DOT Proposes New Requirements For Loading/Unloading Nurse Tanks
The USDOT Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMS) is proposing additional requirements for loading and unloading cargo tanks (i.e. NH3 nurse tanks). The proposal includes the following requirements for motor carriers and facilities that engage in loading and unloading cargo tanks that transport hazardous materials.
- Assess the risks of loading and unloading operations and develop written operating procedures
- Train hazmat employees annually in the relevant aspects of the operational procedures
- Annually qualify hazmat employees who perform loading and unloading operations
- Develop and implement a periodic maintenance schedule to prevent deterioration of equipment and conduct periodic operational tests to ensure equipment functions as intended
- Ensure equipment meets the performance standards for specification cargo tanks
The comment period for this regulatory proposal are due May 10, 2011 in which IFCA plans to submit comments.
