DOT EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR PROPOSED HAZMAT APPLICABILITY RULE

DOT EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR PROPOSED HAZMAT APPLICABILITY RULE    The U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Special Programs Administration has extended the time period for filing comments on proposed rulemaking to clarify the applicability of Hazardous Materials Regulations to specific functions, including loading, unloading and storage operations.
   The RSPA has extended the filing deadline to Nov. 30, and has also scheduled to public meetings for comment on the proposed rule. The meetings are planned for Sept. 14 in Washington, D.C. and Oct. 30 in Diamond Bar, Calif.
   The proposed rulemaking has four goals:
   * Maintain nationally uniform standards applicable to functions performed in advance of transportation to prepare hazardous materials for transport.
   * Maintain nationally uniform standards applicable to transportation functions.
   * Distinguish whether functions are subject to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
   * Clarify that facilities within which HMR-regulated functions are performed may also be subject to federal, state or local regulations governing occupational safety and health or environmental protections.
   For more information, contact Michael Johnsen or Susan Gorsky, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards, RSPA, at (202) 366-8553.