Keep Your Employees Updated on Hazmat Training in the Event of Another Government Shutdown With Hazmat University
Staff shortages stemming from the government shutdown put a halt to many Department of Transportation (DOT) procedures including facility security inspections by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and various hazmat programs done by the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., Jan. 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- During the 35-day shutdown, the FAA and PHMSA had around half of their workforce on temporary leave, resulting in a limited number of staff members to conduct essential hazmat inspections. Though hazmat inspections were completed as required by federal law, many programs and activities of the DOT were suspended only to be resumed on Jan. 25.
The shutdown suspended facility security inspections, audits, and evaluations under the FAA, and hazmat program development, research, and rulemaking under the PHSMA.
"Despite major delays, there were no hazmat-related issues. Thanks to the DOT's shutdown plan, which establishes how all eleven administrations will continue operation in the event of a lapse in funding, the DOT was able to continue hazmat inspections during the 35-day shutdown," said Sonia Irusta, vice president of the Bureau of Dangerous Goods, Ltd.
Consumer reports says FAA inspectors and airline workers are worried about backlogged inspections resulting in safety repercussions, however, stress that flying is still safe.
The return to full staff can alleviate the backlogged inspections. However, it is not confirmed that all employees will continue to work past Feb. 15 if a budget agreement isn't agreed upon by Congress.
FAA inspections require all hazmat workers undergo training to fully understand ever-changing regulations. Delays at the busiest airports across the country resulting from understaffing can return at a larger scale if employees lack required training by the DOT.
Hazmat University offers online hazardous material training in accordance with federal requirements for all modes of transportation. Courses for shipping by ground, air, and vessel as well as multimodal shipping are available online, 24 hours a day.
For more information on IATA dangerous goods regulations visit hazmatuniversity.com.
About Hazmat University
Hazmat University's online hazardous material/dangerous goods training is developed and offered by the Bureau of Dangerous Goods, Ltd. to provide quality training courses worldwide via the Internet. They offer a full line of online hazardous materials / dangerous goods training courses, with instant issuance of certificates upon completion.
They provide specialized training in the shipment of dangerous goods by air, ground, and or vessel, as well as training for specialized needs, such as lithium batteries, general awareness, segregation, and more.
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SOURCE Hazmat University
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