IHMM In-Person or Remotely Proctored Exams
IHMM is pleased to announce that the American National Standards Institute [ANSI] has approved Kryterion Remotely Proctored Exams for IHMM’s CHMM, CHMP, and CDGP exams. IHMM has been using the Kryterion Remotely Proctored Exams for the CSHM and CSMP exams since April, 2020.
About 65% of Kryterion in-person testing centers have reopened. If you prefer the comfort and convenience of taking your exam from your home or office instead of at a Kryterion center, IHMM is ready to enroll you in a remotely proctored examination.
Please contact either Kortney Tunstall at [email protected] for the CHMM, CHMP, or CDGP exams or Kaylene Cagle at [email protected] for the CSHM or CSMP exams.
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
IHMM Today is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
are compiled from independent sources and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IHMM.
IHMM Credential Recognition
Below you will see the credential badges that are now in each CHMM, CHMP, CDGT, CDGP, Student CHMM, CSHM, CSMP, and ASHM certificant’s MYIHMM account. Every IHMM certificant may use these badges, linked as those below are to their IHMM credential page, for their email signatures, business cards, and other social media applications. You’re justifiably proud of the accomplishment of having earned your credential and you can show the rest of the world. Simply right-click on the badge of choice, then save as to your computer, and then load it to wherever you want to use it, and please link that back to https://ihmm.org/.
IHMM Certificant Recognition
IHMM has completed inserting new credential badges in every certificant’s MYIHMM account. Everyone may access those badges for use in their email signatures, LinkedIn accounts, and other social media and communications media. With a link from your credential badge to the IHMM website [see above] you can not only stand out as an IHMM-certified professional, you can also promote IHMM credentials to others. Right-click on the badge of choice, save as to your computer, then load it to whatever medium you choose.
Throughout our certificant’s MYIHMM accounts are also now placed 10 Year, 20 Year, and 30 Year badges signifying their longevity as an IHMM certified professional.
IHMM has also added Distinguished Diplomates and Fellows of the Institute badges to the appropriate people in the MYIHMM database. These two badges will be accompanied by new lapel pins to be sent to each of those distinguished by holding these designations.
Need Help? On the IHMM website just click on the “NEED HELP?” button
and let us know what you need and the right person will get right back with you.
Update Your IHMM Credential Record
Each IHMM certificant has their own private, personal record. Updating your record with the correct information is an important requirement of being an IHMM certificant. We’ve made updating your record simple to do, and it starts at the IHMM website at https://ihmm.org/, and the toolbar at the top as seen below.
First, click on the MYIHMM button, shown below highlighted in RED.
That brings you to this screen…
If you have forgotten your username or password, click on FORGOT USERNAME/PASSWORD and enter your email address and we’ll take care of the rest.
Forgotten which email address you used to register and can’t retrieve your user/pass? Then please contact anyone of the following who can assist you:
Jimmy Nguyen – [email protected]
Kaylene Cagle – [email protected]
Jim Drosdak – [email protected]
Kortney Tunstall – [email protected]
Mikki Shea – [email protected]
June Brock-Carroll, Board Member and Treasurer
IHMM 2021 Board of Directors Election
Each year, one or more seats are about to become vacant on the IHMM Board of Directors as a person’s term or tenure is ending. In 2021, the position held for the CHMP seat on the Board will become vacant as June Brock-Carroll’s first term ends on 12/31/2021.
June is running for re-election to another 4-year term, unopposed.
June’s Nomination Papers Are Here
Every IHMM certificant in good standing will receive an email from IHMM with a discreet identification number that may only be voted once. The Election begins October 1, 2021, and runs through October 31, 2021. Results will be announced on November 9, 2021, in IHMM Today.
IHMM Promotes Federal Recognition of Credentials – Professional Certification Coalition [PCC] October Fly-In
PCC held a “virtual fly-in” on October 6, 7, and 8 to urge Members of Congress to support our two high-priority federal bills: H.R. 2171/S. 905, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, and the soon-to-be-introduced REBUILD Skills Act.
In support of federal recognition of IHMM credentials, IHMM joined the fly-in and met with the staff of Maryland’s Representative David Trone [D-6th CD], Representative Dutch Ruppersberger [D-2nd DC], and Senator Chris Van Hollen [D-MD].
The goal of the fly-in is to encourage Members of Congress to cosponsor each of these bills and to persuade them to request that congressional leaders allow the bills to move expeditiously, either on a standalone basis or as part of a larger legislative package. We are pleased to announce that Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), the author of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, is confirmed to speak to participating PCC members at the beginning of the virtual fly-in. After the Congresswoman’s remarks and an internal PCC member strategy and prep session, PCC members will participate in virtual meetings with their Members of Congress (arranged either by the PCC or by the PCC members, depending on preference/availability).
Below is additional background on our priority legislation:
- The bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act would permit individuals to use funds in 529 savings plans to cover costs associated with obtaining and maintaining certification (including testing-related expenses), and/or for expenses for training required to obtain such credentials.
- The Resources and Education to Build(REBUILD) Skills Act would permit certification organizations and training programs to provide scholarships (up to $3,000) for certification-related and training expenses to individuals displaced from employment during the pandemic or who recently came off active duty from military service (along with spouses of recently discharged service members). The organizations offering such scholarships would be able to apply for a payroll tax credit to compensate them for those scholarships. The U.S. Department of Labor would maintain a list of approved (i.e., credible) certification and training organizations that could participate, which could serve as a great resource for individuals seeking to identify legitimate certification and training opportunities and would promote the certification community writ large.
FEDERAL CREDENTIAL RECOGNITION – CALL TO ACTION – Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act
CALL TO ACTION – Representative Spanberger of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District has drafted legislation entitled, H.R. 2171, “Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act.” This legislation expands the provisions of existing law with respect to the allowable uses of Section 529 education tuition accounts to include most expenses paid by the holders of private professional certifications. We need you to contact your House and Senate members to ask them to co-sponsor this legislation.
CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE
You can support this effort with your voice and message. Go here> https://ihmm.org/45-in-5-task-force/ and fill out your contact information where provided and help to pass H.R. 2171/S. 905.
PHMSA Emergency Response Guidebook
Quickly Identify Hazardous Materials Emergency Procedures
PHMSA’s 2020 Emergency Response Guidebook provides first responders with a go-to manual to help deal with hazmat transportation accidents during the critical first 30 minutes.
DOT’s goal is to place an ERG in every public emergency service vehicle nationwide. To date, more than16 million free copies have been distributed to the emergency response community through state emergency management coordinators. Members of the public may purchase a copy of the ERG through the GPO Bookstore and other commercial suppliers.
See: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/erg/emergency-response-guidebook-erg
Call for Volunteers – Student CHMM Committee
From Spring 2020 through Early Summer 2021 IHMM ran a pilot program for the newly created Student CHMM credential. See > https://ihmm.org/student-chmm/ The pilot program involved two colleges that brought forth 90 Student CHMM applications. Having successfully conducted this pilot program, IHMM now seeks to have a small group of volunteers oversee and help to guide the program.
You can learn more about the program here > https://ihmm.org/ihmm-student-chmm-committee/ including the charter of the committee as approved by the IHMM Board of Directors.
If you would like to help increase interest in IHMM credentials among college students, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful and valuable contribution to IHMM and to college students before they graduate from college and start their professional hazmat careers.
Go here > https://ihmm.org/ihmm-student-chmm-committee/ and volunteer today! Preference is given to CHMMs.
Call for Volunteers – IHMM Professional Textbook Committee
IHMM is calling for volunteers to participate in updating the IHMM Managing Hazardous Materials – A Definitive Text, textbook. Preference is given to those who last participated in this endeavor, though IHMM seeks CHMM and CHMP hazardous materials professionals generally to populate this committee and contribute to this effort.
Information about and volunteering for this committee is here > https://ihmm.org/ihmm-professional-textbook-committee/ Note that this scholarly work will be peer-reviewed. In addition, this committee will be permanent and provide continuous improvement of the material by not only produced a single new textbook but also producing an annual update of material.
Here is how a professional certification body operates:
The IHMM Managing Hazardous Materials text is an integral part of the system that begins with producing or updating a blueprint for an IHMM credential, such as the CHMM or CHMP. Arising from the blueprint next comes creating examinations and item banks of questions that feed the exams. The IHMM text then mirrors the blueprint and examinations in order to best prepare applicants to take the exam. Then, arising from the blueprint and textbook comes the creation of preparatory courses further enabling applicants to prepare for and ultimately to pass the exam. The prep courses are offered through IHMM’s foundation at the Hazardous Materials Society.
Call for Volunteers – IHMM CSSS-CSSM Committee
IHMM is calling for CSSS and CSSM volunteers to participate in the CSSS-CSSM Committee. IHMM inherited the CSSS and CSSM credentials when it acquired ISHM in April 2019. The CSSS and CSSM credentials have no job task analysis, no blueprints, no exams, or item banks. Now that IHMM has spent the past 18 months establishing the updated processes to recreate the CSHM and CSMP credentials, we can turn to the CSSS and CSSM designations.
IHMM welcomes CSSS and CSSM designation holders to volunteer and participate in the committee. Volunteering may be done here > https://ihmm.org/csss-cssm-committee/
IHMM Board Approves Federal Credential Recognition Rulemaking
The IHMM Board has approved a proposal for IHMM to create an initiated rulemaking at EPA to amend 40 CFR § 312.10 – Definitions to include CHMMs, as well as a petition to the Small Business Administration recognizing CHMMs for the purposes of conducting Phase I and Phase II site assessments.
Important to these efforts will be every non-government credential holder to support the effort when the time is right. IHMM will notify all very soon.
IHMM Announces New CHMP Test Specification [Blueprint] Effective 2022
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) conducts a Job Task Analysis (JTA) to validate all certification examinations every five years, or more often if circumstances warrant. The Job Task Analysis identifies the performance areas and associated knowledge, tasks, skills, and abilities relating to the credential. During the JTA process, a new blueprint is created that reflects the consensus of the profession and is validated by survey participants. The blueprint provides the areas of competency that a minimally qualified candidate must have to be deemed competent.
The IHMM CHMP Scheme Committee has conducted a comprehensive Job Task Analysis (JTA) based on psychometric principles during a yearlong series of 2- or 1- hour web meetings and has completed a new JTA and blueprint for the CHMP examination.
IHMM would like to extend a special thank you to the CHMP Scheme Committee members. The success of this project is attributed to the time and effort put in by the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). The SMEs were fully engaged in the process and committed to the mission of IHMM and the CHMP credential. Thank you for volunteering your time and your expertise. Your hard work strengthens the CHMP credential!!
Working under the guidance of a trained psychometrician from Certification Management Services (CMS), the CHMP Scheme committee composed of nine (9) Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) developed the new JTA and blueprint. Other facilitators include Kevin Herron, Chair of the CHMP Scheme Committee, and M. Patricia Buley, IHMM’s Director of Certification and Accreditation.
Subject Matter Expert | Organization |
| Kevin Herron, Chair | Univar Solutions |
| Mark Crawford | Robindale Energy |
| David Hall | Roche Molecular Systems |
| James McIntyre | University of Illinois Fire Service Institute |
| Jeffrey Parks | Dyno Nobel Inc. |
| James Sizemore | D.H. Griffin Wrecking |
| William Tomlinson | Professional Training Association Inc. |
| Jake Trahan II | Nutrien |
| Rick Wolf | Univar Solutions |
The eligibility requirements for the CHMP examination will remain the same.
- Five (5) years of relevant experience with responsibilities directly relating to hazardous materials and or waste in the workplace.
- Or an Associate degree from an accredited college or university in applied science or related field degree; for example, in hazardous materials management, environmental science, environmental management, physical or life science or environmental technology, plus three (3) years of relevant experience with responsibilities directly relating to hazardous materials and or waste in the workplace.
The following is a synopsis of the changes:
- A significant amount of the general concepts identified in the current blueprint are carried over to the new blueprint.
- All the Domains are streamlined.
- All the Tasks are modified to test objectives.
- Testing objectives were added for all the Domains, increasing the focus on Application, rather than simply knowledge of concepts or definitions.
- The Domain weights (percent of the exam) shifted slightly for all the Domains.
The new CHMP examination blueprint will go into effect in 2022 and is found HERE.
Government Agencies That Recognize the IHMM Credentials
Here is a small sampling of the government agencies that recognize IHMM Credentials
White House Pushes Scaled-Back Reconciliation Package
Senate Leaders Accept Short-Term Debt Limit Deal
Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance Allocation and Trading Program Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act
New Course for Construction Contractors Available on OFCCP’s Contractor Compliance Institute
OIRA Completes Review of Proposed Rule Concerning Further Compliance Date Extension for PIP (3:1)
NIOSH Highlights Its Work in Blog Item on National Nanotechnology Day
Déjà Vu: CEQ to Reset NEPA Regulations, and Then Some
CEQ Moves to Reinstate Three Key NEPA Provisions Removed Under Trump Administration
Higher estimated pesticide exposures linked to ALS risk
Should oil and gas companies be exempt from Pennsylvania’s hazardous waste laws?
Newsom signs laws banning ‘forever chemicals’ in children’s products, food packaging
Recycled Concrete and CO2 from the Air Are Made Into a New Building Material
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; RCRA Expanded Public Participation, EPA ICR No. 1688.09, OMB Control No. 2050-0149
Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (21-1.F)
Release of the Draft Policy Assessment for the Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards
EPA Acts on Petitions to Cut Climate-Damaging HFCs, Will Begin AIM Act Rulemaking Process
EPA Publishes its 2021 Climate Adaptation Action Plan
How to Maintain Trust in the Post-Pandemic Workplace
Safety21: Back in the Saddle Again
Federal Contractor Vaccine Guidance Issued
OSHA and NIOSH Update Small Business Safety and Health Handbook
National Safety Council
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
NSC Webinars
October 14 – Six New Changes to Improve Your Company’s Electrical Safety
October 21 – Surviving Safety: Excelling as a Safety Professional While Maintaining Individual Wellness
October 21 – Safety Management vs. Safety Leadership
October 27 – Roundtable Discussion on Water Sector Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
November 10 – Drinking Water Utility Spill Response Webinar
American Society of Safety Professionals
IHMM is a member of ASSP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
What Is the Role of a Safety Officer in the Workplace?
ASSP Works to Educate Safety Professionals on Risk
OSHA to Issue Additional COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard
ISO 45003: Impact on Safety Professionals
Complimentary Webinar | Wednesday, Oct. 13 | 11 a.m. CDT | 0.1 CEUs
Explore key elements of this ISO standard that can help your organization identify and address psychological hazards in the workplace. Take away practical suggestions that you can implement immediately in your workplace. Register now
HMS Education and Training
Hazardous Materials Society now has 6,347 education and training programs on its website, with more coming every week. Certificants will note that most of these programs carry a CMP value, making it easier to know in advance what to expect. The HMS Education and Training platform also provides a wide variety of courses for professional development across all of IHMM’s credentials – and more are being developed by the HMS Education and Training Committee.
IHMM applicants and certificants are free to search the landscape for training. IHMM wanted to make that task easier by aggregating training in one place if you choose to use it. Among these more than 11.000 programs are webinars delivered online and virtually all carry IHMM CMPs values with them for your annual / 5-year CMP planning.
Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] Scholarship Applications – DEADLINE November 1, 2021
Dan Levine, Chair of the HMS Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that HMS Scholarship applications for 2021 are live and available on the HMS website.
Visit the HMS Scholarship page and click the big red button that says APPLY NOW GET THE APPLICATION FORM HERE!
Thank you to Dan and his committee for getting the HMS Scholarship open in 2021, and for more information and the application form, please visit the website link above.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Do you want to hold polluters accountable? Clean up contaminated sites? Address environmental crimes?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance [OECA] is holding a Virtual Career Fair on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 9.30 am Eastern. For more information on the OECA Virtual Career Fair, including an opportunity to register please visit https://lnkd.in/gbZQwz2v Space is limited, so sign up early!
Donate to HMS
One of the most important projects of the Hazardous Materials Society is our Scholarship Program.
HMS wants to make it as easy as possible for those who cannot always afford to participate in pursuing certification, or keeping up with professional development, or attending great conferences and receiving outstanding training. HMS does not solicit contributions from the general public. HMS does ask IHMM’s certificants and their companies and our education and training vendors to consider a contribution.
Here, through your generosity, you can make a difference in promoting the ability of those who can afford it least to become participants in our communities of practice.
It’s never too late to make a difference, so don’t let this opportunity to make a difference pass you by. Please consider a tax-deductible donation of $250, $500 or what you can to help build HMS’s effort to help others in our communities of practice.
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
81% of IHMM certificants are aware of the Hazardous Materials Society, which we appreciate. IHMM established the Hazardous Materials Society in order to support and provide services to IHMM certificants.
Did You Know?
Your company’s membership dues for Associate Membership in the Hazardous Materials Society (HMS) are 100% tax-deductible and your participation directly supports scholarship and education/training opportunities for professionals working in hazmat and EHS. Joining as an Associate Member expresses your commitment and your company’s leadership in giving back to our professional community. Join today to claim your tax deduction for the 2020 tax year while expressing your company’s professional affiliation and accessing tools for your marketing and business development plans.
To learn more about what HMS is doing now and what they are planning for the future, please see the new Member Benefits page here.
In February of 2020, the World Health Organization’s director-general has declared a public health emergency of international concern over the ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. On March 13, 2020 President Trump declared a national emergency for the United States. IHMM and HMS’ first concern is with the safety and health of all of us; our staff and families, colleagues, certificants and members. We will update this page regularly as credible, authoritative information is available.
INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND LABORATORIES.
New! Vaccine Data Dashboard. We now have a specific dashboard dedicated to state vaccination plans, updated daily. For each state, you’ll find:
- Current distribution phase,
- Brief overview of state plan,
- Current and future eligible populations, and
- Links to state documentation.
A Collaborative Culture
There are 511 different conversations going on in the IHMM/HMS Collaboration platform this week.
A collaborative culture is important for every business but is especially important for our hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environment, health, and safety communities of practice. Do you have a problem you need to solve and want the opinions of your colleagues? This is where we come together to help each other.
IHMM credentialed professionals are at the top 1% of their professions and their reach is global. We are at the forefront of environmental protection, health, and safety and this is where collaborating with the best people in their fields, always willing to help one another, lessens the stress of our jobs, and where we strive as a team to make a difference of which we are proud.
We opened COLLABORATION to enable thousands of certificants and supporters to collaborate together. You can collaborate here.
Retiring? IHMM Invites You to Become an Emeritus
You may have decided, after a long and successful career, to retire from active daily duty. Congratulations. That doesn’t mean you have to completely disengage from your profession. IHMM is pleased to offer Emeritus status to all certificants who will no longer be actively engaged in their communities of practice but who still want to stay in touch. Please let us know when you’re approaching that decision and we will assist you in the credential transition.
Please contact Jim Drosdak at [email protected] and he’ll be happy to help you.
Columbia Southern University
The Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] is a partner of Columbia Southern University. Columbia Southern University is an online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama, that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.
A subsidiary of Columbia Southern Education Group, CSU offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor, master, doctorate or certificate levels in a multitude of areas such as occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, health care administration and more. CSU also features undergraduate and graduate certificate programs to provide focused training in specialized areas for adult learners.
Click on the CSU graphic at left and learn more about the professional development and degree program opportunities at CSU.
IHMM CONFERENCES FOR 2021
IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2021, virtually as well as in-person as COVID issues allow. Below are some of the conferences IHMM will support in 2021.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that do not appear here? If so, let us know! Send an email to Diane McLevy and tell us what conferences we should attend.
EnviroWorkShops 2021 Global Enviro Summit
POSTPONED to April 4-7, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina
Contaminated soil, groundwater, and the air is a global issue and over $1 trillion is spent every year to mitigate pollution. There is a lot still to learn from each other on how each segment of the environmental industry impacts the next. The 2021 Global EnviroSummit is postponed until April 4-7, 2022 due to COVID-19 Delta variant.
With over 75 speakers from around the globe, the EnviroSummit is likely the first environmental conference that will have presentations from all 6 continents about 4 different themes – Remediation, Air Quality, Vapor Intrusion, and Wastewater.
Federation of Environmental Technologists Environment 2021 Conference
December 7-9, 2021
The Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
This will be an in-person event – more information here.
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree & Deakins
Crisis Averted. For Now. Another week, another major crisis in the U.S. Congress (and the country, for that matter). Last week, it was funding for the federal government. (Congress resolved that issue in typical fashion, by kicking it down the road to early December 2021.) This week, the crisis was the debt ceiling, and we are coming dangerously close to October 18, the date after which the United States will not be able to borrow money. By all accounts, defaulting on our nation’s debt would be a “dogs and cats, living together—mass hysteria” type of catastrophe. Fortunately, the debt ceiling crisis appears to have been temporarily averted, as the U.S. Senate this week agreed to kick the can down the road on that issue as well. Assuming the debt deal is subsequently approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, both government funding and the debt ceiling will be extended through December 3, 2021 (though some think this week’s deal will extend the debt limit into January 2022). This means that the fiscal brinksmanship over government funding and the debt ceiling could replay in December.
Reconciliation and BIF. The House of Representatives is out of town until October 19, 2021. That obviously means that there were no House votes on the bipartisan “hard infrastructure” bill (sometimes known as “BIF”) passed by the U.S. Senate or the “human infrastructure” reconciliation bill. The former appears to be on ice as Democrats search for broader intraparty agreement on the latter. As of now, the paid leave provisions and increased labor and employment penalties that the Buzz discussed several weeks ago remain in the bill. This week, the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace sounded the alarm and explained to Congress that the inclusion of these provisions is not appropriate for reconciliation.
Vaccine Mandate Update. In addition to these major legislative issues, the other hot labor and employment issue in Washington, D.C., is the federal government’s plans to require employers to maintain workforces that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. While there has been movement on the federal contractor aspect of this strategy, stakeholders haven’t heard a peep from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It has been approximately one month since the White House announced that OSHA would issue a COVID-19 emergency temporary standard requiring employers with 100 or more employees to mandate that their employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing.
DOL Nominees on the Move. President Joe Biden’s nominees to head various subagencies at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) continue to queue up. This week, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing on the nominations of Lisa M. Gomez to lead the DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration and José Javier Rodriguez to head the DOL’s Employment and Training Administration. As a reminder, Douglas L. Parker (nominated to be assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health) awaits a vote on the Senate floor and David Weil (nominated to be administrator of the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division) remains in committee.
Happy Birthday, SCOTUS (Building). October 7, 2021, marked the 86th birthday of the Supreme Court of the United States’ current home at 1 First Street in Washington, D.C. Surprisingly, for much of its first 140 years or so, the Supreme Court convened in rather modest settings. Originally, the Court gathered in various locations around New York City and Philadelphia. When the capital moved to Washington, D.C., in 1800, the Supreme Court convened in the Capitol Building (at one point even residing in the building’s basement) and even moved to a private house when British troops torched the U.S. Capitol during the War of 1812. Beginning in 1819, the Court returned to the Capitol—upstairs this time—where it remained until 1935. The process for moving the Court to its current home began in 1929, when former president and then-chief justice William Howard Taft convinced Congress to provide a permanent location for the Court. Construction began in 1932 and was completed in 1935. Congress appropriated more than $9 million for the construction of the Court, and the project—including all furniture!—amazingly came in $94,000 under budget.
Rulemakings and Regulatory News
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is responsible for rulemakings, letters of interpretation and controlled correspondence, petitions for rulemaking, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations, administrative appeals, paperwork reduction initiatives, international position papers, and agenda items for hazardous materials transportation safety.
PHMSA Safety Advisory Notice: Roadway Striping and Use of Non-DOT Specification Cargo Tanks
On August 12, 2021, PHMSA published a safety advisory notice concerning roadway striping and the use of non-DOT specification cargo tanks, per 49 CFR § 173.5a(c). The notice was developed after recent inspections detected a trend of non-compliance with testing of non-DOT specification cargo tanks. Roadway striping stakeholders appear to be unaware of the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) for the use of non-DOT specification cargo tanks and other requirements (e.g., training, shipping papers). PHMSA will be initiating additional outreach efforts to reach stakeholder audiences that may not normally consult the HMR. Planned outreach includes webinars and communication with roadway striping industry associations.
For more information, visit: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/news/phmsa-safety-advisory-notice-roadway-striping-and-use-non-dot-specification-cargo-tanks.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking HM-215P – Harmonization with International Standards NPRM
On August 10, 2021, PHMSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), HM-215P “Hazardous Materials: Harmonization with International Standards,” to the Federal Register. This NPRM proposes amendments to the HMR to maintain alignment with international regulations and standards by adopting various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements. The comment period for this NPRM ends on October 12, 2021.
The NPRM can be viewed here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/08/10/2021-15425/hazardous-materials-harmonization-with-international-standards
Final Rule HM-215K: ORM-D Phase-out
After December 31, 2020, hazmat shippers can no longer use the ORM-D Consumer Commodity marking on packages containing limited quantities of low risk hazardous materials. Final Rule (FR) HM-215K revised the HMR to align with international standards and specified the phase-out of the marking for limited quantity materials reclassed as “other regulated material” (ORM-D). Packages must be marked with the Limited Quantity marking as prescribed in § 172.315 of the HMR.
For more information, visit: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/orm-d-phase-out.
Workshops, Webinars, and Events
PHMSA offers hazardous materials transportation training workshops and webinars. These free training opportunities are for anyone who offers or transports hazardous materials in commerce or has a desire to learn more about the HMR.
For more information, visit: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/seminars/webinars.
Office of Hazardous Materials Safety 2021 Research, Development & Technology Forum
The Office of Hazardous Material Safety (OHMS) Research, Development & Technology (RD&T) Branch will be hosting the 2021 RD&T Forum from October 12th to the 15th. The forum will focus on outreach and engagement with stakeholders, particularly in the hazardous materials industry and research community. Topics include program overviews, risk analysis, energy products, and packaging. The goal is to showcase the RD&T program initiatives, as well as the current priorities of the research program, and to provide attendees an opportunity to interact with PHMSA’s top leaders and subject matter experts. Additionally, this is an opportunity to receive feedback from stakeholders on research gaps and needs that RD&T can use to craft project funding priorities.
For more information, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/09/23/2021-20599/hazardous-materials-public-meeting-notice-for-the-research-development-and-technology-forum.
If you are interested in attending the event, please fill out the registration form here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=WyTNxPBElUOhqjhI0lj3i42Qs1CodOdEpKD7cpFYhKRUNE9LRTlWVkI3QjlFSkhIUVFZNVFNWEpUSi4u.
Publications News
PHMSA develops compliance assistance materials that make it easier to understand and comply with the HMR. All publications below are available at: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/publications.
DOT Chart 17
The DOT Chart for hazardous material placard, label, and marking specifications has been updated to the newest version, “Chart 17,” and is now available on PHMSA’s website.
Physical copies of the Chart 17 Poster can be ordered inside the PHMSA Portal system at: https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov/PHMSAPortal2/.
Registration Process
The 2021 Registration Process Information brochure is now available online. This publication discusses PHMSA’s Hazmat Registration program and explains who must register, when and how to register, registration costs, and other important information. Click here to see the full brochure.
How to Use the HMR
The HMR are issued by PHMSA and govern the transportation of hazmat in all modes of transportation—air, highway, rail, and water. The HMR are divided into four general areas: operational rules: hazmat identification and classification, hazard communication, packaging requirements. The HMR must be used to determine the requirements for shipping hazmat and should be treated as a technical or reference book. Our “How to Use the HMR” book will help you comply with those requirements. Click here to see the full booklet.
7 Useful Tips (English/Spanish)
This poster will help you ship hazardous materials safely in commerce by providing guidance for classifying materials, training employees, registering, selecting approved packaging, marking and labeling packages, verifying highway transport and placarding requirements, and preparing shipping papers. Click here to see the full poster.
Updates to the Federal Hazardous Materials Law Regulations September 2021
The Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation law (Federal Hazmat law), 49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq., is the basic statute regulating hazardous materials transportation in the United States. Click to view Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Law: An Overview.
Lithium Battery Guide
This newly developed publication is designed to assist shippers of all technical backgrounds and experience levels to understand and comply with the HMR requirements for shipping lithium cells and batteries. The publication simplifies the complex and varied requirements into scenario-based shipping guides based on battery type, size, and chemistry. Keep an eye out for an upcoming webinar introducing the guide and its use coming later in 2021! Click to view the publication here.
Hazmat Transportation Training Modules
OHMS has developed a free online training module program for hazmat employees and employers to meet the requirements for general awareness/familiarization training and security awareness training, both of which are required by the HMR. New features and interactivity have been added in 2021. Click here to visit the training website to register.
Vendor Alert: 884 – How much of this business did you get?
IHMM has seen a 100% jump in applications and examinations over 2019, and for the first 8 months of 2021, we stand at 884. 244 new certificants and 640 more awaiting examinations. How much of this business did your company see?
If you’re missing out contact Diane McLevy at [email protected] and see how you can benefit from a relationship with IHMM and HMS.
IHMM-HMS EVENTS CALENDAR
IHMM has a companion organization for which education and training programs are presented and delivered. The Hazardous Materials Society is IHMM’s Professional Association and HMS’ education and training website can be found here.
IHMM AFFILIATIONS
9210 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 470
Rockville, Maryland, 20850
www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 | Fax: 301-984-1516