Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in coordination with Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA), announced that it will hold a public meeting to discuss air carrier hazardous materials (HAZMAT) passenger notification requirements and acceptable means of compliance with 49 CFR 175.25. The public meeting will be held on August 16, 2012 in Washington, DC.
On January 19, 2011, PHMSA announced revisions to 49 CFR 175.25 to be effective no later than January 1, 2013. The public meeting is intended to provide interested persons with an opportunity to submit comments and participate in discussions concerning the acceptability of various means of compliance with federal HAZMAT regulations. In addition, FAA and PHMSA seek input on the anticipated implementation timeline for a standard means of compliance with 49 CFR 175.25 requirements. Following this public meeting, FAA intends to issue a draft Advisory Circular (AC) describing one acceptable means of compliance with 49 CFR 175.25. Upon review of any comments on the draft AC, FAA will issue a final AC and this will become the recommended standard for compliance.
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit questions, comments, recommendations, and other input in advance of the public meeting. Comments are due on or before August 16, 2012. We will attend the meeting and continue to monitor any future activity. If you have any questions regarding air carrier HAZMAT passenger notification requirements or would like assistance with preparation or submission of comments, please contact our office.