What is the history and background behind our need to be so careful with DOT labels?
The first law requiring labeling of hazardous materials on railroads was passed in 1910 based on the continual transportation of explosives. The labeling changed very little over the next 60 years, until, after a number of highly publicized accidents during transport, Congress finally passed the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act in 1975. This soon led to the brief consolidation of regulations under the Hazardous Materials Regulations Board. However, during the remainder of the 70s and 80s, numerous regulatory changes have been taking place over the years and it has been an ongoing challenge to simplify and consolidate them. Recently, the DOT and UN have both made standard that seems to be successful and the consistency has certainly risen. The two sides began to cooperate together when the DOT accepted the recommendation by the UN that labeling standards and “performance packaging” with HM-181 is now reaching a conclusion with HM-215A. The UN distributes their recommendations worl
