The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has requested public comments on the currently approved Rail Transportation Security Rule in order to extend the program.
The TSA Rail Security Rule imposes a number of security-related requirements on facilities that ship or receive certain chemicals in rail cars. These requirements are in addition to any requirements imposed on facilities under to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) or the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA).
The TSA Rail Security Rule (49 CFR Part 1580) requires rail shippers, receivers, and carriers of certain hazardous materials to:
- Submit contact information to TSA for a Rail Security Coordinator (RSC) and an Alternate RSC;
- Document the transfer of custody and control of certain hazardous materials railcars;
- Be prepared to report the location of certain railcars carrying hazardous materials at all times; and
- Report significant security concerns to TSA.
Comments must be submitted to TSA by May 8, 2018.