New Mailing Standards for Lithium Batteries, 3996-3998 [2015-01346]

Download as PDF 3996 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 16 / Monday, January 26, 2015 / Notices Market dominant class Price adjustment authority (%) Package Services ................. Special Services ................... 1.964 0.234 Notice at 5. Nature of adjustments. Most of the planned adjustments entail increases to market dominant rates and fees; however, in a few instances, the Postal Service proposes either no adjustment or a decrease. In addition, price adjustments for products within classes vary from the average, sometimes substantially. See, e.g., id. at 17, 21 (Table 5 showing range for First-Class Mail products) and (Table 7 showing range for Standard Mail products). Proposed classification changes. The Postal Service proposes numerous classification changes in its Notice. Id. at 53–55. It identifies the impact on the MCS in Attachment A, Part I and Part II. Calendar year promotions. The Postal Service seeks approval for the following four promotions for the periods indicated: • Earned Value Reply Mail Promotion (May–July 2015); • Advanced and Emerging Technology Promotion (May–October 2015); • Color Transpromo Promotion (June–November 2015); and • Mail Drives Mobile Engagement Promotion (July–December 2015). Id. at 7–8. Note to all interested persons. The Notice and related filings, including library references, provide important additional details concerning the planned adjustments, mailing promotions, and classification changes. The Commission strongly encourages interested persons to carefully review the Notice and all related filings, including new MCS language relating to changes corresponding to the exigent surcharges, and to monitor the Commission’s Web site for additional information, including potential revisions to the Notice. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES III. Initial Administrative Actions Public notice. The Commission hereby provides public notice of the Postal Service’s filing and pursuant to rule 3010.14 establishes Docket No. R2015–4 to consider the planned price adjustments in rates and fees for market dominant postal products and services, as well as the related classification changes, identified in the Postal Service’s January 15, 2015 Notice. The Commission invites comments from interested persons on whether the VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:48 Jan 23, 2015 Jkt 235001 Notice is consistent with 39 U.S.C. 3622 and the requirements of 39 CFR part 3010. Comments are due no later than February 4, 2015. Availability of documents. The Commission has posted the public portions of the Postal Service’s filing on its Web site at https://www.prc.gov. The Commission will post revisions to the filing (if any) or other documents the Postal Service submits in this docket on its Web site, along with related Commission documents, comments, or other submissions, unless such filings are the subject of an application for nonpublic treatment. The Commission’s policy on access to documents filed under seal appears in 39 CFR part 3007. Public Representative. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission appoints James Waclawski to represent the interests of the general public (Public Representative) in this proceeding. IV. Ordering Paragraphs It is ordered: 1. The Commission establishes Docket No. R2015–4 to consider planned price adjustments in rates and fees for market dominant postal products and services and related classification changes identified in the Postal Service’s January 15, 2015 Notice. 2. Comments on the planned price adjustments and related classification changes are due no later than February 4, 2015. 3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, James Waclawski is appointed to serve as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative) to represent the interests of the general public in this proceeding. 5. The Commission directs the Secretary of the Commission to arrange for prompt publication of this notice in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Shoshana M. Grove, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–01238 Filed 1–23–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P POSTAL SERVICE New Mailing Standards for Lithium Batteries Postal ServiceTM. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Postal Service will revise Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Publication 52), in various sections to provide new standards for the mailing of lithium batteries. Publication 52 was developed to provide expanded requirements for SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the mailing of hazardous, restricted, and perishable materials. DATES: Effective date: March 2, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Hall (212) 330–5332 or Kevin Gunther (202) 268–7208. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview U.S. Postal Service® Publication 52 provides mailing standards specific to hazardous, restricted and perishable items and materials. Pursuant to the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 601.8.2, Publication 52 applies to the mailability of hazardous materials, including lithium batteries. Revisions to Publication 52 The Postal Service is making these revisions in order to align with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recent changes to regulations for the transportation of lithium batteries. On August 6, 2014, PHMSA issued a final rule (79 FR 46012–46040) titled ‘‘Hazardous Materials: Transportation of Lithium Batteries’’ in which it describes new requirements governing the shipment of lithium cells and batteries for both air and surface transportation. In this final rule, PHMSA revises hazard communication and packaging provisions for lithium batteries and harmonizes the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) with applicable provisions of the United Nations (UN) Model Regulations, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Technical Instructions) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. With these revisions, the Postal Service aligns with PHMSA and the other regulatory entities noted above with regard to: 1. Use of terminology describing lithium content with watt-hours for lithium-ion cells and batteries; 2. Adoption of separate shipping descriptions for lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries; 3. New requirements for the transport of small lithium cells and batteries contained in equipment; and 4. New marking requirements and options for lithium batteries installed in equipment packaged with equipment and shipped without equipment. In the development of mailing standards for lithium cells and batteries in air transportation, the Postal Service E:\FR\FM\26JAN1.SGM 26JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 16 / Monday, January 26, 2015 / Notices Definitions The Postal Service also adds a new definitions section and revises its terminology with regard to lithium cells and batteries to better reflect what is commonly used in the industry and by other regulatory agencies. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES Quantities With this revision, the Postal Service will not require markings or documentation for parcels containing button cell lithium batteries installed in equipment (including circuit boards) or no more than four (4) lithium cells or two (2) lithium batteries installed in equipment. For these shipments, the Postal Service will allow the optional use of an applicable DOT-approved lithium battery handling labels in either domestic air or surface transportation. The Postal Service will require markings and documentation as described in this final rule for lithium batteries installed in equipment in domestic air transportation when the number of cells exceeds four (4) up to the allowable limit for air transportation of eight (8) cells. The Postal Service will continue to allow mailings of lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries packaged with the equipment they operate, and lithiumion batteries packaged without equipment (individual batteries) in domestic air transportation. In these instances, mailpieces must not contain more than eight (8) lithium cells or two (2) batteries. Cells and batteries must be within the applicable USPS limitations for lithium metal content or watt-hour VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:48 Jan 23, 2015 Jkt 235001 International The Postal Service clarifies that labels commonly used with other transportation providers are not permitted on mailpieces containing lithium batteries installed in equipment, when these mailpieces are intended for international mail. It has been a common practice for some high volume lithium battery shippers to preprint DOT-approved lithium battery handling labels on all of their packaging, including those intended for international mail. When mailing to international destinations, including APO/FPO/DPO (Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office, Diplomatic Post Office) destinations, mailpieces containing lithium batteries installed in equipment must not include any markings or labels that identify the mailpiece contents as lithium batteries. The Postal Service also defines a category of very small lithium metal and lithium-ion cells and batteries that, when installed in the equipment they operate, are mailable in international mail without regard to quantity. rating, and mailpieces must bear markings and be accompanied by documentation as described below. Mailers should also note that for the purposes of mailability, when a limitation of eight (8) cells or two (2) batteries is applicable, the mailpiece is restricted to a maximum of either 8 cells or 2 batteries, not both. e. Mailpieces containing lithium metal batteries not installed in, or packaged with equipment must also bear a ‘‘Surface Mail Only, Lithium Metal Batteries — Forbidden for Transportation Aboard Passenger Aircraft’’ or ‘‘Surface Mail Only, Primary Lithium Batteries — Forbidden for Transportation Aboard Passenger Aircraft’’ marking. f. Mailers may use a DOT-approved lithium battery handling label, in domestic air or surface transportation, to meet these marking requirements, provided all required elements are included. Markings In addition to the marking requirements currently described in Publication 52, lithium cells or batteries mailed with (but not installed in) equipment or mailed without equipment (individual batteries) must be enclosed in strong outer packaging, and must be marked with: a. An indication that the package contains ‘‘lithium metal’’ or ‘‘lithiumion’’ cells or batteries, as appropriate. b. An indication that the package is to be handled with care and that a flammable hazard exits if the package is damaged. c. An indication that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking, if necessary. d. A telephone number for additional information. PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Documentation In addition to the marking requirements noted above, mailpieces containing lithium batteries packaged with equipment or mailed without equipment must be accompanied by a document that includes the following: a. An indication that the package contains ‘‘lithium metal’’ or ‘‘lithiumion’’ cells or batteries, as appropriate. b. An indication that the package is to be handled with care and that a flammable hazard exits if the package is damaged. c. An indication that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to E:\FR\FM\26JAN1.SGM 26JAN1 EN26JA15.001</GPH> aligns with PHMSA regulations applicable to passenger aircraft, as Postal Service products eligible for transportation by air continue to have the potential to be placed on passenger aircraft. 3997 3998 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 16 / Monday, January 26, 2015 / Notices include inspection and repacking, if necessary. d. A telephone number for additional information. The specific revisions to Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail referenced in this notice will be published in Postal Bulletin 22408 on February 5, 2015, and can be viewed at https://about.usps.com/postalbulletin. These revisions are expected to be incorporated into the Publication 52 on March 2, 2015. Publication 52 is provided in its entirety on Postal Explorer® at https://pe.usps.com/text/ pub52/welcome.htm. Stanley F. Mires, Attorney, Federal Requirements. [FR Doc. 2015–01346 Filed 1–23–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–12–P RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review, Request for Comments SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Our ICRdescribes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and approval by OIRA ensures that we impose appropriate paperwork burdens. The RRB invites comments on the proposed collections of information to determine (1) the practical utility of the collections; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden of the collections; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information that is the subject of collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of collections on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments to the RRB or OIRA must contain the OMB control number of the ICR. For proper consideration of your comments, it is best if the RRB and OIRA receive them within 30 days of the publication date. 1. Title and purpose of information collection: Application for Benefits Due But Unpaid at Death; OMB 3220–0055. Under Section 2(g) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, benefits that accrued but were not paid because of the death of the employee shall be paid to the same individual(s) to whom benefits are payable under Section 6(a)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act. The provisions relating to the payment of such benefits are prescribed in 20 CFR 325.5 and 20 CFR 335.5. The RRB provides Form UI–63, Application for Benefits Due But Unpaid at Death, to those applying for the accrued sickness or unemployment benefits unpaid at the death of the employee and for obtaining the information needed to identify the proper payee. One response is requested of each respondent. Completion is required to obtain a benefit. Previous Requests for Comments: The RRB has already published the initial 60-day notice (79 FR 66002 on November 6, 2014) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2). That request elicited no comments. Information Collection Request (ICR) Title: Application for Benefits Due but Unpaid at Death. OMB Control Number: 3220–0055. Form(s) submitted: UI–63. Type of request: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. Affected public: Individuals or Households. Abstract: The collection obtains the information needed by the Railroad Retirement Board to pay benefits accrued under section 2(g) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, but not paid because of the death of the employee. Changes proposed: The RRB proposes no changes to Form UI–63. The burden estimate for the ICR is as follows: Annual responses Form No. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES UI–63 ........................................................................................................................................... 2. Title and Purpose of information collection: Medicare; OMB 3220–0082. Under Section 7(d) of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the Medicare program for persons covered by the railroad retirement system. The RRB uses Form AA–6, Employee Application for Medicare; Form AA–7, Spouse/Divorced Spouse Application for Medicare; and Form AA–8, Widow/ Widower Application for Medicare; to obtain the information needed to determine whether individuals who have not yet filed for benefits under the RRA are qualified for Medicare payments provided under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Further, in order to determine if a qualified railroad retirement beneficiary who is claiming supplementary medical insurance coverage under Medicare is entitled to a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and/or premium surcharge relief VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:48 Jan 23, 2015 Jkt 235001 because of coverage under an Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP), the RRB needs to obtain information regarding the claimant’s EGHP coverage, if any. The RRB uses Form RL–311–F, Evidence of Coverage Under An Employer Group Health Plan, to obtain the basic information needed to establish EGHP coverage for a qualified railroad retirement beneficiary. Completion of the forms is required to obtain a benefit. One response is requested of each respondent. Previous Requests for Comments: The RRB has already published the initial 60-day notice (79 FR 66003 on November 6, 2014) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2). That request elicited no comments. Information Collection Request (ICR) Title: Medicare. OMB Control Number: 3220–0082. Form submitted: AA–6, AA–7, AA–8 and RL–311–F. PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 25 Time (minutes) Burden (hours) 7 3 Type of request: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. Affected public: Individuals or Households; Businesses or other for profits. Abstract: The Railroad Retirement Board administers the Medicare program for persons covered by the railroad retirement system. The forms in the collection obtain both information needed to enroll non-retired employees and survivor applicants in the plan and information from railroad employers needed to determine if a railroad retirement beneficiary is entitled to a special enrollment period when applying for supplemental medical coverage under Medicare. Changes proposed: The RRB proposes no changes to Forms AA–6, AA–7, AA– 8 or RL–311–F. The burden estimate for the ICR is as follows: E:\FR\FM\26JAN1.SGM 26JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 16 (Monday, January 26, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3996-3998]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01346]


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POSTAL SERVICE


New Mailing Standards for Lithium Batteries

AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Postal Service will revise Publication 52, Hazardous, 
Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Publication 52), in various sections 
to provide new standards for the mailing of lithium batteries. 
Publication 52 was developed to provide expanded requirements for the 
mailing of hazardous, restricted, and perishable materials.

DATES: Effective date: March 2, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Hall (212) 330-5332 or Kevin 
Gunther (202) 268-7208.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Overview

    U.S. Postal Service[supreg] Publication 52 provides mailing 
standards specific to hazardous, restricted and perishable items and 
materials. Pursuant to the Mailing Standards of the United States 
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) 601.8.2, Publication 
52 applies to the mailability of hazardous materials, including lithium 
batteries.

Revisions to Publication 52

    The Postal Service is making these revisions in order to align with 
the Department of Transportation (DOT), Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recent changes to regulations 
for the transportation of lithium batteries.
    On August 6, 2014, PHMSA issued a final rule (79 FR 46012-46040) 
titled ``Hazardous Materials: Transportation of Lithium Batteries'' in 
which it describes new requirements governing the shipment of lithium 
cells and batteries for both air and surface transportation. In this 
final rule, PHMSA revises hazard communication and packaging provisions 
for lithium batteries and harmonizes the Hazardous Materials 
Regulations (HMR) with applicable provisions of the United Nations (UN) 
Model Regulations, the International Civil Aviation Organization's 
Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air 
(ICAO Technical Instructions) and the International Maritime Dangerous 
Goods (IMDG) Code.
    With these revisions, the Postal Service aligns with PHMSA and the 
other regulatory entities noted above with regard to:
    1. Use of terminology describing lithium content with watt-hours 
for lithium-ion cells and batteries;
    2. Adoption of separate shipping descriptions for lithium metal 
batteries and lithium-ion batteries;
    3. New requirements for the transport of small lithium cells and 
batteries contained in equipment; and
    4. New marking requirements and options for lithium batteries 
installed in equipment packaged with equipment and shipped without 
equipment.
    In the development of mailing standards for lithium cells and 
batteries in air transportation, the Postal Service

[[Page 3997]]

aligns with PHMSA regulations applicable to passenger aircraft, as 
Postal Service products eligible for transportation by air continue to 
have the potential to be placed on passenger aircraft.

Definitions

    The Postal Service also adds a new definitions section and revises 
its terminology with regard to lithium cells and batteries to better 
reflect what is commonly used in the industry and by other regulatory 
agencies.

International

    The Postal Service clarifies that labels commonly used with other 
transportation providers are not permitted on mailpieces containing 
lithium batteries installed in equipment, when these mailpieces are 
intended for international mail. It has been a common practice for some 
high volume lithium battery shippers to preprint DOT-approved lithium 
battery handling labels on all of their packaging, including those 
intended for international mail. When mailing to international 
destinations, including APO/FPO/DPO (Army Post Office, Fleet Post 
Office, Diplomatic Post Office) destinations, mailpieces containing 
lithium batteries installed in equipment must not include any markings 
or labels that identify the mailpiece contents as lithium batteries. 
The Postal Service also defines a category of very small lithium metal 
and lithium-ion cells and batteries that, when installed in the 
equipment they operate, are mailable in international mail without 
regard to quantity.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN26JA15.001

Quantities

    With this revision, the Postal Service will not require markings or 
documentation for parcels containing button cell lithium batteries 
installed in equipment (including circuit boards) or no more than four 
(4) lithium cells or two (2) lithium batteries installed in equipment. 
For these shipments, the Postal Service will allow the optional use of 
an applicable DOT-approved lithium battery handling labels in either 
domestic air or surface transportation. The Postal Service will require 
markings and documentation as described in this final rule for lithium 
batteries installed in equipment in domestic air transportation when 
the number of cells exceeds four (4) up to the allowable limit for air 
transportation of eight (8) cells.
    The Postal Service will continue to allow mailings of lithium metal 
or lithium-ion batteries packaged with the equipment they operate, and 
lithium-ion batteries packaged without equipment (individual batteries) 
in domestic air transportation. In these instances, mailpieces must not 
contain more than eight (8) lithium cells or two (2) batteries. Cells 
and batteries must be within the applicable USPS limitations for 
lithium metal content or watt-hour rating, and mailpieces must bear 
markings and be accompanied by documentation as described below. 
Mailers should also note that for the purposes of mailability, when a 
limitation of eight (8) cells or two (2) batteries is applicable, the 
mailpiece is restricted to a maximum of either 8 cells or 2 batteries, 
not both.

Markings

    In addition to the marking requirements currently described in 
Publication 52, lithium cells or batteries mailed with (but not 
installed in) equipment or mailed without equipment (individual 
batteries) must be enclosed in strong outer packaging, and must be 
marked with:
    a. An indication that the package contains ``lithium metal'' or 
``lithium-ion'' cells or batteries, as appropriate.
    b. An indication that the package is to be handled with care and 
that a flammable hazard exits if the package is damaged.
    c. An indication that special procedures must be followed in the 
event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking, if 
necessary.
    d. A telephone number for additional information.
    e. Mailpieces containing lithium metal batteries not installed in, 
or packaged with equipment must also bear a ``Surface Mail Only, 
Lithium Metal Batteries -- Forbidden for Transportation Aboard 
Passenger Aircraft'' or ``Surface Mail Only, Primary Lithium Batteries 
-- Forbidden for Transportation Aboard Passenger Aircraft'' marking.
    f. Mailers may use a DOT-approved lithium battery handling label, 
in domestic air or surface transportation, to meet these marking 
requirements, provided all required elements are included.

Documentation

    In addition to the marking requirements noted above, mailpieces 
containing lithium batteries packaged with equipment or mailed without 
equipment must be accompanied by a document that includes the 
following:
    a. An indication that the package contains ``lithium metal'' or 
``lithium-ion'' cells or batteries, as appropriate.
    b. An indication that the package is to be handled with care and 
that a flammable hazard exits if the package is damaged.
    c. An indication that special procedures must be followed in the 
event the package is damaged, to

[[Page 3998]]

include inspection and repacking, if necessary.
    d. A telephone number for additional information.
    The specific revisions to Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, 
and Perishable Mail referenced in this notice will be published in 
Postal Bulletin 22408 on February 5, 2015, and can be viewed at https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin. These revisions are expected to be 
incorporated into the Publication 52 on March 2, 2015. Publication 52 
is provided in its entirety on Postal Explorer[supreg] at https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/welcome.htm.

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Federal Requirements.
[FR Doc. 2015-01346 Filed 1-23-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
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