PHMSA Assessing Class 3 Volatility Risks
Class 3 Volatility Risks.pdf
On January 18, 2017 (82 FR 5499) Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) that would revise the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to establish vapor pressure limits for unrefined petroleum-based products and potentially all Class 3 flammable liquid hazardous materials that would apply during the transportation of the products or materials by any mode. PHMSA is currently assessing the merits of a petition for rulemaking submitted by the State of New York regarding vapor pressure standards for the transportation of crude oil. PHMSA will use the comments in response to this ANPRM to help assess and respond to the petition and to evaluate any other potential regulatory actions related to sampling and testing of crude oil and other Class 3 hazardous materials. PHMSA will also evaluate the potential safety benefits and costs of utilizing vapor pressure thresholds within the hazardous materials classification process for unrefined petroleum-based products and Class 3 hazardous materials. Comments must be received by March 20, 2017.
