New DOT Rules: Emergency Response Number on Shipping Documents - Sponsored Whitepaper

New DOT Rule Regarding Emergency Response Number on Shipping Documents

PHMSA-2006-26322 (HM-206F): Hazardous Materials: Revision of Requirements for Emergency Response Telephone Numbers; Final rule; Effective Date: 11/18/09.

SUMMARY: In this final rule, PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations to clarify requirements governing emergency response information services provided by arrangement with hazardous materials offerors (shippers). In order to preserve the effectiveness of these arrangements for providing accurate and timely emergency response information, PHMSA is requiring basic identifying information (offeror name or contract number) to be included on shipping papers. This information will enable the emergency response information provider to identify the offeror on whose behalf it is accepting responsibility for providing emergency response information in the event of a hazardous materials incident and obtain additional information about the hazardous material as needed.

1. Require an offeror who has made an arrangement with an ERI provider to be identified on the shipping paper in clear association with the emergency response telephone number. In response to comments, we are clarifying that if the name of the offeror is prominently and clearly listed elsewhere on the shipping paper, it need not also be listed in association with the emergency response telephone number.

2. Clarify that any person preparing a subsequent shipping paper for continued transport of a hazardous materials shipment must include the offeror’s name (whether the original or subsequent offeror) that is the registrant for the ERI provider and that will be in use for the continued transportation of the shipment. The name of the original or subsequent offeror or its contract number with the ERI provider must be included on the shipping paper. If the original or subsequent offeror is not continuing as the registrant with the ERI provider, the person preparing subsequent shipping papers must insert and identify by name its own valid emergency response telephone number conforming to the requirements in Subpart G of Part 172.