Mission:

To produce and maintain national safety standards for hazmat transportation, to participate in international standards; and to provide guidance in compliance and enforcement of these standards.

The functions of this Office are:

1. Advise the Associate Administrator on policy development and program requirements affecting hazmat transportation standards development;
   
   
2. Develop national safety regulations governing hazmat transportation;
   
   
3. Evaluate the impacts of regulatory proposals in terms of the environment, the economy, small businesses and State governments;
   
   
4. Establish procedures for developing and prioritizing rulemaking proposals;
   
   
5. Maintain liaison with hazmat safety elements within the Operating Administrations;
   
   
6. Provide technical assistance on rulemaking proposals, enforcement and compliance with existing safety standards, to a) the public, b) other Government agencies, and c) the regulated industry; and
   
   
7. Develop and review new proposals or changes to international standards for hazardous materials transportation.

The Office of Hazardous Materials Standards is subject to the executive direction of the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.