# W.E. Train Consulting — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation - **operation:** document - **citation:** 11-0260 - **title:** W.E. Train Consulting — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation - **source type:** guidance - **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - **status:** guidance - **official:** true - **published on:** 2012-02-21 - **effective on:** Not available - **summary:** 11-0260 response to W.E. Train Consulting concerning 171.2, 172.204, 172.602, 172.604, 173.22. - **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-11-0260.json - **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-11-0260.md - **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-11-0260 - **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretations/2011/110260.pdf **body:** <<>> U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave" S,E Washington, DC 20590 FEB 2 1 2012 Mr. Gene Sanders DGSA,CDGT Manager, W.E. Train Consulting 8710 W. Hillsborough Ave. #112 Tampa, FL 33615 Ref. No. 11-0260 Dear Mr. Sanders: This responds to your e-mail regarding clarification of the definition of "offeror" as it applies to "carrier" functions under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask if your understanding is correct that a "carrier" may also be an "offeror." You provided the following examples and questions: QI. Example A: A shipper brings a limited quantity package to a carrier for surface shipment (not via air). The carrier notices the outer carton is flimsy, and has a crushed comer. If the carrier has been properly trained in packaging limited quantity shipments, and has a strong outer packaging, may that carrier (regardless of whether a fee is charged or not) re-pack the limited quantity material in the presence of the shipper, prior to acceptance? If the carrier has been properly trained in marking, may that carrier apply the limited quantity mark to the repacked material? AI. The answer is yes. A person offering a hazardous material, including a residue, for transportation in commerce is responsible for performing the functions of an offeror in compliance with all of the applicable regulations (see §§ 17I.2(a) and 173.22). Based on the scenario provided above, if at the shipper's direction the carrier takes responsibility for performing functions of the offeror, such as marking and re-packing a limited quantity in a strong outer packaging, the "carrier" is responsible for performing those functions in compliance with the applicable regulations. However, it is our opinion that the relationship of the two parties should be clarified in writing (e.g., a contract or exchange of letters) in order to ensure that each is aware of its responsibilities. Q2. Example B: A shipper brings a marked and labeled package to a carrier, but leaves the emergency response phone number off the shipping papers because the shipper doesn't have the ability to meet the requirements regarding answering calls 2417, and doesn't have a contract with any other person to do so. When the shipper <<>> explains the situation to the carrier, the carrier realizes that the hazardous materials is a commonly shipped commodity, sometimes shipped by the carrier themselves, and that the carrier does have a contract with an emergency response company who is already properly prepared to meet the regulatory requirements. Is the carrier already properly trained because of their own shipments allowed to become a second offeror of the shipment, and prepare a new set of shipping papers, compliant in every respect including the emergency response information? Ifso, may the carrier, acting upon the information provided by the shipper and her/his marked and labeled package, reasonably believe the classification and packing have been performed compliantly, and thus sign the certification on those newly printed shipping papers? A2. Generally, an offeror of the hazardous material must sign a certification statement on the shipping paper, as required by §172.204(a). As stated in the enclosed formal interpretation published in the Federal Register on June 4, 1988 (63 FR 30411), a carrier violates the HMR when the carrier accepts or transports a hazardous material with actual or constructive knowledge that a package contains a hazardous material which has not been prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the HMR. The formal interpretation also clarifies carrier responsibility and the issue of "knowingly and willfully" violating the HMR. A carrier may not accept or transport, including continuing to transport, a package which is not in compliance with the HMR. As in answer "AI," a person, such as a carrier, accepting responsibility for performing offeror functions must perform those functions (e.g., preparing and certifying shipping papers) in compliance with the applicable regulations. A person who offers a hazardous material for transportation must provide emergency response information and an emergency response telephone number for use in the event of an emergency involving the hazardous material. The telephone number must be the number of the offeror or the number of an agency or organization capable of, and accepting responsibility for, providing detailed information about the hazardous material. Another entity may use your emergency response telephone number by prior arrangement with you and the third-party provider. The emergency response provider may require evidence, such as your company name or registration number, indicating that your company contracted for the emergency response services. An indication of this contractual relationship on the shipping paper will promote linkage between the provider and the person arranging to use the provider's service, ensuring compliance with §172.604. <<>> Accordingly, a person who arranges with an organization to provide emergency response services required by the HMR should ensure that the shipping papers that accompany the shipment include the information necessary to enable the provider to identify the person who has contracted for the services (see §§172.602 and 172.604). I hope this information is helpfuL Ifwe can be of further assistance, please contact us. S~Y's1l-- Ben Supko Acting Chief, Regulations Development Office of Hazardous Materials Standards Enclosure <<>> Federal Register/Vol. 63. No. 107/Thursday. June 4, 199B/Rules and Regulations 30411 the criteria fpr a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Thus, it was not subject to OMB review. Regulatory Flexibility Act We certify that this regulation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Therefore. a regulatory flexibility analysis as provided in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended, is not required. Paperwork Reduction Act This regulation imposes no reporting! recordkeeping requirements necessitating clearance by OMB. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 96.001, Social SecurityDisability Insurance; 96.002. Social SecurityRetirement Insurance; 96.004. Social Security-Survivors Insurance; 96.006. Supplemental Security Income) List of Subjects in 20 CFR Part 404 Administrative practice and procedure, Blind, Disability benefits, Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping reqUirements, Social security. Dated: May 27, 1998. Kenneth S. Apfel. Commissioner ofSocial Security. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, part 404. subpart P, chapter III of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as set forth below. PART 404-FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE (1950-) Subpart P-[Amended] 1. The authority citation for subpart P of part 404 continues to read as follows: Authority: Secs. 202, 20S(a), (b), and (d)(h). 216(i), 221 (a) and (i), 222(c). 223, 22S, and 702(a) (S) of the Social Security Act (42 U.s.C. 402, 40S(a). (b), and (d)-(h), 416(i). 421(a) and (i), 422(c), 423, 42S, and 902(a)(S»; sec. 211(bl. Pub. L. 104-193. 110 Stat. 21OS, 2189. 2. Appendix 1 to subpart P of part 404 is amended by revising items 1, 3, 11, 12, and 15 of the introductory text before Part A to read as follows: Appendix 1 to Subpart P-Listing of Impairments * * * * * 1. Growth Impairment (100.00): July 1, 1999. * * * * * 3. Special Senses and Speech (2.00 and 102.00): July 1, 1999. * * * * * 11. Multiple Body Systems (110.00): July 1, 1999. 12. Neurological (11.00 and 111.00): July I, 1999. * * * * * IS. Immune System (14.00 and 114.00): July 1. 1999. * * * * * [FR Doc. 98-14S99 Filed 6-3-98; 8:45 aml BILLING CODE 4190-29-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research and Special Programs Administration 49 CFR Parts 107, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175,176,177 [Notice No. 98-6] Hazardous Materials: Formal Interpretation of Regulations AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT. ACTION: Formal interpretation of regulations. SUMMARY: This document publishes a formal interpretation of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) concerning the responsibilities of a carrier when accepting hazardous materials for transportation in commerce. This interpretation is being published in order to facilitate better public understanding and awareness of the HMR. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 4, 1998. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frazer C. Hilder, Office of the Chief Counsel, Research and Special Programs Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-00001; telephone 202-366-4400. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As part of its implementation of the Federal hazardous material transportation law. 49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq., RSPA issues the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), 49 CFR parts 171-180. From time to time, RSPA's Chief Counsel issues formal interpretations of the HMR. These interpretations generally involve multimodal issues and are coordinated with the other DOT agenCies which, together with RSPA, enforce the HMR: Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and United States Coast Guard. This document publishes a Chief Counsel's interpretation concerning the responsibilities of a carrier when accepting hazardous materials for transportation in commerce. This interpretation addresses issues raised in a letter by Mr. E.A. Altemos, of HMT Associates, and is consistent with an August 19, 1997 written response to Mr. AItemos by RS~A's ASSOCiate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety. In addition to these infrequent formal interpretations by RSPA's Chief Counsel, RSPA's Office of Hazardous Materials Standards provides information and informal clarifications of the HMR on an ongoing basis, through (I) a telephonic information center (1-800-467-4922) to answer oral questions and (2) informal written interpretations or clarifications in response to written inquiries. RSPA's formal interpretations and informal letter clarifications (and additional information concerning the HMR) are also available through the Hazmat Safety Homepage at ''http:// hazmat.dot.gov." In addition, some of RSPA's interpretations and clarifications may be reproduced or summarized in selected trade publications. Further information concerning the availability of informal guidance and interpretations of the HMR is set forth in 49 CFR 107.14. RSPA believes that publication of its interpretations should promote a better understanding of the HMR and improve compliance with the HMR. Issued in Washington, DC, on May 28, 1998. Judith S. Kaleta, Chief Counsel. [Int. No. 98-11 Background Mr. E.A. Altemos, HMT ASSOCiates, requested clarification of requirements in the HMR concerning an air carrier's acceptance of packages containing hazardous materials. This inquiry concerned only the carrier's responsibilities relating to hazardous materials offered by another person, and not a carrier's transportation of its own materials or products. (For information on an air carrier's transportation of its own company materials, or ''COMAT,'' see "COMAT FACTS" in RSPA's January 1998 Safety Alert, available on the Hazmat Safety Homepage.) Although Mr. Altemos's question was posed in the context of air transportation, the HMR requirements discussed in RSPA's interpretation apply to carriers by all modes of transportation. Interpretation Basic requirements in the HMR set forth in 49 eFR 171.2(a) and (b), and applicable to carriers in all modes of transportation, are that no person may accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless * * * the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked. labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or <<>> 30412 Federal Register/Vol. 63. No. 107/Thursday, June 4, 199B/Rules and Regulations authorized by applicable requirements of [the HMR], or an exemption. approval. or registration issued under [the HMRI' * * [orl transport a hazardous material in commerce unless * * * the hazardous material is handled and transported in accordance with applicable requirements of [the HMRl. or an exemption. approval, or registration issued under [the HMRJ' * * A carrier's acceptance and transportation of hazardous materials can involve several different situations. including the following two ends of the spectrum: 1. the shipment is declared by the offeror. in one manner or another. to contain hazardous materials and complies (in whole or in part) with requirements in the HMR; or 2. whether intentionally or unintentionally. the shipment is not declared by the offeror to contain hazardous materials. and no attempt has been made to comply with the HMR (the "undeclared" or "hidden" shipment). The Secretary of Transportation has delegated to agencies within the Department (Federal Aviation Administration. Federal Highway Administration. Federal Railroad Administration. United States Coast Guard. and Research and Special Programs Administration). the authority in 49 U.S.C. 5123 to assess a civil penalty against any person who "knowingly violates" any requirement in the HMR, including the provisions in § 171.2 (a) and (b) quoted above. Section 5123(a) provides that a person "acts knowingly" when (A) the person has actual knowledge of the facts giving rise to the violation; or (B) a reasonable person acting in the circumstances and exercising reasonable care would have that knowledge. Accordingly. a carrier knowingly violates the HMR when the carrier accepts or transports a hazardous material with actual or constructive knowledge that a package contains a hazardous material which has not been packaged. marked. labeled. and described on a shipping paper as required by the HMR. This means that a carrier may not ignore readily apparent facts that indicate that either (l) a shipment declared to contain a hazardous material is not properly packaged. marked. labeled. placarded. or described on a shipping paper. or (2) a shipment actually contains a hazardous material governed by the HMR despite the fact that it is not marked. labeled. placarded. or described on a shipping paper as containing a hazardous material. The Department's October 4. 1977 interpretation concerning 49 CFR 175.30 (reproduced below) relates to the first situation in the above paragraph. i.e., when an air carrier receives a shipment accompanied by a shipping paper containing a shipper's certification that hazardous materials within the shipment have been classed. packaged. marked. labeled and accurately described as required, See 49 CFR 172.204. Whenever. in the course of examining the shipping paper and performing the required visual inspection of the package. an air carrier has reason to know of discrepancies. the carrier may not simply rely on the shipper's certification. In the case of an undeclared or hidden shipment. all relevant facts must be considered to determine whether or not a reasonable person acting in the circumstances and exercising reasonable care would realize the presence of hazardous materials. In an enforcement proceeding. this is always a question of fact. to be determined by the fact-finder. Because innumerable fact patterns may exist. it is not practicable to set forth a list of specific criteria to govern whether or not the carrier has sufficient constructive knowledge of the presence of hazardous materials within an undeclared or hidden shipment to find a knowing violation of the HMR. Information concerning the contents of suspicious packages must be pursued to determine whether hazardous materials have been improperly offered. A carrier's employees who accept packages for transportation must be trained to recognize a "suspicious package." as part oftheir function-specific training as speCified in 49 CFR 172.704(a)(2). because the legal standard remains the knowledge that a reasonable person acting in the circumstances and exercising reasonable care would have, Because this standard applies to all modes of transportation. a single training program and a uniform screening process can be developed for all of a company's employees involved in surface or air transportation. At the same time. an offeror who fails to properly declare (and prepare) a shipment of hazardous materials bears the primary responsibility for a hidden shipment. Whenever hazardous materials have not been shipped in compliance with the HMR. DOT generally will attempt to identify and bring an enforcement proceeding against the person who first caused the transportation of a noncomplying shipment. The procedures applicable to DOT civil penalty enforcement cases procedures are set forth in 14 CFR 13.16 (FAA); 33 CFR part 1. subpart 1.07 (USCG); 49 CFR part 109. subpart B (FRA); 49 CFR part 107. subpart D (RSPA); and 49 CFR part 386 (FHWA). To the extent that any carrier. regardless of the mode of transportation. is truly "innocent" in accepting an undeclared or hidden shipment of hazardous materials. it lacks the knowledge required for assessment of a Civil penalty. However. when a carrier acts "knowingly." as defined in 49 U.S.c. 5123(a). it must be considered subject to civil penalties. RSPA rejects any suggestion that a carrier would be deemed to have "knowingly" accepted a hazardous material for transportation. and be subject to civil penalties under 49 U.s.c. 5123. only when the material is described as a hazardous material on a shipping paper or other commercial documentation. or the package is marked or labeled in a manner as prescribed by the HMR That approach would improperly limit a carrier's responsibility to situations involving a "declared" shipment. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary October 4. 1977. Subj: Air Carrier's Responsibility for Inspection of Hazardous Materials Packages. From: Assistant General Counsel for Materials Transportation Law. To: Director. Transportation Safety Institute. TES-15 This is in response to your request of August 25. 1977. for our opinion as to whether an air carrier has a specific regulatory obligation to inspect hazardous materials packages prior to acceptance for air transportation to insure the shipper's compliance with specific regulatory requirements of parts 173 and 178. With the question. you have supplied your analysis and conclusion that except for the physical integrity inspection provided for in § I 75.30(b) there is no duty on the air carrier to inspect hazardous materials packages prior to acceptance for transportation in order to determine compliance with the requirements of parts 173 and 178. Thus. it is your opinion that the air carrier may rely on the shipper's certification accompanying the shipment. Section 175.30 prescribes the requirements that must be met before an air carrier accepts a shipment of hazardous materials for transportation. In achieving compliance with these requirements. the air carrier must. under paragraph (a). examine the shipment against the information supplied on the shipping paper. and must, under paragraph (b). make a visual inspection for leaks and damaged packaging. Consequently. I agree with your analysis and conclusion that the regulations permit the air carrier to rely on the information supplied on the shipping paper. unless. in complying with paragraphs (a) and (b). he has reason to know that there are discrepancies. IFR Doc. 98-14561 Filed 6-3-98; 8:45 am1 BILUNG CODE 4910-6O-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 961107312-7021-02; 1.0. 0520988] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bycatch Rate Standards for the Second Half of 1998 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Commerce. ACTION: Pacific halibut and red king crab bycatch rate standards; request for comments. SUMMARY: NMFS announces Pacific halibut and red king crab bycatch rate standards for the second half of 1998, Publication of these bycatch rate standards is required under regulations <<>> £nqrum ~. l4(· ~ , Drakeford, Carolyn (PHMSA) q,fJOVh$ ~. From: Betts, Charles (PHMSA) l ( ~02.lo0 Sent: Monday, October 17,2011 7:54 PM To: 'Gene@WEtrainConsulting.com'; Billings, Delmer (PHMSA); Drakeford, Carolyn (PHMSA) Cc: Foster, Glenn (PHMSA); INFOCNTR (PHMSA) Subject: Re: Request for Interpretation We have received your request. It will be logged into our tracking system and assigned to a specialist for proper Gene- handling. Regards, Charles From: Gene Sanders of WE Train Consulting Imailto:Gene@WEtrainConsulting.com] Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 07:43 PM To: Betts, Charles (PHMSA) Cc: Foster, Glenn (PHMSA); INFOCNTR (PHMSA) Subject: Request for Interpretation Dear Charles Betts, 49CFR 171.2{b) makes it clear that there may be more than one offeror of a hazardous material. But in 171.8, under the definition of Of/eror, (1)(ii) clearly makes the offeror distinct from the carrier, and (2) defines when a carrier is NOT an offeror. I believe that in some situations, a carrier may also be an offeror, and request that you confirm or contradict my belief as it applies to the following examples. Thank you. Example A: A shipper brings a Limited Quantity package to a carrier for surface shipment (not via air). The carrier notices the outer carton is flimsy, and has a crushed corner. If the carrier has been properly trained in packing limited quantity shipments, and has a strong outer packaging, may that carrier (regardless of whether a fee is charged or not) re-pack the limited quantity material in the presenc~ of the shipper, prior to acceptance? If the carrier has been properly trained in marking, may that carrier apply the limited quantity mark to the re-packed material? Example B: A shipper brings a marked and labeled package to a carrier, but leaves the emergency response phone number off of the shipping papers, because the shipper doesn't have the ability to meet the requirements regarding answering calls 24/7, and doesn't have a contract with any other person to do so. When the shipper explains the situation to the carrier, the carrier realizes that the hazardous material is a commonly shipped commodity, sometimes shipped by the carrier themselves, and that the carrier does have a contract with an emergency response company who is already properly prepared to meet the regulatory requirements. Is the carrier, already properly trained because of their own shipments, allowed to become a second offeror of the shipment, and prepare a new set of shipping papers, compliant in every respect including the emergency response information? If so, may the carrier, acting upon the information provided by the shipper and her/his marked and labeled package, reasonably believe the classification and packing have been performed compliantly, and thus sign the certification on those newly printed shipping papers? 1 <<>> In other words, is there any regulatory restriction against a properly trained carrier performing some offeror functions? Thank you for your assistance. Cheers, Gene Sanders, DGSA, CDGT Manager, W.E. Train Consulting 8710 W. Hillsborough Ave. #112 Tampa, Fl 33615 Gene@WEtrainConsulting.com Tampa phone: (813) 855~3855 mobile phone: (412) 779-5151 www.WEtrainConsulting.com 2 - **truncated:** false - **body characters:** 23559