[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 195 (Friday, October 8, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54954-54955]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-26395]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Research and Special Programs Administration
[Docket No. RSPA-99-5143, Notice No. 99-10]
Study of the Applicability of Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points (HACCP) or Similar Methodologies to the Transportation
of Hazardous Materials
AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This notice advises interested persons of an exploratory
meeting with stakeholders in industry, government, and the public to
obtain input concerning a study on the applicability of Hazard Analysis
and Critical Control Points (HACCP) or similar methodologies for
managing risks posed by hazardous materials transportation. RSPA
anticipates that the study will lead to voluntary, ``best-practices''
risk management techniques applicable to the various parties involved
in hazardous materials transportation, and may eventually identify a
need for changes to the current regulatory system.
DATES: Public Meeting Date: RSPA's contractor, ICF Consulting, will
host the public meeting on November 4-5, 1999. The meeting will be held
on November 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on November 5 from 8:30
a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Comment Date: Comments or suggestions should be submitted on or
before November 30, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Public Meeting: The public meeting will be held at the
Transportation Research Board, Green Building, 2001 Wisconsin Avenue,
N.W., Washington, D.C.
Written Comments: Address comments to the Dockets Unit, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Room PL 401, 400 Seventh St., SW,
Washington, D.C. 20590-0001. Comments should identify the docket and
notice numbers (Docket No. RSPA-99-5143; Notice No. 99-10) and be
submitted in two copies. Persons wishing to receive confirmation of
receipt of their comments should include a self-addressed stamped
postcard. Comments may also be submitted to the docket electronically
by logging onto the Dockets Management System website at http://
dms.dot.gov. Click on ``Help & Information'' to obtain instructions for
filing the document electronically. In every case, the comment should
refer to the Document number ``RSPA-99-5413''.
The Dockets Unit is located on the Plaza Level of the Nassif
Building at the U.S. Department of Transportation at the above address.
Public dockets may be reviewed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. Internet users may
access all comments received by the U.S. Department of Transportation
by using the Universal Resource Locator (URL) at http://dms.dot.gov. An
electronic copy of the document may be downloaded using modem and
suitable communications software from the Government Printing Office's
Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 512-1661.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jean Hoff, ICF Consulting, telephone
number (703) 934-3045 or via email at [email protected]; or A.
Douglas Reeves, Research and Special Programs Administration, telephone
number (202) 366-4545 or via email at [email protected].
For information on facilities or services for individuals with
disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, contact
Scott Holland at (202) 366-0002 as soon as possible.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system,
first developed by the Pillsbury Company in cooperation with the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, consists of the
following steps: (1) Analyze hazards, (2) identify critical control
points, (3) establish preventive measures with critical limits for each
control point, (4) establish procedures to monitor critical control
points, (5) establish corrective actions to take when monitoring shows
that a critical limit has not been met, (6) establish procedures to
verify that the system is working properly, and (7) establish effective
recordkeeping. While the most recent experience in broadening the
application of the concept occurs with respect to food safety, the
HACCP approach may have relevance in other safety systems, including
hazardous materials transportation. In addition, other risk management
techniques may prove to have potential for adaptation in the latter
context.
The Vice President's National Performance Review urged
implementation of HACCP based systems to ensure food manufacturers
identify points where contamination is likely to occur and implement
process controls to prevent it. On December 18, 1995, the Food and Drug
Administration published a final rule, effective on December 18, 1997,
that requires processors of fish and fishery products to develop HACCP
systems for their operations. The Department of Agriculture also has
applied this methodology to the meat and poultry industry effective
January 26, 1998.
Study Description
RSPA has contracted with ICF Consulting, Fairfax, VA, to study the
applicability of HACCP or similar methodologies to the transportation
of hazardous materials. The study encompasses two overriding goals: (1)
To examine the risk management aspects of hazardous materials
transportation to determine how HACCP or similar methodologies might
play a role, and (2) To undertake one or two pilot applications of
HACCP or similar methodologies to better understand their practical
applicability and usefulness in promoting the safe transportation of
hazardous materials. Performance of the contract will be over a one-
year period.
The work being performed by ICF Consulting for RSPA consists of the
following tasks, which RSPA expects may be refined as efforts proceed
and as a result of public input:
(1) Exploratory Meeting. Conduct an open meeting with stakeholders
in industry, government, and the public to solicit ideas, input, and
support.
(2) Current System Evaluation. Characterize elements of hazardous
materials transportation that involve hazard analysis and generically
identify control points within the program. Perform this task from the
perspective of the various participants: industry (shippers, carriers,
and associations), government (regulators and emergency response
personnel), and the public. Look at variations depending on mode of
transportation and materials involved. Compare on-going programs and
efforts, including those of the Chemical Manufacturers Association
[[Page 54955]]
(Distribution Code) and the nuclear industry. Assess the degree of
coverage of these efforts.
(3) Structural Definition. Define a theoretical structure for HACCP
or similar methodologies relative to hazardous materials
transportation. Determine what types of data are necessary to support
any methodology developed. Catalog the sources and types of currently
available data. Identify data that might need to be developed or
collected. Describe performance measures that could be used in
conjunction with such methodologies. Develop models for the application
of concepts in the various segments of the hazardous material
transportation system. Theoretical examples of its use might include a
framework for carrier analysis of undeclared hazardous materials in air
transportation and a model of regulated medical waste from the
standpoint of a shipper.
(4) Panel of Experts. Convene a panel of experts to evaluate and
help refine concepts. Analyze significant incidents in recent years
where changes or decisions at one or more of a series of control points
might have prevented the incidents or mitigated effects. Identify
elements of greatest risk in the current hazardous material
transportation system where use of HACCP or similar methodologies might
be beneficial.
(5) Pilot Applications. Seek out industry participants and use the
models developed in one or two prototype real-world applications for
hazardous materials transportation.
(6) Guidebook. Complete a guidebook on methodologies developed in
the course of this study. Include a series of examples of how concepts
can be applied in various situations. To the extent possible, work with
industry in completing a series of actual practical demonstrations
based on these examples.
(7) Implementation Strategy. Evaluate how HACCP or similar
methodologies adapted to hazardous materials transportation can best be
employed. Should it be offered as a guideline and used voluntarily?
Should it be required by regulation in certain instances? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of each approach?
(Note that Task 6 and Task 7 are optional and a decision on
whether to proceed with these will be made upon the completion of
previous tasks.)
Objectives
The objectives of the exploratory meeting include:
(1) Informing stakeholders on the purpose and the importance of
this project to RSPA;
(2) Educating participants about the HACCP concept;
(3) Identifying other risk management tools besides HACCP that
might be considered;
(4) Enumerating major issues that need to be resolved before
developing an approach;
(5) Developing a framework for Task 2 analysis and the
identification of hazards and critical control points from the
perspective of each of the major stakeholder segments B industry,
government, and the public;
(6) Identifying potential pilot applications; and
(7) Obtaining recommendations for the Panel of Exerts.
Meeting Agenda
The November 4 session will cover general information and
objectives. The November 5 session will consist of workshops addressing
specific topics. The meeting will be structured so that a balanced
group of stakeholders are the primary participants. Those wishing to
make a short presentation on industry segment or government risk
management programs on November 4 or those wishing to participate in
the workshops on November 5 should contact Jean Hoff, ICF Consulting,
telephone number (703) 934-3045 or via email at
[email protected], as far in advance of the meeting as possible.
The entire meeting is open for observation without prior arrangement.
The latest version of the agenda for this exploratory meeting also may
be obtained by contacting Jean Hoff.
Comments on RSPA's overall approach to the area or on specifics
that should be considered in conjunction with what is developed at the
exploratory meeting are welcome.
Alan I. Roberts,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 99-26395 Filed 10-7-99; 8:45 am]
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