Hazmat Inspections: Phmsa's Process And How To Prepare Your Facility

摘要

All hazmat shippers and carriers are subject to unannounced inspection by DOT; thousands actually experience one every year. Manufacturers and re-certifiers of UN standard packaging are also inspected, but this article will focus on businesses that offer or accept hazardous materials in commerce. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) all conduct inspections that include some hazmat scrutiny, but only the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) inspects shippers by all modes of transport. PHMSA develops and implements the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) found in 49 CFR. Further, the agency has "exclusive jurisdiction" as well as "unique and specialized expertise in hazmat packaging".