Notice No. 13-6: Safety Advisory: Heating Rail Tank Cars To Prepare Hazardous Material for Unloading or Transloading

SUMMARY: This guidance provides safety precautions and recommended guidance for persons responsible for unloading or transloading hazardous materials from rail tank cars, specifically those persons heating a rail tank car to prepare its hazardous material contents for unloading or transloading. Further, this guidance reminds such persons of current regulatory requirements addressing this type of operation. PHMSA is issuing this guidance in coordination with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl West Freeman, Division of Engineering and Research, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 202-366-4545. For further information regarding OSHA regulations, contact OSHA, Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 and for further information regarding EPA’s Risk Management Plan, go to: www.epa.gov/emergencies/rmp.