March 9 Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-4778.htm.

- R.G. Edmonson, The Journal of Commerce.