Mexican truck with radioactive load stolen

The U.N. nuclear agency says a truck carrying an extremely dangerous radioactive substance has been stolen in Mexico.  Read the USA Today Story here:  

Mexican truck with radioactive load stolen

Press Release – FAA Proposes $304,000 Civil Penalty Against Great Lakes Aviation

Not HazMAt but a Hazard.

This is a first!  I havent see that enforced in forever.

Press Release – FAA Proposes $304,000 Civil Penalty Against Great Lakes Aviation

Seattle – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $304,000 civil penalty against Great Lakes Aviation of Cheyenne, Wyo., for allegedly conducting 19 flights with aircraft that were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

Great Lakes operated the aircraft in conditions in which the carrier could reasonably expect frost, snow or ice to adhere to the planes, the FAA alleges.  The FAA maintains that Great Lakes flew Beech 1900 aircraft out of Hays, Kan., in January 2011 with deicing fluid that exceeded the maximum temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.  The Great Lakes deicing manual states that fluid heated to more than 180 degrees could damage the aircraft or the deicer.

Great Lakes Aviation has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA's enforcement letter to respond to the agency. 

Lithium-ion battery risks - part 1

Personal Electronic Devices

Good news today for air travelers who can’t wait to finish that last chapter of their e-book or play another round of Candy Crush.

FAA allows airlines to expand use of personal electronic devices - Department of Transportation

Now, expanded use will not happen overnight. But eventually, passengers will be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions.

Check with your airline to see if and when you can use your PED.

------------------
While in your bag, they may not be hazardous materials, some hazards which you aren't aware of, may still exist.  Because of this, patience is needed before you jump to take advantage of this new rule change.

Not every airline is ready to deploy the expanded use rules.  Some may be quicker than others to get this up and running.  There is a lot to be done before they can allow you to follow these new guidelines.

Always heed the directions of your flight crews and understand that their directions are for your safety and the safety of others.

While the hazards may not be obvious to you , there is a lot happening in the background by experts to ensure you and the aircraft are safe from those un-seen hazards which exist and are related to the use of these devices.

Please stand by

:-)

DG Bill

Press Release – FAA to Allow Airlines to Expand Use of Personal Electronics

Press Release – FAA to Allow Airlines to Expand Use of Personal Electronics: "The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta today announced that the FAA has determined that airlines can safely expand passenger use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) during all phases of flight, and is immediately providing the airlines with implementation guidance. "

'via Blog this'



This is not as easy as it sounds, the air carriers cant just flick a switch and make the transition.  But I can say we are all working fervently to get with the new program.

Media Advisory – FAA News Conference on Use of Portable Electronic Devices on Planes

Media Advisory – FAA News Conference on Use of Portable Electronic Devices on Planes:

'via Blog this'

Police: Baggage handler arrested in LAX dry ice explosions - CNN.com

Dry Ice Bomber News

Investigators believe the bombs were set "out of a desire to construct and experience a device exploding," said Los Angeles police Lt. John Karle. He called it foolish and negligent behavior.

 What did I tell you!   Oh wow...science.... Hey Watch this!

 


Police: Baggage handler arrested in LAX dry ice explosions - CNN.com

Thank God he didn't find some liquid nitrogen, Darwinism in full effect would have had him sticking his finger in it!   It amazes me how, lets use the word "uneducated" people can be.  Exploding dry ice bombs at an airport would be funny?  The scary fact is that carriers contract with these handling companies that pay so little ($10 average) that this is the quality of person they get to handle your baggage!

His Dangerous Goods Awareness and Security training absolutely failed!  I'm curious to know who's program he is trained in.  

L.A. airport employee arrested in dry ice blasts

L.A. airport employee arrested in dry ice blasts

Baggage Handler .... figures.  As the airlines turn to vendors, paying people 9 dollars an hour, this is what they will get.

Hiring their own employees, paying them a decent wage, you get a higher quality employee that will take safety more seriously.

I'm sure he had no motive other then ... "Hey!  Watch this..."  ... because he figured out some basic science. 

Second dry ice explosion reported at LAX

Second dry ice explosion reported at LAX

What next?  Dancing liquid nitrogen on the  floor?  I would assume that either the TSA is failing to do their job screening for contraband in carry on baggage or some disgruntled employee from the Cargo area is going to the terminal to cause some hate and discontent. 

Dry ice explosion at LAX terminal delays flights

Authorities say an explosion from a plastic bottle containing dry ice at a Los Angeles International Airport terminal caused up to four flights to be delayed.

Dry ice explosion at LAX terminal delays flights

Notice of Public Meeting: 78 FR 59413 - International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel;

I am planning to attend this.  There are several topics of interest that are being brought to the ICAO Panel.  I think It will be good to weigh in on some of it.  

Notice of Public Meeting (FAA)

78 FR 59413 - International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel; Notice of Public Meeting

Panel urges electronics use on plane landing, takeoff

From My perspective there is not EMI or HazMat concerns.  The battery has the risk all the time and EMI testing has proved to be negative on interference.  I say why not?  

--------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Federal Aviation Administration advisory committee recommended Thursday that airline passengers be allowed to use smartphones, tablets, e-readers and other personal electronic devices during takeoffs and landings, according to industry officials familiar with the committee's deliberations.

Panel urges electronics use on plane landing, takeoff

The Loadstar » US suspends military shipments from Afghanistan to Dubai after bomb find

IED found on some military cargo.  Good article that explains a little at the end about how the DG rules apply to Military Charters.  

_________________________

“Military charter of commercial aircraft is where it gets a bit grey,” explained a spokesman for IATA. “There are really two types – military charters where the aircraft is operated as a ‘military’ flight, in which case military rules apply. Then there are military charters that are operated as commercial flights. Here the full DGR provisions apply, and any dangerous goods that are not permitted must be carried under either an approval or exemption, as applicable for the dangerous goods in question.”

See the full Story here:  

the Loadstar » US suspends military shipments from Afghanistan to Dubai after bomb find

1.3 tons of cocaine found on Air France flight - CNN.com

Would narcotics be a Hazardous Material?  If so, what would the class or division be?  6.1? or 9 sub 6.1?  perhaps?  That is an interesting question, I may have to investigate this.  Anyone have an opinion on this?  
________________________________

There was something odd about the 30 suitcases that showed up on a flight from Venezuela. The colorful bags weren't registered to any of the passengers on the plane.  See the CNN.com story here:  

1.3 tons of cocaine found on Air France flight - CNN.com

________________________________

F.A.A. Nears New Rules on Devices - NYTimes.com

The little lithium battery devices that make our lives easier are in the news again, this time in a good way.  The power cells aren't why they are not permitted, it is more about the electromagnetic interference they may create with the ship's systems.  But studies show that this may no longer be an issue. 
_____________________________________


The rules on when to turn off electronic devices on airplanes have long been a sour, and sometimes contentious, point for travelers. But faced with a surge of electronics on airplanes and under pressure from a growing number of tech-savvy — and increasingly tech-dependent — passengers, the Federal Aviation Administration recognized that change was inevitable. 

See the NY Times Article here : 

F.A.A. Nears New Rules on Devices - NYTimes.com

GHS impact on Air Transportation.

Third day of the IATA DGB.  It has been quite the experience, today the EU is doing a presentation on the UN GHS program which will impact transportation and how we need to train our front line employees.  One of the interesting comments made by the experts was that it really isn't Global nor is it Harmonized.  Each member State can pick and choose how they want to implement the program.  It will be a number of years before the system is global or harmonized.  The program is also very dynamic and will change often.  It has a two year cycle where updates and modifications can be made. 

The first issue that the transport industry has is that the GHS has adopted diamond shaped hazard communication labels.  This is a problem, because the front line transportation employees are taught to identify diamond shaped labels to determine that these items are restricted for transportation.  The reality is that the diamond shaped GHS "pictogram" does not denote restrictions for transport.  This will lead to confusion and the frustration of cargo in order to determine transportation acceptability.

A shipment comes in to a cargo facility with pictograms on the package, but no Shippers Declaration or indication on the AWB.  How do we handle it?  Frustrate it in the warehouse is a reality.  A pilot sees a package being loaded onto the aircraft with a pictogram on it, but there is no pilot notification.  How long will that flight be delayed to determine its status or does the crew just remove it from the flight and frustrate the cargo?  The consensus is that these things can and will happen until the status of "Not Restricted" can be verified. 

We have been advised by the experts that these pictograms are set in stone and will not change.  The UN has determined that they are the best way to communicate the hazard.  So the idea that we can modify that has been eliminated.  We will have to deal with it by other means.

A complication to this is that the GHS program indicates that there is only a minimum size for pictograms mandated.  This means that the pictogram may be seen as large as hazard labels or larger, depending on the size of the package and what the shipper desires. 

In the past, the MSDS was one of the ways to verify transport status.  A positive bit of the GHS program is the standardization of the MSDS, which will now be called the SDS (Safety Data Sheet).  In the EU, the REACH program will ensure and enforce the accuracy in SDSs.  There will also be a standard format and required content.  The EU has a robust enforcement arm, but not so true in other countries or regions.  The US has adopted everything that the EU REACH has except section 14 the transport section.  Why?  The enforcement is  in the hands of OSHA, but section 14 belongs to the DOT and of course, the two do not work together.  So this means that some or many SDSs in the US may have an empty Section 14.

The issue at hand is the reliability of the SDS to be used to verify transportation acceptability.  Because the pictograms do not mean that the item is found in the ICAO or 49 CFR tables of regulated materials, there needs to be guaranteed or reliable way to determine transportation acceptability.  Particularly when a shipment shows up with pictograms but no DG documentation for transportation.  In the past the MSDS was a means to do this, however, it was not reliable as there was no standardization or accuracy enforcement.  There needs to be an easy way for front line employees to make this determination for the purpose of customer service. 

IATA needs to look at this and how they will approach ICAO on the best way to implement a "best Practice" or industry standard on how to best communicate the GHS program and how it impacts our industry since most Aviation Authorities had no inclusion in the implementation of the GHS system at the UN.

I was unfortunate enough to raise my hand and now find myself on an IATA task force to put together the 2015 DGR inclusion of GHS.  There were a couple of good papers submitted by some member airlines which we will merge and use as a starting point.  Our goal is to have a clean draft for the 104th meeting of the DGB in Los Angeles. 

Training will be the key and the EU experts are indicating that this is their recommendation.  To ensure that the frontline employees have the proper training to know and understand the basics of the program and how it will impact our industry.  Pilot training will also be important so that they know and understand that these labels do not necessarily indicate restrictions for transport.

The EU experts are also recommending that we help educate our customers who also need to be aware of how it will impact their shipments.  What we put into the DGR will impact training designs all around, so we need to be careful with what we implement.  The EU Experts recommend that we refrain from making anything seem regulatory in nature.  In addition, what ICAO puts into the TI needs to be very brief and purely informational. The EU Experts will submit some recommendations to IATA for consideration and will work with us on the TTF.

 A very interesting topic which will be closely watched across the board.  

For those that are interested, the OSHA guidance is found here:



https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html

Volume to mass converion for HazMat

In the past, I had written about the need for the US to convert to metrics.  The fact that we are not completely on the metric system, opens up a lot of other associated difficulties with conversions and understandings of the system as a whole.

One of the things which I have encountered is the conversion of liquid volume to mass.  Now, those that know, you can't make that conversion properly without the specific gravity factor of the liquid in question.  Some liquids weigh more than others.

However, often enough, having to do those calculations is not always feasible and the SI indicates that a generic factor of 1liter can be converted to 1 kilogram based on the specific gravity of water at 40 degrees.

In aviation, the FAA has dictated that we can not load more than 25 kilograms of dangerous goods per inaccessible compartment of an aircraft (49CFR175.75).  This means that front line employees are required to determine the weight of certain commodities to establish compliance with this regulation.  The catch is that the regulators do not require shippers to provide the specific gravity of liquids being shipped.

This makes it difficult, if not impossible for front line employees to determine.  In this case, it should be allowed to use the 1 for 1 conversion factor, particularly since we are using this for quantities of 25 - 50 kilograms.

I presented a paper to the IATA DGB indicating that  this conversion factor is alluded to in a paragraph talking about chemical kits and how to convert the volume to mass for these items since they are class 9 and the weight is required rather than volume.  It allows the 1 for 1 conversion for this commodity.  However, that same conversion should be the industry standard for all applications.  Including the calculation of mass in order to determine compliance with the IATA DGR USG-13 (175.75) compliance.

The IATA DGR are not true regulations in a sense, so adding this doesnt make it a rule, but it will draw the attention of ICAO, which could make it a rule and eventually the US DOT will notice this and recognize the question and need for guidance.

So as it exists, how can I comply with the 25kg limit as placed in 175.75 if the regulator does not make the information available to the operator  which allows the operator to determine the exact calculation (Volume * Specific Gravity = Mass) .  It is in my opinion that the regulators accept the industry standard conversion factor. 

LabelMaster Blog Article on Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and the Chemical Industry | Labelmaster Blog

Interesting Article from the LabelMaster Blog:

When the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised the United States Hazard Communication Law (Ref: US 29 CFR 1910.1200) in May of 2012, it set off an avalanche of change in the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) circles of American industry.

Go to the LabelMaster Blog for the whole story:

29 CFR 1910.1200, the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and the Chemical Industry | Labelmaster Blog

IATA Dangerous Goods Board

Final Preparations are being made for my Trip to Amsterdam.  I will attend the IATA DGB as an observer, representing my Company.

There looks to be a very full Agenda and a lot of good discussion coming up.  I will write about what I can and post a few photos if possible to the blog.

I look forward to it, this will be my second trip to the board meeting, the last time was in SDF at this time last year.

Transportation Safety Board of Canada - Media - TSB calls on Canadian and U.S. regulators to ensure properties of dangerous goods are accurately determined and documented for safe transportation

Not air, but the info is still relevant and of interest to Air DG Professionals.

See the report on the Canadian TSB's site:  

Transportation Safety Board of Canada - Media - TSB calls on Canadian and U.S. regulators to ensure properties of dangerous goods are accurately determined and documented for safe transportation

FAA Testing Examines Bulk Shipment of Lithium Batteries | Aviation International News

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) hopes that testing the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is conducting will identify a limit for the number of lithium batteries that can be safely transported by cargo aircraft. The pilots’ organization contends that stricter International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations that took effect on January 1 improve upon the safety of transporting lithium batteries in bulk but don’t go far enough, including setting a limit on the numbers of batteries carried.

See the whole story here:  

FAA Testing Examines Bulk Shipment of Lithium Batteries | Aviation International News

UK AAIB: Boeing 787 emergency locator transmitters should be disabled | Safety content from ATWOnline

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has recommended that the Honeywell emergency locator transmitter (ELT) on all in-service Boeing 787s be temporarily made “inert” following a fire on board an Ethiopian Airlines 787-8 last week at London Heathrow Airport.

view the entire Air Transport World Article here: 

UK AAIB: Boeing 787 emergency locator transmitters should be disabled | Safety content from ATWOnline

ICAO State Variations Web Page is Live

Check it out here:

State Variations

Dangerous Goods Instructors Symposium

A great event for DG SMEs!

Labelmaster is pleased to invite you to the 8th annual Dangerous Goods Instructors Symposium in Louisville. DGIS VIII is set for August 21-23, 2013. As always, everyone is welcome to attend this no-cost dangerous goods conference for training professionals.


Dangerous Goods Instructors Symposium

Lithium Dangers To Air Cargo

A really good article on the Dangers of Lithium batteries from Flying Typers Air Cargo News.
--------------


The exhaustive report released late last month by The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of how a consignment of on fire, runaway lithium ion batteries brought down a UPS B747 Freighter over Dubai in 2010 , has not gone unanswered by the big cargo carrier.

FlyingTypers learned that UPS has ordered 1,821 fire resistant containers capable of containing a fire with temperatures as high as 1,200F for more than 4 hours. ...

Get the full story here:

FT080413

Report links lithium batteries to UPS crash in 2010 | Air Cargo World News

The General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates has released a 322-page report on the Sept. 3, 2010, crash of the UPS Boeing 747-44AF. The investigation did not determine exactly what started the fire, but said a chain-reaction fire was the result of a blaze that started in an area carrying lithium batteries

The General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates has released a 322-page report on the Sept. 3, 2010, crash of the UPS Boeing 747-44AF. The investigation did not determine exactly what started the fire, but said a chain-reaction fire was the result of a blaze that started in an area carrying lithium batteries - See more at: http://www.aircargoworld.com/Air-Cargo-News/2013/07/report-links-lithium-batteries-to-ups-crash-in-2010/2414626#sthash.uLFpJod3.dpuf

The General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates has released a 322-page report on the Sept. 3, 2010, crash of the UPS Boeing 747-44AF. The investigation did not determine exactly what started the fire, but said a chain-reaction fire was the result of a blaze that started in an area carrying lithium batteries - See more at: http://www.aircargoworld.com/Air-Cargo-News/2013/07/report-links-lithium-batteries-to-ups-crash-in-2010/2414626#sthash.uLFpJod3.dpuf

The General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates has released a 322-page report on the Sept. 3, 2010, crash of the UPS Boeing 747-44AF. The investigation did not determine exactly what started the fire, but said a chain-reaction fire was the result of a blaze that started in an area carrying lithium batteries. - See more at: http://www.aircargoworld.com/Air-Cargo-News/2013/07/report-links-lithium-batteries-to-ups-crash-in-2010/2414626#sthash.uLFpJod3.dpuf

The General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates has released a 322-page report on the Sept. 3, 2010, crash of the UPS Boeing 747-44AF. The investigation did not determine exactly what started the fire, but said a chain-reaction fire was the result of a blaze that started in an area carrying lithium batteries. - See more at: http://www.aircargoworld.com/Air-Cargo-News/2013/07/report-links-lithium-batteries-to-ups-crash-in-2010/2414626#sthash.uLFpJod3.dpuf

Report links lithium batteries to UPS crash in 2010 | Air Cargo World News

The Full 322 page Report:

http://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/ePublication/admin/iradmin/Lists/Incidents%20Investigation%20Reports/Attachments/40/2010-2010%20-%20Final%20Report%20-%20Boeing%20747-44AF%20-%20N571UP%20-%20Report%2013%202010.pdf

Crash investigators trace UPS plane fire to batteries

Crash investigators in the United Arab Emirates traced the fire that destroyed a UPS plane in 2010 to the cargo of lithium batteries, and found that smoke-detection equipment took too long to alert the crew, according to a report released Wednesday.

Crash investigators trace UPS plane fire to batteries

Federal Register | Paperless Hazard Communications Pilot Program

PHMSA invites volunteers for a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of paperless hazard communications systems and comments on an information collection activity associated with the pilot program. “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” (MAP-21) authorizes PHMSA to conduct a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using paperless hazard communications systems.

Federal Register | Paperless Hazard Communications Pilot Program

Press Release – ELTs aboard Boeing 787 aircraft

FAA Statement

After reviewing the initial findings of the AAIB's report and recommendations, the Federal Aviation Administration is working with Boeing to develop instructions to operators for inspection of the Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) on Boeing 787 aircraft.


Press Release – ELTs aboard Boeing 787 aircraft

UPS Pioneers Aviation Safety, Implements New Fire-Resistant Shipping Containers | Business Wire

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research became reality today when UPS (NYSE:UPS) placed an industry-first order for 1,821 fire-resistant shipping containers. The implementation of these unit load devices (ULDs) represents a milestone in aviation history, offering unprecedented protection from intense fires. Delivery of the new containers will begin this September and is expected to be complete by early 2014.

UPS Pioneers Aviation Safety, Implements New Fire-Resistant Shipping Containers | Business Wire

National 747 crash

I know this isnt a Haz Mat related topic, but it is close to my heart. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikehayes/terrifying-video-of-a-plane-crash-in-afghanistan

Load Mastering a 747 is something that I used to do and let me tell you, yo have GOT to be good to get it right in those remote locations.  I know, Ive done it.

What a lot of people dont know is that the system is really complicated.  The civil carriers are forced to comply with the military's system and the two programs don't match up very well.   Particularly if those freighters and their load planning programs are not configured to handle the military's 463L pallets. 

Getting the data from the military and transcribing it to a commercial system is the first complication.  It can make the load planning very difficult and often the Loadmaster is planning the load just prior to loading on a laptop in the aircraft.  I was lucky, I had a system where a central load planning worked it out for me in advance, but making changes was really a pain.  All too often the actual load that showed up and  the plan didnt always match.  It always presented a challenge.  The risk if you did an SMS risk matrix would be pretty high. 

Loading is another issue, you usually have a crew of young and inexperienced air men or USAF contractors who lack supervision by an NCO or supervisor.  As the loadmaster, you had to stay on top of them all the time and could never trust them to get things they way you needed it to happen.  Laziness could be the difference between a good load and the result in the video.  I watched those guys like a hawk and triple checked everything they did.  

Lets not talk about floor configurations!  if you were not configured to handle 463Ls, there was, shall we say ... difficulties. You need to have top notch load masters to ensure the floors were properly configured, weight limits were within parameters based on available floor locks and the pallets were secure.  skimping on safety here could have bad results. 


DGs .... the military and civilian systems could not be more disparate. 

Finally getting the numbers to the crew, again a challenge.  You need to double and triple check everything.  You are generally rushing to get out on time so as not to miss a curfew or because the AF needs the ramp space for other incoming acft.

I feel horrible for these guys and their families.  I am close to this issue and it really hurts my heart to see this video.  It could have been me in 2008-09.  My prayers go out to them.

I just hope that a lesson is learned here and the disparity between the military and civilian systems for these kinds of ops could close.