US officials given more powers to inspect hazardous packages

Federal safety inspectors in the United States are being given new powers to inspect shipment packages containing hazardous materials. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), an agency of the US Department of Transport, said the new rule would become legally effective 60 days from today.

Bringing into effect measures from the 2005 Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety and Security Reauthorization Act, it grants powers to Department of Transportation inspectors in the PHMSA as well as the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Federal Railroad Administration.

It means inspectors will be able to investigate shipments of hazardous materials during transport and take tougher action against companies shipping in an unsafe manner.

Shipping companies with poor safety records could even be closed down by federal inspectors under the new regulations.

US transportation secretary Ray LaHood said: “Safety is the Department’s number one priority, and this rulemaking will give our inspectors the tools they need to ensure hazardous materials are packaged correctly and reach their destination safely.”

Under the new rule, inspectors will be able to temporarily detain and inspect packages that could pose a “serious threat” to life, property or the environment, and could order immediate restrictions, bans or recalls if packages are found to have safety concerns.

They will be able to open packages to assess shipments for non-compliant conditions, even if refused access, although inspectors will not be able to open the packaging actually containing the hazardous material itself.

Inspectors will then be able to remove non-compliant packages from the transportation chain.

PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman said: “This rulemaking is another step in ensuring the safe transportation of hazardous materials by providing our inspectors the authority to conduct thorough investigations.”