ATA Urges Caution on Changes to Hazmat Placard Rules

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merican Trucking Associations urged the federal government to “proceed cautiously” with proposing changes to security rules for hauling materials that are toxic when inhaled, particularly in regard to placarding and tracking those shipments.

ATA filed its comments jointly to the Research and Special Programs Administration and the Transportation Security Administration in response to those agencies’ request for information about proposed hazardous-material security changes for railroads.

ATA warned that the government’s proposal to remove identifying placards from the shipments and replace them with electronic transponders could endanger emergency workers in the event of an accident.

“Even if placards and other markings are eliminated, emergency responders will have a continuing need to be informed of their potential exposure in the event of an incident involving a release of hazardous materials,” the association said.

For the full story, see the Nov. 1 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.