Originally Published: February 18, 2005

THE RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION (RSPA) HAS BEEN REPLACED BY TWO NEW DOT OPERATING AGENCIES
Do you know who oversees your hazardous materials safety compliance?

On Tuesday February 15, 2005 the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the creation of two new agencies. These agencies, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) will assume the responsibilities of the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA). In this issue we will tell you more about these new agencies and how the change might impact your compliance requirements. We will also update you on the Washington D.C. hazmat ban that we discussed in our last issue.

REASON FOR THE CHANGE
By creating two new agencies to replace RSPA, the DOT will be able to devote one agency to research and the other specifically to hazardous materials safety. This will allow for an even greater focus on the regulations governing the safe transport of hazardous materials through the U.S.

THE PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADMINISTRATION (PHMSA)
The PHMSA will oversee hazardous materials transportation and pipeline safety. The PHMSA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety will develop and oversee compliance standards for classifying, handling, packaging and the transport of hazardous materials within the United States. The PHMSA's Office of Pipeline Safety will oversee the safety, maintenance, operation and compliance of pipeline operations.

THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION (RITA)
RITA will be responsible for coordinating and reporting on transportation research findings and statistics. This will enable those responsible for the safety regulations to be informed and updated on important information that could affect the hazardous materials industry.

DOES THIS CHANGE ANY OF THE CURRENT REGULATIONS?
It does not appear that any regulations have changed (yet) as a result of the creation of the new agencies to replace RSPA. We contacted the DOT and were told that the regulations and safety standards that were in place prior to the reorganization remain the same. Should any changes occur, we will let you know.

RANDOM RATES FOR DRUG TESTING
The minimum random rates for drug testing remain at 25% for those who previously fell under RSPA authority and who are now under PHMSA authority. No other program changes have occurred at this time.

UPDATE ON THE WASHINGTON D.C. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BAN
In our last issue we told you that the Washington D.C. city council passed a 90-day ban on hazardous materials shipments through the nation's capitol. On Tuesday the mayor signed legislation approving the ban. As you may recall, the ban prohibits certain hazardous materials from being transported within a 2.2 mile radius around the Capitol. Other hazardous materials, considered less dangerous, require a special permit.

BAN APPROVED AND MAY TAKE EFFECT IN MARCH 2005
Although the ban was signed by the mayor, it is not yet in effect. The transportation department in Washington D.C. reported that the law would take effect after a public comment period beginning March 4th. We will keep you informed. When a start date for the ban is announced we will let you know.

IN THE MEANTIME
NOW is the time to make sure you are in compliance before similar bans are put into effect elsewhere, as this may be just the beginning. Our Hazmat Security Plan Development services and $149 Hazmat Security Initial Awareness video training package will help ensure compliance when applying for those special permits.