Program to test safety impact of paperless hazcom system for shippers

Washington – The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has announced plans for a pilot program to evaluate the safety and security impacts of a paperless hazard communications system for shippers and carriers.

MAP-21, a surface transportation funding bill signed into law in July 2012, requires PHMSA to submit a report by Oct. 1, 2014, on the feasibility of replacing hard-copy shipping papers with digital versions. Digital versions must contain the same information as the paper versions, such as the class of the hazard and an emergency response contact number.

To test the program in a real-world setting, PHMSA is recruiting shipper and carrier volunteers who meet certain credentials.

Comments on the notice are due Sept. 17.