On August 1, 2014 PHMSA, in coordination with the FRA, issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations by proposing the following:
1. New operational requirements for ‘high-hazard flammable trains’ transporting a large volume of Class 3 flammable liquids
– including braking controls and speed restrictions
– HHFT (high-hazard flammable train) is defined as a train compromised of 20 or more carloads of Class 3 flammable liquid
2. Improvements in tank car standards
– phase out the use of DOT-111 tank cars within two years for shipment of packing group 1 flammable liquids unless the tank car is
retrofitted to comply with new tank car design standards
3. Revision of the general requirements for offerors to ensure proper classification and characterization of mined gases and liquids
– a classification and testing program for mined gases and liquids
