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Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2023
3/12/2024, 12:51 AM
Summary of Bill S 1632
The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a national database of compressed gas cylinders, which will include information on the manufacturer, distributor, and owner of each cylinder. This database will help track the movement and usage of these cylinders, ensuring that they are properly maintained and handled.
Additionally, the bill mandates that all compressed gas cylinders be inspected and tested regularly to ensure they meet safety standards. It also requires that all cylinders be properly labeled with information on their contents and handling instructions. Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program to assist state and local governments in implementing safety measures for compressed gas cylinders. This program will provide funding for training programs, equipment upgrades, and other initiatives aimed at improving safety and oversight. Overall, the Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2023 seeks to enhance the safety of compressed gas cylinders and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries associated with their use. By implementing stricter regulations and providing support for safety initiatives, this bill aims to protect both workers and the general public from the potential hazards of compressed gas cylinders.
Congressional Summary of S 1632
Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2023
This bill expands the application, testing, and inspection requirements for a foreign manufacturer of cylinders used for transporting hazardous materials in the United States (e.g., compressed gas cylinders).
Current regulations require a foreign manufacturer to apply for approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) for testing such cylinders outside of the United States. The bill requires that, to obtain an approval, a foreign manufacturer must answer in their application specified questions, including whether the manufacturer is or has been subject to various civil or criminal penalties.
Further, DOT must establish a process for any interested party to request a reevaluation of an approval for a foreign manufacturer's cylinders to review the accuracy and safety of the manufacturer's actions.
DOT must also revise the foreign inspection regulations to
- require that annual inspections of foreign manufacturers be carried out if DOT determines there is good cause;
- specify that a refusal of inspection shall result in the loss of good standing;
- allow DOT to request testing and production records and random sample testing; and
- allow for the recovery of the costs of foreign inspections, including travel and time.
The bill limits an approval to one year; however, DOT may extend an approval for five years for a manufacturer who meets certain requirements.
On an annual basis, DOT must publish a list of approved foreign manufacturers of cylinders on the department's website.
