October 24, 2017

Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods A Global Framework

Mr. Duane A. PfundU.S. Department of Transportation

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety AdministrationChairman UN Sub-Committee on Transport of Dangerous Goods

DGIS 2018September 6, 2018

Perception -What goes on at

the UN?

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Or……

Perception -What really

goes on at the UN?

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United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)• United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of

Dangerous Goods • Multi-Modal transport standards• Established in 1954• UN Recommendations published in 1956• US HazMat Regulations adopted in 1991• Reformatted as UN Model Regulations in 1996• TDG designated as physical hazard focal point

• UN Manual of Tests and Criteria• PHMSA US Head of Delegation and TDG Chair

Global Safety Framework

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United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)• United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally

Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (UN GHS)• Established in 1992 – UN Conference on Environment and

Development• Extended mandate as a Sub-Committee with TDG in 1996• Uses building block approach• US OSHA adopted in 2012 (HAZCOM 2012)

Global Safety Framework

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Global Safety Framework

Relationship between TDG AND GHS Sub-Committees

• TDG and GHS are interdependent!• TDG and GHS Sub-Committees generally meet individually in

consecutive weeks• Papers that are relevant to or require action by both Sub-

Committees are submitted to both Sub-Committees• When necessary a joint TDG-GHS session may be held

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Standards Amendment Schedule

• United Nations, ICAO and IMO operate on two year schedules

• UN biennium 2017-2018 • UN Recommendations (Rev 21) published Spring 2019• ICAO and IMO meetings 2018-2019 • Enter into force in international regulations January 2021• Fourth meeting of current UN biennium Nov 26 - Dec 4, 2018

• UN biennium 2015-2016• UN Recommendations (Rev 20) published Spring 2017• ICAO and IMO meetings 2016-2017• Enter into force in international regulations January 2019

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• Corrosivity Criteria• New alternative classification provisions for mixtures• Bridging principles – similar mixtures• Calculation method – data for ingredients

• Dangerous Goods in Articles• Addresses articles containing amounts of dangerous

goods exceeding the authorized LQ amount(s)

Changes to the 20th Revised Model Regulations (2015-2016 Biennium)

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• Lithium Battery Test Summary Document• Manufacturers and distributors must make

available • Standardized set of elements

• Lithium Battery Emerging Technologies• Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport units• Hybrid lithium batteries

Changes to the 20th Revised Model Regulations (2015-2016 Biennium)

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• Category A Infectious waste• Classification and packaging

• Pyrophoric gases• Classification criteria & N.O.S. entries

• Default fireworks classification table • Articles, pyrotechnic UN0431

Current 2017-2018 UN Biennium Topics

Classification Labelling Hazard statement

codes Hazard

class Hazard category Pictogram Signal word Hazard statement

GHS UN Model Regulationsa

Flammable gases

1A

Flammable gas

Danger Extremely flammable gas H220

Pyrophoric gas

Danger Extremely flammable gas H220 May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air H232

Chemically unstable gas

A

Danger Extremely flammable gas H220 May react explosively even in the absence of air H230

B

Danger

Extremely flammable gas H220 May react explosively even in the absence of air at elevated pressure and/or temperature

H231

1B

Danger Flammable gas H221

2 No pictogram Not required Warning Flammable gas H221

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• Dual marking of packagings• More than one successfully tested design type• Liquid and solids packagings

• Scope of the Model Regulations • Dangerous Goods that are not traditional

consignments e.g. data loggers

Current 2017-2018 UN Biennium Topics

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• GHS/Manual of Tests and Criteria• Amending the MOTC to account for both transport

and storage and use requirements• Amending Chapter 2.1 of the GHS to categorize

explosives

• Fibre-reinforced plastic portable tanks• UN technical standard

• Lithium cell and battery classification• Comprehensive hazard based system

Current 2017-2018 UN Biennium Topics

A Globally Harmonized System

– Complete internal and modal review of final rule– Publication

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What is Harmonization?

The UN Model Regulations serve as the basis for international transport standards and influence national and regional regulations

EuropeCFRMaritimeAir

What is Harmonization?

PHMSA International Strategic Plan 2008-2013

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COLLABORATIONWITH STAKEHOLDERS

DATA DRIVEN

AD

OPT

ING

ASY

STEM

ICSA

FETY

APP

ROA

CH• Mitigating risks and

encouraging behavioral change

• Promoting the use of performance-based standards

• Using data in innovative ways to enable evidence-based policy-making

• Promoting safety and supporting compliance with safety laws and standards

• Advancing development and adoption of automated technologies, coordinated outreach, facilitating regulation, and focused mitigation strategies

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What is Harmonization?

• How do we modernize the message?• Three C’s

– Classification, Containment, Communication• Compatible

– Diverse perspectives• Safe Transport

– Transportation system safety approach– Innovative solutions

• Homework - simplified and impactful message??

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Questions?