NWRA Secures Service Waiver for Members in MA and NH
The waiver exempts drivers from HOS regulations for the length of declared emergency. However, once the emergency declaration is no longer in effect, drivers must comply with all existing HOS regulations.
SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The National Waste and Recycling Association staff and its members worked with government officials in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to secure an Hours of Service (HOS) waiver following last week’s snowstorm in New England. The winter storm, combined with the shortened-holiday work week delayed waste pickup.
“It is important that our members in states significantly affected by the winter storm are able to operate safely. We urge our members to use their best judgement and always put safety first.
“Following these storms, collection is often delayed and waste can accumulate on sidewalks and in other areas becoming a hazard to public health. We thank the governments of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New Hampshire for working with our staff and members,” said NWRA President and CEO, Darrell Smith.
The waiver exempts drivers from HOS regulations for the length of declared emergency. However, once the emergency declaration is no longer in effect, drivers must comply with all existing HOS regulations.
“Drivers and members utilizing this exemption should understand that even though the driver is exempt from the HOS regulations, the driver’s total hours of service must be recorded and the driver must obtain the appropriate amount of Off-Duty time before driving again,” said Anthony Hargis, National Safety Director for NWRA.
The Massachusetts emergency declaration is in effect until 11:59pm on January 14, 2018. The New Hampshire emergency declaration is in effect until 11:59pm on January 19, 2018.
Courtesy: https://wasteadvantagemag.com