Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration February 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

PHMSA is closing this rulemaking proceeding under this docket having reconsidered our proposal for additional regulations associated with cargo tank motor vehicle (CTMV) loading or unloading operations. This action is based on the findings of the regulatory assessment, comments to docket of this rulemaking, and completion of a supplementary policy analysis on how best to address the safety risks of bulk loading and unloading operations. As an alternative to new regulatory requirements, PHMSA will be issuing a guidance document to provide best practices for CTMV loading and unloading operations; and will be conducting research to better understand the wide range of human factors that contribute to hazardous materials incidents including those associated with CTMV loading and unloading operations.

This notice is announcing a one-day public workshop to discuss a rapidly evolving safety management system (SMS) national consensus standard. At this workshop, diversely comprised panels will discuss key concepts underlying this standard. This workshop will be webcast with an opportunity for attendees and viewers to pose questions to the panelists and moderators. Four panels will present their experience with SMS from industries outside the energy pipeline world including aviation, chemical, nuclear, and health care. Panels will address the role and value of SMS, the role of leadership at the top through the lower ranks in making SMS work, the value of ``safety assurance'', and the growing recognition of the role of safety culture in ensuring attainment of key safety objectives.