The Latest Updates to HAZMAT Safety in 2023

So many products and resources that we use every day get power from or have hazardous material byproducts. Because of this, professionals that work to handle, pack, and ship these materials are bound by protocols that keep everyone safe.

HAZMAT packaging is an industry worth $12 billion and this amount is set to rise. This is an example of how reliant we are on these professionals to understand HAZMAT safety and follow the most up-to-date practices.

These tips will help you when you want to learn more about HAZMAT changes taking effect in 2023.

The Latest Updates to HAZMAT Safety

If you are going to understand HAZMAT safety, it starts by knowing the organizations that handle these sorts of details.

Industry organizations regularly set HAZMAT laws and standards. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is chief among them. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and other organizations also set standards.

Knowing the most important changes will help you to avoid fines and will make sure you stay in compliance.

Changes in Dangerous Goods Quantities

Hazardous materials handlers must be aware of dangerous goods quantity changes.

The IATA set forth standards and requirements for dangerous goods. These standards affect how the airline, freight and ground shipping industries do business. The IATA revised instructions for corrosives, self-reactives, gases, explosives, and organic peroxides.

Revisions passed for per-package quantity limits and package performance requirements.

There are also new HAZMAT standards in place that include medical handbook revisions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) makes updates every year.

Special Packing Provisions

A few organizations also made updates to the way that shipitems are labeled. Many organizations published amendments in 2023. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is one of them. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is another.

These organizations made changes to HAZMAT certification notification postings. They also made changes to the size and location of the placards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) routinely makes these types of changes. When this happens, training materials and manuals must also be updated.

Changes in IATA Certification Standards

HAZMAT safety standards are taught and certified based on information learned in classes. In 2023, there are some changes to HAZMAT training to know about.

These changes are put in place by the IATA. Some involve issues related to radioactive materials, materials handling, and documentation. The IATA made changes to the radioactive materials section of its policies. It now includes data related to radionuclides mixtures.

There are also some changes in place related to how to replace any sort of labels that are lost, stolen, or misplaced. These types of safeguards will help to maintain compliance and make sure that IATA standards are upheld.

Lithium Battery Changes

Hazardous materials professionals should also be aware of changes to lithium batteries. The IATA made changes to battery testing requirements. Starting in 2023, the button cells will not need a test summary.

These classification changes apply to lithium batteries sent both internationally and domestically. Many devices today use these batteries. Consider the changes to handle them properly.

Revisions to EPA Standards

At the end of 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed changes to how certain materials are classified. These materials, called Proposed Hazardous Substances (PHAs), will soon be categorized as such. This means that protocols will be put into place for how these materials should be handled.

These materials would require localities or organizations to report findings of these contaminants. The purpose of this change is to increase transparency and to hold polluters accountable.

The EPA will implement fines and other penalties to make sure that these rules are followed and to keep waterways and the surrounding environment clean.

Implement a HAZMAT Safety Program

The key to all of this is to build an informed and vigilant workplace. HAZMAT rules and laws change regularly, and 2023 is no exception. To stay up-to-date, you need to implement a culture of safety into your workplace and make training mandatory.

There are several HAZMAT courses you can invest in that will make sure everyone in your building gets trained and certified to correctly handle HAZMAT items.

Investing in the program will cost you money on the front end. You will save so much more over time when you consider how much you avoid in fines and PR nightmares.

By having the best available training materials, you can work to get people in your building certified. Your safety program will get results when run by skilled, expert personnel. Compliance won't become a problem, and your company can focus on what it does best.

Formalize your HAZMAT safety program. Put all of your policies in writing and making sure that you're constantly updating them to go with changes in the industry

A Guide to 2023 HAZMAT Changes

You can keep your business matters in order by first understanding the HAZMAT changes that go into effect in 2023. If your company deals with hazardous materials in any way, remaining educated and informed will keep you and others safe.

The great part is that you also have access to materials put together by pros who study the HAZMAT industry.

Compliance Training Online (CTO) has the resources to help you stay up to date with these sorts of changes. We're happy to help you with any kind of training or coursework you're looking for. To learn more about what we do, contact us on our website or pick up the phone and dial (512)410-7335.