PHMSA considers stronger laws for transporting explosives

Jul 16, 2008

Concerned that existing regulations for storing explosives during transport are not stringent enough, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said it will consider changes.

PHMSA reopened the public comment period for an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on requirements for storage of explosives during transport and scheduled a public meeting in Washington on Aug. 7, according to a notice (.pdf file) in the July 3 Federal Register.

The advance notice, first issued in November 2005, addressed safety issues related to temporary storage of explosives transported by highway. It also addressed security, storage by rail and vessel modes, and storage of other high-hazard materials. PHMSA officials noted that explosives left unattended in motor vehicles at rest areas and truck stops pose risks to the general public, and said they are investigating the benefits of "safe havens" at those places.