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“Is there a better (easier, more accurate, more efficient) method of providing hazard communication information to the people that need it?”
PHMSA’s HM-ACCESS initiative aims to identify and eliminate barriers to the use of paperless hazard communications technologies, thereby (1) improving the availability and accuracy of hazard information thus enhancing safety and reducing transportation risk; (2) improving the speed by which information is available to emergency responders when incidents occur; (3) and allowing U.S. companies to compete more effectively in the global economy by using the best tools available. The objective is not to replace paper hazard communication systems (e.g. shipping papers, package markings, labels and vehicle placards), but to explore a supplemental, more efficient and technologically advanced means of communication that can be used by those that have the capabilities, while enabling the expanded use of these methods over time.
We expect the integration of electronic transfer of shipping information to be generational. A number of hazardous materials carriers, vessel, rail, and air transport organizations have stated that they are ready to begin utilizing electronic shipping paper technology, subject only to regulatory authorization and the removal of regulatory impediments. In the highway mode, the larger, technologically-advanced companies may be prepared to implement electronic systems, but widespread use among the industry is a longer-term proposition. In any case, no part of the HM transportation sector can transition to new hazard communication systems without ensuring that the systems can provide the necessary hazard information to emergency responders and enforcement personnel at least as quickly and reliably as the current system, regardless of the technical capabilities of the responders or enforcement officers.
