The U.S. Department of Transportation is considering the need for escorts, anti-theft devices and other safety measures for hazardous materials shipments.

DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is currently developing procedures for additional background checks on haz-mat drivers, and the Research and Special Programs Administration has proposed additional training and documentation requirements.
The latest ideas, being explored by both agencies, would incorporate still more precautionary measures. The notice, published in the July 16 Federal Register, asks for information on the feasibility of requiring some or all of the following:

• Pre-notification. The U.S. Defense and Energy Departments sometimes notify state and/or local authorities prior to the transportation of certain materials through their jurisdictions. Pre-notification, including routes and time the shipment will be made, enables local emergency responders to prepare for a potential emergency or accident and gives state or local authorities the opportunity to restrict traffic or take other precautions as deemed necessary.

• Escorts. Armed escorts, either on the vehicle or in an accompanying vehicle, may accompany certain hazardous materials shipments. The objective is to prevent or defeat an attempted hijacking or attack.

• Vehicle tracking. The agencies noted that relatively sophisticated tracking systems are available and already used by many motor carriers to deter theft and enhance shipment security.

• Anti-theft devices. Required technology might include remote vehicle shut-offs, electronic ignition locks and driver verification systems using security codes or fingerprints to prevent unauthorized persons from operating a vehicle. Tamper-resistant or tamper-evident seals and locks on cargo compartment openings could protect sensitive cargo and limit access.

• Operational measures. Some motor carriers are using two drivers to reduce or eliminate the necessity for lengthy en route stops. These and other adjustments to routine operating procedures are relatively simple and cost-effective ways to enhance hazardous materials transportation security, the agencies said. Along those lines, RSPA separately proposed elimination of the current requirement (FMCSR Section 397.17) that drivers of vehicles with dual tires transporting hazardous materials stop every two hours or 100 miles to inspect the tires. The rule, said RSPA, is outdated, and frequent stopping increases the security risk.

• Safe havens. Current regulations require vehicles carrying certain explosives to be attended by the driver or a qualified motor carrier representative "at all times." But there are exceptions, including times when the vehicle is parked in a "safe haven" approved for the purpose by federal, state or local government authorities. There are no DOT regulations for the construction and security of a safe haven, the agencies noted, but the National Fire Protection Assn. and the U.S. Defense Dept. have published standards. They did acknowledge that the use of a safe haven could actually increase the possibility of cargo theft or hijacking since the driver or qualified representative would not be in attendance. On the other hand, safe havens could have 24-hour surveillance and technology to limit access.

FMCSA and RSPA are looking for data and information on the technology available to implement these and other requirements, the effectiveness of these measures, costs, safety or productivity benefits that would offset costs, and whether or not the measures should be limited to certain types of hazardous materials. Comments are due Oct. 15, 2002. The notice and comments received can be accessed through the Dockets Management System web site at http://dms.dot.gov. Reference docket number FMCSA-02-11650.