GAWDA’s Consultants addressed members via teleconference on Monday, June 20, to provide the latest industry regulatory information. Rick Schweitzer, Mike Dodd and Tom Badstubner each spoke on their respective areas of expertise.
Rick Schweitzer, GAWDA consultant for government affairs, human resources and general counsel, explained the latest status on the driver hours of service rules. “All the current hours of service rules remain in effect until the effective date of any final rule,” says Schweitzer. “At the earliest, that’s going to be sometime in the first quarter of 2012, but it may be later than that, as I do expect this final rule, however it comes out, to end up in litigation.” He also addressed a new rule for CDL driver learner’s permits and new requirements for hazardous materials special permit applications.
DOT, Security, OSHA and EPA Consultant Mike Dodd talked about the CSA 2010 program, how to look up and monitor your DOT scores, and what to do if you receive a warning letter. He discussed LPG cylinder filling, along with a brief overview of a recently settled $4.5 million lawsuit against a propane filler. Dodd says of the lawsuit, “At some point, a distributor may have to make a business decision not to sell to a customer that continues to ignore proper safety precautions.” He also touched on recent Federal Aviation Administration audits of special permit 14175 holders.
Tom Badstubner, FDA and medical gases consultant, detailed the recent FDA actions regarding drug, device and food gases. He reviewed the latest inspection trends and unusual state enforcement actions, along with the FDA’s online database of inspections, a discussed the status of the revised medical gas USP/NF monographs as well as the FDA’s Draft Guidance. “The FDA has been very active in the areas of pharmaceuticals and foods, but relatively quiet in the medical gas industry. Last year, there were 673 warning letters issued by the FDA, but very few in the medical gas industry,” says Badstubner.
The meeting notes from all 3 presenters are available online. Select the respective consultant update under Consultant Articles.
