Safe Transportation of Bulk Explosives

PHMSA 07-14 NPRM Bulk Explosives.pdf

On July 15, 2014 (79 FR 41185), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the federal register to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) by establishing standards for the safe transportation of bulk explosives. This NPRM would be responsive to two petitions for rulemaking submitted by industry representatives: P–1557 concerning the continued use of renewal applications, and P–1583 concerning the incorporation of an industry standard publication. Further, developing these requirements would provide wider access to the regulatory flexibility currently only offered by special permit and competent authorities. The requirements in this NPRM would mirror the majority of provisions contained in nine (9) widely used or longstanding special permits that have established safety records. These proposed revisions are intended to eliminate the need for future renewal requests, thus reducing paperwork burdens and facilitating commerce while maintaining an appropriate level of safety. As proposed, the requirements would authorize the transportation of certain explosives, ammonium nitrates, ammonium nitrate emulsions, and other specific hazardous materials in bulk packagings, which are not otherwise authorized under the HMR. These hazardous materials are used in blasting operations on specialized vehicles, known as multipurpose bulk trucks, which are used as mobile work platforms to create blends of explosives that are unique for each blast site. Finally, this NPRM addresses the construction of new multipurpose bulk trucks. Please submit comments by September 15, 2014. To the extent possible, PHMSA will consider late filed comments as a final rule is developed.