Rail Regulations to Strengthen Security

Freight and passenger rail carriers are to be required to designate security coordinators and to report significant security concerns to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These requirements are contained in the Rail Security final rule announced by US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff and posted in the Federal Register.

In addition to reporting requirements, the final rule also codifies TSA’s wide inspection authority. In cooperation with the US Department of Transportation, TSA has developed security actions to reduce risks associated with transportation of Poisonous by Inhalation (PIH) materials. DHS explains that while PIH materials represent less than one percent of all rail hazardous shipments, they are potentially harmful and include chemicals like chlorine and anhydrous ammonia.

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