PHMSA proposes revised rules for transporting batteries

The U.S. Transportation Department's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has proposed changes to its rules for transporting batteries and battery-powered devices.

The agency said the changes correspond to updates in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instruction for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

In specific, PHMSA proposed to modify and enhance requirements for the air transport of batteries. Cargo fires are a significant hazard in all modes of transportation and can have particularly catastrophic results in air transportation, the agency said in its July 31 Federal Register notice.

Source: American Shipper