[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 3 (Friday, January 4, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 916-921]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-6300]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket Number PHMSA-2007-28119; Notice No. 07-9]


Proposed Recommended Practices for Bulk Loading and Unloading of 
Hazardous Materials in Transportation

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This notice solicits information and comments on proposed 
recommended practices for loading and unloading operations involving 
bulk packagings used to transport hazardous materials. In this notice, 
we summarize incident data related to bulk loading and unloading 
operations; discuss recommendations issued by the National 
Transportation Safety Board and the Chemical and Safety Hazard 
Investigation Board; provide an overview of current Federal regulations 
applicable to bulk loading and unloading operations; summarize the 
results of a public workshop we hosted earlier this year; and set forth 
proposed recommended practices for bulk loading and unloading 
operations. Based on information and comments received, we plan to 
consider strategies for enhancing the safety of bulk loading and 
unloading operations, including whether additional regulatory 
requirements may be necessary. In addition, we are soliciting comments 
on whether there are existing gaps and/or overlaps in regulations 
promulgated by PHMSA, OSHA, EPA and the USCG that adversely affect the 
safety of these operations, and how any identified gaps and/or overlaps 
in Federal regulations should be addressed.

DATES: Submit comments by February 8, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the docket number 
(PHMSA-2007-28119) by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Operations, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Routing 
Symbol M-30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: To Docket Operations, Room W12-140 on the 
ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal Holidays.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and 
docket number for this notice at the beginning of the comment. Note 
that all comments received will be posted without change to the docket 
management system, including any personal information provided.
    Docket: For access to the dockets to read background documents or 
comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov, or DOT's Docket 
Operations Office (see ADDRESSES).

PRIVACY ACT: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of any 
written

[[Page 917]]

communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the 
name of the individual submitting the document (or signing the 
document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor 
union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in 
the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or you 
may visit http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Boyle, Office of Hazardous 
Materials Technology, (202) 366-4545 or Kurt Eichenlaub, Office of 
Hazardous Materials Standards, (202) 366-8553, Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

I. Background

    A recent PHMSA review of hazardous materials transportation 
incidents occurring over the past decade indicates that roughly one-
quarter to one-half of all serious hazardous materials incidents may be 
associated with loading and unloading operations involving bulk 
packagings such as cargo tank motor vehicles (CTMV) and rail tank cars. 
In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the 
Chemical and Safety Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) have investigated 
a number of accidents associated with these loading and unloading 
operations. PHMSA's data review and the NTSB and CSB investigations 
suggest that there may be opportunities to enhance the safety of such 
operations.

A. PHMSA Analysis of Bulk Loading and Unloading Incidents

    On February 8, 2007, PHMSA issued, ``A Summary Evaluation of Risk 
Associated with Bulk Loading/Unloading of Hazmat,'' a summary report of 
a risk assessment conducted to identify risks associated with bulk 
loading and unloading operations for highway and rail transportation. 
The report provides both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 
incident reports involving loading and unloading of bulk packagings 
submitted to PHMSA in accordance with the reporting criteria specified 
in Sec.  171.16 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR 
Parts 171-180). The report focuses on highway and rail transportation 
incidents because 89% of total incidents and 97% of all serious 
incidents occur during transportation operations in these two modes. 
Serious incidents in highway and rail transportation include any 
unintentional release that results in death, major injury, closure of a 
major transportation artery, release of radioactive material from a 
Type B package, suspected release of certain infectious substances, or 
release of a bulk quantity of hazardous material. The data used for the 
report are from the Hazardous Materials Information System (HMIS), as 
of January 7, 2007. The results of the data analysis showed that:
    <bullet> During the 2004-2006 period, 27% of all serious incidents 
occurred during bulk loading and unloading operations.
    <bullet> During the 2004-2006 period, hazardous materials shipments 
transported by highway and rail in bulk packagings were involved in 
approximately 9 out of 10 high consequence events.
    <bullet> The number of incidents occurring during the loading and 
unloading of bulk packagings has remained relatively unchanged over the 
last 10 years.
    <bullet> Many of the identified causes of both en route and storage 
incidents can be attributed to loading and unloading operations (i.e., 
overfilled, overpressurized, loose closure, component or device, etc.).
    PHMSA's summary report and analysis of bulk loading and unloading 
incident data is available for review in this docket.

B. NTSB Accident Investigations

    NTSB has investigated several serious accidents related to bulk 
loading and unloading operations:
    <bullet> On July 14, 2001, in Riverview, Michigan, during unloading 
from a rail tank car, a pipe attached to a fitting on the unloading 
line fractured and separated, causing the release of methyl mercaptan. 
The methyl mercaptan ignited, engulfing the tank car in flames. Fire 
damage to cargo transfer hoses on an adjacent tank car resulted in the 
release of chlorine. Three plant employees were killed in the accident, 
and about 2,000 people in the surrounding neighborhood were evacuated 
from their homes. The fractured piping used for the unloading operation 
exhibited significant corrosion damage. As a result of this 
investigation, NTSB issued the following recommendations to DOT:
    [cir] I-02-1: Develop, with the assistance of the Environmental 
Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 
safety requirements that apply to the loading and unloading of railroad 
tank cars, highway cargo tanks, and other bulk containers that address 
the inspection and maintenance of cargo transfer equipment, emergency 
shutdown measures, and personal protection requirements.
    [cir] I-02-2: Implement, after the adoption of safety requirements 
developed in response to Safety Recommendation I-02-01, an oversight 
program to ensure compliance with these requirements.
    <bullet> On September 13, 2002, in Freeport, Texas, a tank car 
containing about 6,500 gallons of hazardous waste ruptured at a 
transfer station. The car had been steam-heated to permit the transfer 
of the waste to a CTMV for subsequent disposal. As a result of the 
accident, 28 people received minor injuries, and residents living 
within one mile of the accident site had to shelter in place for 5\1/2\ 
hours. The tank car, highway cargo tank, and transfer station were 
destroyed. The force of the explosion propelled a 300-pound tank car 
dome housing about \1/3\ mile away from the tank car. Two storage tanks 
near the transfer station were damaged; they released about 660 gallons 
of the hazardous material oleum (fuming sulfuric acid and sulfur 
trioxide). As a result of its investigation, NTSB issued the following 
recommendation to PHMSA:
    [cir] R-04-10: In cooperation with the Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, develop 
regulations that require safe operating procedures to be established 
before hazardous materials are heated in a railroad tank car for 
unloading; at a minimum, the procedures should include the monitoring 
of internal tank pressure and cargo temperature.
    NTSB has also issued previous recommendations I-88-1 and I-88-2 to 
the Department of Transportation, and R-02-16 to the Federal Railroad 
Administration related to loading and unloading safety requirements:
    [cir] I-88-1: Establish safety requirements for the movement and 
temporary storage of hazardous materials at intermodal transportation 
facilities.
    [cir] I-88-2: Strengthen minimum safety requirements for loading 
and unloading of hazardous materials to provide adequate, uniform 
safety in all modes of transportation.
    [cir] R-02-16: Issue a hazardous materials bulletin to warn 
companies involved in tank car loading and unloading operations that 
tank car excess flow valves cannot be relied upon to stop leaks that 
occur during these operations.

C. CSB Accident Investigations

    CSB has investigated two incidents in which chlorine was released 
during rail tank car unloading operations:

[[Page 918]]

    <bullet> On August 14, 2002, in Festus, Missouri, approximately 24 
tons of chlorine was released during a three-hour period following the 
rupture of an unloading hose. The magnitude of the incident was 
exacerbated because the emergency shut down system failed to operate 
properly. Consequently, 48,000 pounds of chlorine was released, 
resulting in the evacuation or shelter-in-place of hundreds of 
residents. Three residents were admitted to the hospital.
    <bullet> On August 11, 2005, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a chlorine 
transfer hose ruptured. However, the emergency shut down system 
operated properly, and the release ended in under a minute. The 
successful activation of the emergency shut-down system prevented a 
major release and off-site impact.
    As a result of its investigations, CSB issued DOT the following 
recommendation:
    [cir] 2006-06-I-LA-RI: Expand the scope of DOT regulatory coverage 
to include chlorine rail car unloading operations. Ensure the 
regulations specifically require remotely operated emergency isolation 
devices that will quickly isolate a leak in any of the flexible hoses 
(or piping components) used to unload a chlorine rail car. The shutdown 
system must be capable of stopping a chlorine release from both the 
rail car and the facility chlorine receiving equipment. Require the 
emergency isolation system be periodically maintained and operationally 
tested to ensure it will function in the event of an unloading system 
chlorine leak.

D. OSHA/EPA/USCG Requirements

    Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and 
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate operations involving 
the handling of hazardous materials at fixed facilities. For example, 
OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard (29 CFR 1910.119) 
contains requirements for processes that use, store, manufacture, 
handle, or transport particular chemicals on-site. Bulk loading and 
unloading operations involving PSM-covered chemicals are subject to the 
requirements of the PSM standard. The OSHA standards also include 
requirements for the handling and storage of specific hazardous 
materials, such as compressed gases, flammable and combustible liquids, 
explosives and blasting agents, liquefied petroleum gases, and 
anhydrous ammonia. Similarly, EPA regulations establish a general duty 
for facility owners or operators to identify hazards associated with 
the accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances, design and 
maintain a safe facility as needed to prevent such releases, and 
minimize the consequences of releases. In addition, stationary sources 
with more than a threshold quantity of a regulated substance in a 
process are subject to EPA's accident prevention regulations, including 
the requirement to develop risk management plans (40 CFR Part 68).
    The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) maintains regulations that apply to 
hazardous materials directly loaded or unloaded to or from a hold or 
tank on a vessel without the use of containers or break-bulk packaging 
(46 CFR Parts 148-154). In addition, the USCG regulations establish 
requirements for the transfer of hazardous material to or from a 
portable tank while on a vessel; and, requirements for waterfront 
facilities engaged in the handling, storage, loading, discharging or 
transportation of packaged hazardous materials and solid bulk cargo (33 
CFR Part 126).

II. PHMSA Regulations

1. Requirements Applicable to Loading and Unloading Operations

    The HMR include requirements for loading and unloading railroad 
tank cars, CTMVs, and other bulk containers. Part 174 of the HMR, which 
applies to the transportation of hazardous materials by rail, 
establishes general loading and unloading requirements for hazardous 
materials and specific loading and handling requirements for shipments 
of Class 1 (Explosive), Class 2 (Non-flammable, Flammable, and Poison 
gases), Class 3 (Flammable liquid), Division 6.1 (Poison), and Class 7 
(Radioactive) materials. Part 177 of the HMR, which applies to the 
transportation of hazardous materials by motor carrier, establishes 
general hazardous materials loading and unloading requirements and 
specific loading and unloading requirements applicable to Class 1 
(Explosive), Class 2 (Non-flammable, Flammable, and Poison gases), 
Class 3 (Flammable liquid), Class 4 (Flammable solid, Spontaneously 
combustible, and Dangerous when wet), Class 5 (Oxidizer and Organic 
peroxide), Division 6.1 (Poison), Class 7 (Radioactive), and Class 8 
(Corrosive) materials. The HMR also include additional loading 
requirements applicable to rail tank cars, portable tanks, cargo tanks, 
and intermodal bulk containers in Sec. Sec.  171.31, 173.32, 173.33, 
and 173.35.

2. Cargo Tank Motor Vehicles and Loading/Unloading Equipment

    The HMR include requirements for the inspection and maintenance of 
cargo transfer equipment, such as piping and transfer hoses, that is 
part of bulk packaging or carried on a vehicle used to transport a bulk 
packaging. The HMR require each operator of a CTMV to conduct periodic 
tests and inspections of the CTMV and its attachments and 
appurtenances, including piping and transfer hoses used for loading and 
unloading the CTMV. Each operator must conduct external visual 
inspections, internal visual inspections, leakage tests, and pressure 
tests in accordance with the schedule established in Sec.  180.407(c). 
Section 180.407 also sets forth the specific procedures to be followed 
for each inspection or test. In addition, for CTMVs used to transport 
liquefied compressed gases, each operator must visually inspect each 
CTMV's cargo transfer equipment, including piping and hoses installed 
or carried on the CTMV, at least once each month (see Sec.  180.416). 
These periodic inspections and tests help to ensure that each CTMV and 
its cargo transfer equipment are free of leaks or other defects that 
could adversely affect the safe operation of the CTMV, including the 
safety of loading and unloading operations.

3. Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle Emergency Shutdown Requirements

    The HMR require DOT specification CTMVs to be equipped with 
emergency discharge control systems. For example, an MC 330 or 331 CTMV 
used to transport liquefied compressed gases must be equipped with an 
emergency discharge control system activated automatically or by remote 
control in the event of an unloading emergency. In addition, each CTMV 
operator must carry on the vehicle written emergency discharge control 
procedures for all delivery operations. An MC 338 CTMV tank must be 
equipped with a remotely controlled self-closing shutoff valve with 
both a mechanical and thermal means of automatic closure. On DOT 406, 
407, and 412 CTMVs, each loading/unloading outlet must be fitted with a 
self-closing system capable of closing the outlet(s) in an emergency 
within 30 seconds of actuation. On DOT 406, 407, and 412 CTMVs used to 
transport flammable, pyrophoric, oxidizing, or poisonous materials, the 
remote means of closure must be capable of thermal activation.

[[Page 919]]

4. Training Requirements

    Each person who performs a function regulated under the HMR must be 
trained (see Subpart H of Part 172). This training must include general 
awareness, function-specific, safety, and security training. Thus, each 
person who performs a loading or unloading function regulated under the 
HMR must be trained concerning all aspects of that function, including 
emergency shutdown procedures. In addition, each person who performs a 
loading or unloading function regulated under the HMR must be trained 
concerning specific hazards associated with the materials handled and 
personal protection measures.

III. Consensus Standards

    We are aware of a variety of existing national consensus standards 
that address bulk loading and unloading operations. For example, the 
Chlorine Institute has developed loading and unloading procedures for 
chlorine (e.g., Pamphlet 57, ``Emergency Shut-off Systems for Bulk 
Transfers of Chlorine; Pamphlet 66, ``Recommended Practices for 
Handling Chlorine Tank Cars; Pamphlet 91, ``Checklist for Chlorine 
Packaging Plants, Chlorine Distributors and Tank Car Users of 
Chlorine''). The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has developed 
Pamphlet 34, ``Recommended Methods for the Safe Loading and Unloading 
of Tank Cars.'' The American Chemistry Council has developed the 
Responsible Care[reg] management system, which establishes an 
integrated, structured approach to drive results in seven key areas: 
community awareness and emergency response; security; distribution; 
employee health and safety; pollution prevention; process safety; and 
product stewardship. PHMSA reviewed some of these industry standards to 
ascertain if existing standards provide the necessary amplification of 
the basic loading and unloading practices proposed in this notice.
    The industry standards address a number of topics related to the 
loading and unloading of hazardous materials and are different based 
upon the type of hazardous material, the physical form of the material, 
the mode of transportation, and the type of packaging used to transport 
the material. While the standards exhibit differences in specific 
detail, there are a number of common general safety topic areas, such 
as, risk evaluation, development of operational procedures, maintenance 
and testing of equipment, training, and emergency response.
    The available industry standards clearly demonstrate industry's 
focus on safety issues associated with loading and unloading 
operations. Virtually all standards specifically require the use of 
personal protective equipment, often specifying in detail the equipment 
that should be used. In addition, most standards include considerable 
detail concerning activities that appear to be associated with the 
greatest personal risk (e.g., assuring evacuation of all hazardous 
material residues from tanks before required interior inspections). The 
wide variety of industry standards applicable to loading and unloading 
operations provide useful information on industry standard practices, 
which we considered in the development of the recommended practices 
proposed in this notice.
    PHMSA recognizes that it reviewed only a sampling of guidelines and 
standards that are available to the bulk hazardous materials shipping 
industry. The documents are representative of what is available to 
industry and were submitted by those industry personnel who believe 
additional guidance would be useful.

IV. Public Workshop

    On June 14, 2007, PHMSA hosted a public workshop to bring 
stakeholders together for conceptual discussions on the risks 
associated with loading and unloading bulk hazardous materials and the 
range of actions that could be taken by the government and industry to 
address those risks. In the May 11, 2007 public notice advertising this 
workshop (72 FR 26864), we invited interested persons to submit 
comments related to the issues discussed at the workshop. 
Representatives from industry, federal agencies, state and local 
government, standards organizations, the emergency response community, 
employee groups, environmental and public interest organizations, and 
the public participated in the meeting.
    The workshop consisted of a series of panel presentations on 
specific topics followed by discussions of the issues presented. Issues 
covered at the workshop included: (1) Incident data analysis and 
evaluation; (2) NTSB and CSB accident reports; (3) loading and 
unloading procedures and recommended practices; (4) whether there are 
gaps in the safety and regulatory programs; (5) training; and (6) 
emergency response.
    Many workshop participants voiced strong support for the 
development of loading and unloading procedures, suggesting that 
development and adoption of such ``recommended practices'' or consensus 
standards could significantly improve the safety of loading and 
unloading operations. A working group of shippers, carriers, and 
industrial package organizations (Interested Parties Working Group) 
developed, and presented for consideration, a draft operating 
procedures document for the loading, unloading, and incidental storage 
of hazardous materials in bulk packagings having a capacity of greater 
than 3,000 liters.
    The draft operating procedures document specifies information and 
processes that the Interested Parties Working Group recommends 
offerors, consignees, or transloading facility operators address in 
their operating procedures. Some key elements include recommendations 
applicable to pre-transfer operations (e.g., securement of the 
transport unit, and inspection of the transfer equipment and 
attachments), transfer operations (e.g., monitoring the temperature of 
the lading and the pressure of the containment vessel), post-transfer 
operations (e.g., evacuation of the transfer system and 
depressurization of the containment vessel), storage (e.g., monitoring 
for leaks and releases), and emergency procedures (e.g., use of 
emergency shut-down systems). The Interested Parties Working Group 
recommends that operators and facilities engaged in loading, unloading 
and incidental storage activities develop and implement written 
operating procedures inclusive of the elements outlined in the draft 
operating procedures document, which are based on a safety and security 
analysis of the functions performed at the particular loading, 
unloading, or storage location or facility. The complete draft 
operating procedures document presented by the working group is 
available for review in this docket. This docket also includes a 
transcript of the public workshop, presentations made by panel 
participants, comments presented at the workshop or during the comment 
period, and a petition for rulemaking submitted by the Dangerous Goods 
Advisory Council on November 19, 2007 requesting the adoption of 
operational procedures in the HMR applicable to loading, unloading and 
incidental storage of hazardous materials in bulk packagings.
    Prior to publication, a copy of this notice was provided for review 
to OSHA, EPA, NTSB, CSB, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, 
the National Association of State Fire Marshals, DGAC, and the Chlorine 
Institute. Comments we received from these agencies and organizations 
are posted on the Docket.

[[Page 920]]

V. Proposed Recommended Practices for Bulk Loading and Unloading 
Operations

    As a result of the collaborative effort between PHMSA and our 
stakeholders, we are proposing a set of recommended practices that 
would apply to loading and unloading operations involving hazardous 
materials in many different types of packagings and a number of 
different operational and modal contexts. These proposed recommended 
practices build on the submission from the Interested Parties Working 
Group, the NTSB and CSB recommendations related to loading and 
unloading of bulk packagings, and our analysis of bulk loading and 
unloading incidents. Note that these proposed recommended practices 
would supplement current HMR requirements applicable to loading and 
unloading operations. For example, the recommendations applicable to 
training would not replace the current requirements for general 
awareness, function specific, safety, and security training established 
in Subpart H of Part 172, but would be considered as additions to 
current training requirements and programs.

Proposed Recommended Practices for Loading and Unloading Bulk 
Quantities of Hazardous Materials

1. Loading/Unloading Safety Analysis

    A shipper, carrier, or facility operator should conduct a thorough, 
orderly, systematic analysis to identify, evaluate and control the 
hazards associated with specific loading and unloading operations. The 
analysis should be appropriate to the complexity of the process and the 
materials involved in the operation. For example, the analysis should 
consider the hazards of the material to be loaded or unloaded, 
including any temperature or pressure controls necessary to ensure safe 
handling of the material, and conditions that could affect the safety 
of the process, such as access control, lighting, ignition sources, and 
physical obstructions. The analysis should also assess current 
procedures utilized to ensure the safety of loading and unloading 
operations and identify any areas where those procedures could be 
improved.

2. Loading/Unloading Operational Procedures

    Based on the safety analysis, the shipper, carrier, or facility 
operator should develop a step-by-step guide to loading and unloading 
that is clear, concise, and appropriate to the level of training and 
knowledge of its employees. The written guide should address pre-
loading/pre-unloading procedures, loading/unloading procedures, and 
post-loading/post-unloading procedures.
    (a) Pre-loading/Pre-unloading procedures should include:
    (1) Inspection of the transport unit and transfer area. For 
example, shippers should ensure that a DOT specification packaging is 
marked to indicate that it has been designed, manufactured and 
maintained (including periodic inspection and testing) in accordance 
with specification requirements.
    (2) Securing the transport unit against movement.
    (3) Grounding and bonding of the transport unit, as warranted.
    (4) Inspection of transfer equipment and connections, including 
hoses and valves, to ensure that they are free of defects, leaks, or 
other problems that could result in an unsafe condition.
    (5) Identification and verification of piping path, equipment 
lineups and operational sequencing and procedures for connecting 
piping, hoses, or other transfer connections.
    (6) Identification and verification that the materials that are 
being loaded or unloaded are being transferred into the appropriate 
packagings, temporary storage facilities, or production containment 
vessels and that the compatibility of the material to be transferred is 
appropriate, authorized and consistent with applicable procedures.
    (b) Loading/Unloading procedures should include:
    (1) Measures for initiating and controlling the lading flow. For 
example, if the material is to be heated prior to its transfer, the 
facility operator should analyze a sample of the material to ascertain 
the heat input to be applied, if warranted. The maximum heat input to 
be applied and the rate at which the heat input will be applied must 
not result in pressurization to a level that exceeds the packaging's 
test pressure.
    (2) Measures for monitoring the temperature of the lading and 
pressure of the containment vessel (e.g., cargo tank or rail tank car) 
and receiving vessel (e.g., storage tank). For example, for loading or 
unloading operations involving heating of the material to be 
transferred, during the heating process, the facility operator should 
monitor the heat input applied to the containment vessel and the 
pressure inside the containment vessel to ensure that the heating 
process does not result in over-pressurization or an uncontrolled 
exothermic reaction.
    (3) Measures for monitoring filling limits and ensuring that the 
quantity to be transferred is appropriate for the receiving vessel.
    (4) Measures for terminating lading flow. For example, personnel 
responsible for monitoring a loading or unloading process should be 
familiar with shut-off equipment and procedures, and should be trained 
to take necessary actions to stop the lading flow as efficiently as 
possible.
    (c) Post-loading/Post-unloading procedures should include:
    (1) Measures for evacuation of the transfer system and 
depressurization of the containment vessel, as warranted.
    (2) Measures for disconnecting the transfer system.
    (3) Inspection and securement of transport unit fittings and 
closures.
    (d) Review and Revision of Procedures:
    The operating procedures should be reviewed as often as necessary 
to ensure that they reflect current operating practices, materials, 
technology, personnel responsibilities, and equipment. To guard against 
outdated or inaccurate operating procedures, the hazmat employer should 
consider revalidating the operating procedures annually.

3. Emergency Management

    Appropriate emergency procedures should be identified and 
implemented, including identification of emergency response equipment 
and individuals authorized in its use; incident response procedures and 
clearly identified personnel responsibilities; personnel protection 
guidance and use of emergency shut-down systems; and, emergency 
communication and spill reporting. Emergency instrumentation and 
equipment appropriate to the loading or unloading operation should be 
identified, available, and in working order. Emergency procedures 
should be clear, concise, and available to workers. Emergency training, 
including the need for drills, should also be provided.
    Loading and unloading facilities may want to consider:
    (a) Instrumentation to monitor for leaks and releases.
    (b) Equipment to isolate leaks and releases and to take other 
appropriate emergency shutdown measures, remotely if necessary.
    (c) Training in the use of emergency response equipment.
    (d) Procedures for incident response.
    (e) Procedures for use of emergency shut-down systems and the 
assignment of shut down responsibility to qualified operators to ensure 
that emergency shutdown is executed in a safe and timely manner.
    (f) Procedures for emergency communication and spill reporting.

[[Page 921]]

    (g) Procedures of safe startup after an emergency shut down.
    (h) Procedures and schedules for conducting drills and exercises 
necessary to demonstrate the efficacy of the plan, and to ensure a 
timely and efficient emergency response.
    (i) Emergency procedures should be reviewed and updated as often as 
necessary to ensure that they reflect current operating practices, 
materials, technology, personnel responsibilities, and emergency 
response information.

4. Maintenance and Testing of Equipment

    Loading and unloading equipment and systems need to be properly 
maintained and tested. Shippers and carriers should develop and 
implement a periodic maintenance schedule to prevent deterioration of 
equipment and conduct periodic operational tests to ensure that the 
equipment functions as intended. Equipment and system repairs should be 
completed promptly.

5. Training

    Personnel involved in loading and unloading and emergency response 
operations need to know and understand their specific responsibilities 
during loading and unloading operations, including attendance or 
monitoring responsibilities. Consider training in the following areas:
    (a) Overview of the loading/unloading process and, specifically, 
the portions of the process for which the employee is responsible;
    (b) Safety systems and their functions;
    (c) Emergency operations and procedures, including shutdown 
procedures;
    (d) Additional safe work practices.
    (e) Recurrent training as necessary to address changes to the 
procedures or personnel responsibilities.

VI. Request for Comments

    Based on our analysis of incident data, the NTSB and CSB 
recommendations, and information and recommendations presented at the 
June 14 public workshop, we are considering strategies for enhancing 
the safety of bulk loading and unloading operations, including whether 
additional regulatory requirements may be necessary. To assist us in 
developing such strategies, we invite interested persons to submit 
comments on the issues and questions listed below:

1. PHMSA Proposed Recommended Practices

    As summarized above, the HMR include a number of requirements 
applicable to loading and unloading operations. We invite commenters to 
address whether the proposed recommended practices adequately address 
the safety concerns discussed in this notice and to suggest how the 
proposed recommended practices should be revised and strengthened. We 
are particularly interested in comments concerning whether our proposed 
recommended practices are consistent with Federal regulations and 
guidance or industry consensus standards applicable to bulk loading and 
unloading operations. We also welcome comments concerning the potential 
costs that may be incurred to implement our proposed recommended 
practices. Based on comments received, we will revise the recommended 
practices and may issue them as a guidance document for hazardous 
materials shippers and carriers that conduct bulk loading and unloading 
operations.
    In addition, we are considering whether additional regulatory 
requirements, similar to the measures in our proposed recommended 
practices, are necessary. We invite comments to address whether the 
recommended practices proposed in this notice should be incorporated 
into the HMR and, if so, how that could best be accomplished. Should 
the recommended practices apply to all bulk loading and unloading 
operations, or should the scope of the recommended practices be 
dependant upon the volume and/or type of bulk packaging being loaded or 
unloaded? Should the recommended practices apply to the shipper, 
carrier, and loading/unloading facility; or, should the recommended 
practices apply only to the facilities at which loading/unloading 
operations take place? What costs, if any, would be imposed on the 
regulated community if we choose to adopt regulations similar to these 
proposed recommended practices in the HMR?

2. PHMSA Regulations

    As described above, the HMR currently include a number of 
requirements applicable to bulk loading and unloading operations. In 
addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard regulate 
operations involving the handling of certain hazardous materials at 
fixed facilities. We invite commenters to address whether the existing 
loading and unloading requirements in the HMR adequately address the 
risks associated with bulk loading and unloading operations. Are there 
gaps or overlaps in the standards and regulations promulgated by PHMSA, 
OSHA, EPA and the USCG that adversely affect the safety of these 
operations? If so, how should these gaps or overlaps be addressed?

3. National Consensus Standards

    We invite commenters to compare national consensus standards with 
which they are familiar to current Federal standards and regulations 
applicable to bulk loading and unloading operations and to the 
recommended practices proposed in this notice. Commenters should 
indicate whether and to what extent the national consensus standards 
are consistent with current Federal standards and regulations and the 
proposed recommended practices. Should we consider incorporating 
consensus standards applicable to bulk loading and unloading operations 
into the HMR? If so, how could this be accomplished, and which 
standards are appropriate?

4. Accident and Incident Information

    As indicated above, PHMSA conducted an analysis of bulk loading and 
unloading accidents submitted to the agency in accordance with the 
reporting criteria specified in Sec.  171.16 of the HMR. This analysis 
did not consider accidents that may have occurred outside of 
transportation, as that term is defined for purposes of the HMR. We 
plan to work with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
(OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fill that data 
gap by including incident data on bulk loading and unloading accidents 
that may have occurred outside of transportation, and therefore, were 
not reported to PHMSA in accordance with Sec.  171.16. We invite 
commenters to submit any information on safety problems or incidents 
that may not have been reported, but that could help us to refine our 
assessment of the safety risks associated with loading and unloading 
operations and develop appropriate strategies for addressing those 
risks. We also ask commenters to suggest other data sources that could 
support this effort.

    Issued in Washington, DC on December 27, 2007.
Theodore L. Willke,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 07-6300 Filed 1-3-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P