PHMSA and DOT issued a joint safety advisory in the wake of the July 6, 2013 derailment and explosion of an unattended train carrying crude oil tanker cars in the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, which resulted in 47 fatalities.  The advisory contains two recommendations relating to PHMSA’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180; HMR): (a) that the HMR require that an offeror of a hazardous material properly classify and describe the hazardous material and certify that the hazardous material is offered in compliance with the HMR; and (b) that the HMR also include requirements that specifically address safety and security plans for the transportation of railroad tank cars containing hazardous materials, particularly petroleum crude oil. The advisory also contains recommendations regarding securement of unattended equipment to prevent unauthorized movement of trains, including enhancing crew staffing practices. The notice also calls for an emergency meeting of the FRA’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), which has been set for August 29, 2013.