CDL Permit Classes -Hazardous Materials Endorsement

CDL Endorsement: Hazardous Materials

This section covers the intent of the regulations, bulk tank loading, unloading and marking, driver responsibilities, driving and parking rules, communications rules, emergencies, and loading and unloading.

Hazardous materials are products that pose a risk to health, safety, and property during transportation. The term often is shortened to hazmat, which you may see on road signs or to HM in government regulations. Hazardous materials include explosives, various types of gas, solids, flammable and combustible liquid, and other materials. Because of the risks involved and the potential consequences these risks impose, all levels of government regulate the handling of hazardous materials.

The Hazardous Materials Regulations, HMR, is found in parts 171 through 180 of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The common reference for these regulations is 49 CFR 171-180. The hazardous materials table in these regulations contain a list of these items. However, this list is not all-inclusive. Whether or not a material is considered hazardous is based on its characteristics and the shipper's decision or whether or not the material meets a definition of a hazardous material in the regulations.

The regulations require vehicles transporting certain types or quantities of hazardous materials to display diamond-shaped square on point warning signs called placards. This section is designed to assist you in understanding your role and responsibilities in hauling hazardous materials.

Due to the constantly changing nature of government regulations, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials in this section. An up-to-date copy of the complete regulations is essential for you to have. Included in these regulations is a complete glossary of terms.

You must have a Commercial Driver's License or a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement before you drive any sized vehicle that is used in the transportation of any material that requires hazardous material placarding or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR 93. You must pass a written test about the regulations and requirements to get this endorsement. Everything you need to know to pass the written test is in this section.

However, this is only a beginning. Most drivers need to know much more on the job. You can learn more by reading and understanding the federal and state rules applicable to hazardous materials as well as attending hazardous materials training courses. Your employer, colleges and university, and various associations usually offer these courses. You can get copies of the federal regulations or 49 CFR through your local government printing office bookstore and various industry publishers. Union or company offices often have copies of the rules for driver use. Find out where you can get your own copy to use on the job.

The regulations require training and testing for all drivers involved in transporting hazardous materials. Your employer or a designated representative is required to provide this training and testing. Hazardous materials employers are required to keep a record of that training on each employee, as long as that employee is working with hazardous materials, and for 90 days thereafter.

The regulations require that hazardous materials employees be trained and tested at least once every three years. By March 24, 2006, all drivers must be trained in the security risk of hazardous materials transportation. This training must include how to recognize and respond to possible security threats. The regulations also require that drivers have special training before driving a vehicle transporting certain flammable gas materials or highway route controlled quantities of radioactive materials.

In addition, drivers transporting cargo tanks and portable tanks must receive specialized training. Each driver employer or his or her designated representative must provide such training. Some locations require permits to transport certain explosives or bulk hazardous wastes. States and Counties also may require drivers to follow special hazardous materials routes.

The Federal government may require a permits or exemptions for special hazardous materials cargo such as rocket fuel. Find out about permits, exemptions, and special routes for the places you drive. Contain the material. Transporting hazardous materials can be risky. The regulations are intended to protect you, those around you, and the environment. They tell shippers how to package the materials safely, and drivers how to load, transport, and unload the material. These are called Containment Rules.

Communicate the risk. To communicate the risk, shippers must warn drivers and others about the materials hazards. The regulations require shippers to put hazard warning labels on packages, provide proper shipping papers, emergency response information, and placards. These steps communicate the hazard to the shipper, the carrier, and the driver.

Assure safe drivers and equipment. In order to get a hazardous materials endorsement on a CDL, you must pass a written test about transporting hazardous materials. To pass a test, you must know how to identify what are hazardous materials, safely load shipments, properly placard your vehicle in accordance with the rules, and safely transport shipments.

Learn the rules and follow them. Following the rules reduces the risk of injury from hazardous materials. Taking short cuts by breaking rules is unsafe. Rule breakers can be fined and put in jail. Inspect your vehicle before and during each trip. Law enforcement officers may stop and inspect your vehicle. When stopped, they may check your shipping papers, vehicle placards, and the hazardous materials endorsement on your driver's license, and your knowledge of hazardous materials.

The shipper send products from one place to another by truck, rail, vessel, or airplane. Uses the hazardous materials regulations to determine the product's proper shipping name, hazard class, identification number, packing group, correct packaging, correct label and markings, correct placards, must package, mark and label the materials, prepare shipping papers, provide emergency response information and supply placards.

Certify on the shipping paper that the shipment has been prepared according to the rules. Unless you're pulling cargo tanks supplied by you or your employer, the carrier takes the shipment from the shipper to its destination, prior to transportation, checks that the shipper correctly described, marked, labeled, and otherwise prepared the shipment for transportation, refuses improper shipments, reports accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials to the proper government agency.

The driver makes sure the shipper has identified, marked, and labeled the hazardous materials properly, refuses leaking packages and shipments, placards his vehicle when loading, if required, safely transports the shipment without delay, follows all special rules about transporting hazardous materials, keeps hazardous materials, shipping papers, and emergency response information in the proper place.

Some words and phrases have special meanings when talking about hazardous materials. Some of these may differ from meanings you're used to. The words and phrases in this section maybe on your test. The meanings of other important words are in the glossary at the end of each section.

A materials hazard class reflects the risk associated with it. There are nine different hazard classes. The types of materials included in these nine classes are in figure 10.1. A shipping paper describes the hazardous materials being transported. Shipping orders, bills of lading, and manifests are all shipping papers. Figure 10.6 shows an example shipping paper.

After an accident or hazardous materials spill or leak, you may be injured and unable to communicate the hazards of the materials you're transporting. Firefighters and police can prevent or reduce the amount of damage or injury at the scene if they know what hazardous materials are being carried. Your life and the lives of others may depend on quickly locating the hazardous materials shipping papers. For that reason, the rules require shippers to describe hazardous materials correctly and include an emergency response telephone number on shipping papers.

Carriers and drivers to put tabs on hazardous materials shipping papers, or keep them on top of other shipping papers, and keep the required emergency response information with the shipping papers. Drivers to keep hazardous materials shipping papers in a pouch on the driver's door or in a clear view within immediate reach while the seatbelt is fastened while driving, or on the driver's seat when out of the vehicle.

Package labels. Shippers put diamond-shaped hazard warning labels on most hazardous materials packages. These labels inform others of the hazard. If the diamond label won't fit on the package, shippers may put the label on a tag securely attached to the package. For example, compressed gas cylinders that will not hold a label, will have tags or decals. Labels look like the examples in figure 10.2.

Lists of regulated products. Placards. Placards are used to warn others of hazardous materials. Placards are signs put on the outside of a vehicle and on bulk packages which identify the hazard class of the cargo. A placarded vehicle must have at least four identical placards. They are put on the front, rear and both sides of the vehicle. See figure 10.3.

Placards must be readable from all four directions. They're at least 10 and three-quarter inches square, square on point in a diamond shape. Cargo tanks and other bulk packaging display the identification number of their contents on placards, or orange panels, or white square on-point displays that are the same size as placards.

Identification numbers are a four-digit code used by first responders to identify hazardous materials. An identification number may be used to identify more than one chemical. The letters NA or UN will precede the identification number. The United States Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook or the ERG identifies the chemicals all identification numbers are assigned to.

There are three main lists used by shippers, carriers, and drivers when trying to identify hazardous materials. Before transporting a material, look for its name on three lists. Some materials are on all lists, others on only one. Always check the following lists, Section 172.101, the hazardous materials table, Appendix A to Section 172.101, the list of hazardous substances and reportable quantities.

Appendix B to Section 172.101, the list of marine pollutants. The hazardous materials table. Figure 10.4 shows part of the hazardous materials table. Column 1 tells which shipping mode the entry effects and other information concerning the shipping description. The next five columns show each material's shipping name, hazard class or division, identification number, packaging group, and required labels.

Six different symbols may appear in column 1 of the table. A plus shows the proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group to use, even if the material doesn't meet the hazard class definition. A means the hazardous material described in the column 2 is subject to the HMR only when offered or intended for transport by air unless it's a hazardous substance or hazardous waste.

W means the hazardous material described in column 2 is subject to the HMR only when offered or intended for transportation by water, unless it's a hazardous substance, hazardous waste, or marine pollutant. D means the proper shipping name is appropriate for describing materials for domestic transportation but may not be proper for international transportation.

I identifies a proper shipping name that is used to describe materials in international transportation. A different shipping name may be used when only domestic transportation is involved. And G means this hazardous material described in column 2 is a generic shipping name. A generic shipping name must be accompanied by a technical name on the shipping paper. A technical name is a specific chemical that makes the product hazardous.

Column 2 lists the proper shipping names and description of regulated materials. Entries are in alphabetical order so you can more quickly find the right entry. The table shows proper shipping names and regular type. The shipping paper must show proper shipping names. Names shown in italics are not proper shipping names.

Column 3 shows the materials hazard class or division or the entry "Forbidden." Never transport a forbidden material. Column 4 lists the identification number for each proper shipping name. Identification numbers are preceded by the letters UN or NA. The letters NA are associated with proper shipping names that are only used within the United States and to and from Canada.

The identification number must appear on the shipping paper as part of the shipping description and also appear on the package. It also must appear on cargo tanks and other bulk packaging. Police and firefighters use this number to quickly identify hazardous materials.

Column 5 shows the packing group in Roman numeral, assigned to a material. Column 6 shows the hazard warning label shippers must put on packages of hazardous materials. Some products require use of more than one label due to a dual hazard being present. No label is needed where the table shows the word "none."

Column 7 lists the additional or special provisions that applies to this material. When there is an entry in this column, you must refer to the federal regulations for specific information. The numbers one thru six in this column mean the hazardous material is a Poison Inhalation Hazard, PIH. PIH materials have special requirements for shipping papers, marking, and placards.

Column 8 is a three-part column showing the section numbers covering the packaging requirements for each hazardous material. Note columns 9 and 10 do not apply to transportation by highway.

Appendix A to 49 CFR 172.101, the list of hazardous substances and reportable quantities. The DOT and the EPA want to know about spills of hazardous substances. They're named in the list of hazardous substances and reportable quantities. See figure 10.5. Column 3 of the list shows each product's reportable quantity or the RQ.

When these materials are being transported in a reportable quantity or greater in one package, the shipper displays the letters RQ on the shipping paper and package. The letters RQ may appear before or after the basic description. You or your employer must report any spill of these materials which occurs in a reportable quantity.

If the words Inhalation Hazard appear on the shipping paper or package, the rules require display of the Poison Inhalation Hazard or poison gas placard, as appropriate. These placards must be used in addition to other placards which may be required by the product's hazard class. Always display the hazard class placard and the Poison Inhalation Hazard placard even for small amounts.

Appendix B to 49 CFR 172.101, marine pollutants. Appendix B is a listing of chemicals that are toxic to marine life. For highway transportation, this list is only used for chemicals in a container with a capacity of 119 gallons or more, without a placard or label as specified by the HMR. Any bulk packages of a marine pollutant must display the marine pollutant marking, white triangle with a fish and an X thru the fish. This marking, it is not a placard, must also be displayed on the outside of the vehicle. In addition, a notation must be made on the shipping papers near the description of the material "Marine Pollutant."

The shipping paper. The shipping paper shown in figure 10.6 describes a shipment. A shipping paper for hazardous materials must include page numbers if the shipping paper has more than one page. The first page must tell the total number of pages. For example, "Page 1 of 4," a proper shipping description for each hazardous material, a shipper certification signed by the shipper, saying that they are prepared for the shipment according to the rules.

The item description. If a shipping paper describes both hazardous and non-hazardous products, the hazardous materials will be either described first, highlighted in a contrasting color, or identified by an X placed before the shipping name in a column captioned HM.

The letters RQ must be used instead of X if a reportable quantity is present in one package. The basic description of hazardous materials includes the proper shipping name, hazard class or division, the identification number and the packing group, if any, in that order.

The packing group is displayed in Roman numerals and may be preceded by PG, shipping name, hazard class. An identification number must not be abbreviated unless specifically authorized in the hazardous materials regulations. The description must also show the total quantity and unit of measure, the letters RQ if a reportable quantity. If the letters RQ appear, the name of hazardous substance, and for all materials with a letter G, generic in column 1, the technical name of the hazardous material.

Shipping papers also must list an emergency response telephone number. The emergency response telephone number is the responsibility of the shipper. It can be used by emergency responders to obtain information about any hazardous materials involved in a spill or fire.

Some hazardous materials do not need a telephone number. You should check the regulations for a listing. Shippers also must provide emergency response information to the motor carrier for each hazardous material being shipped. The emergency response information must be able to be used away from the motor vehicle and must provide information on how to safely handle incidents involving the material. It must include information on the shipping name of the hazardous materials, risk to health, fire, explosion, and initial methods of handling spills, fires, and leaks of the materials.

Such information could be on the shipping paper or some other document that include the basic description and technical name of the hazardous material, or it may be in a guidance book such as the Emergency Response Guidebook or the ERG. Motor carriers may assist shippers by keeping an ERG on each vehicle carrying hazardous materials.

The driver must provide the emergency response information to any federal, state, or local authority responding to a hazardous materials incident or investigating one. Total quantity must appear before or after the basic description. The packaging type and the unit of the measurement may be abbreviated. For example, the shipper of hazardous waste must put the word "Waste" before the proper shipping name of the material on a shipping paper. Hazardous waste manifest, for example, a non-hazard material may not be described by using a hazard class or an identification number.

Shipper's certification. When the shipper packages hazardous materials, he or she certifies that the package has been prepared according to the rules. The signed shipper certification appears on the original shipping paper. The only exceptions are when a shipper is a private carrier transporting their own product, and when the package is provided by the carrier, for example, a cargo tank.

Unless a package is clearly unsafe or does not comply with the HMR, you may accept the shipper's certification concerning proper packaging. Some carriers have additional rules about transporting hazardous materials. Follow your employer's rules when accepting shipments.

Package markings and labels. Shippers print required markings directly on the package, an attached label, or a tag. An important package marking is the name of the hazardous materials. It is the same name as the one on shipping paper. The requirements for marking vary by package size and material being transported. When required, the shipper will put the following on the package, the name and address of the shipper or consignee, the hazardous material shipping name and identification number, and the labels required.

It is a good idea to compare the shipping paper to the markings and labels. Always make sure that the shipper shows the correct basic description on the shipping paper and verifies that the proper labels are shown on the packages. If you're not familiar with the material, ask the shipper to contact your office. If rules require it, the shipper will put RQ, marine pollutant, bio hazard, hot or inhalation hazard on the package.

Packages with liquid containers inside will also have package orientation markings with arrows pointing in the correct upright position. The labels used always reflect the hazard class of the product. If a package needs more than one label, the labels will be close together near the proper shipping name.

Recognizing hazardous materials. Learn to recognize shipments of hazardous materials. To find out if the shipment includes hazardous materials, look at the shipping paper. Does it have an entry with a proper shipping name, hazard class and identification number, a highlighted entry or one with an X or RQ in the hazardous materials column?

Other clues suggesting hazardous materials. What business is the shipper in, paint dealer, chemical supply, scientific supply house, pest control or agricultural supplier, explosive munitions or fireworks dealer? Are there any tanks with diamond labels or placards on the premises? What type of package is being shipped? Cylinders and drums are often used for hazardous material shipments. Is a hazard class label, proper shipping name, or identification number on the package, are there any handling precautions?

Hazardous waste manifest. When transporting hazardous waste, you must sign by hand and carry a uniform hazardous waste manifest. The name and the EPA registration number, the shippers, carriers and destination must appear on the manifest. Shippers must prepare, date, and sign by hand, the manifest. Treat the manifest as a shipping paper when transporting the waste. Only give the waste shipment to another registered carrier or disposal treatment facility. Each carrier transporting the shipment must sign by hand the manifest.

After you deliver the shipment, keep your copy of the manifest. Each copy must have all needed signatures and dates, including those of the person to whom you delivered the waste.

Placarding. Attach the appropriate placards to the vehicle before you drive it. You're only allowed to move an improperly placarded vehicle during an emergency in order to protect life or property. Placards must appear on both sides and on both ends of the vehicle. Each placard must be easily seen from the direction of faces, placed so the words or numbers are level and read from left to right, at least three inches away from any other markings. Kept clear of attachments or devices such as ladders, doors and tarps, keep clean and undamaged so that the color, format and the message are easily seen.

Be affixed to a background of contrasting color, the use of "Drive Safely" and other slogans is prohibited. The front placard may be on the front of the tractor or the front of the trailer. To decide which placards to use, you need to know the hazard class of the materials, the amount of hazard materials shipped, and the total weight of all classes of hazardous materials in your vehicle.

Placard tables. There are two placard tables, Table 1 and Table 2. Table 1 materials must be placarded whenever any amount is transported. See figure 10.7. Except for bulk packagings, the hazard classes in Table 2 need placards only if the total amount transported is 1001 pounds or more, including the package. Add the amounts from all shipping papers, for all the Table 2 products you have on board. See figure 10.8.

You may use dangerous placards instead of separate placards for each Table 2 hazard class when you have 1001 pounds or more of two or more Table 2 hazard classes, requiring different placards and you have not loaded 2205 pounds or more of any Table 2 hazard class material at any one place.

You must use the specific placard for this material. The dangerous placard is an option not a requirement. You can always placard for the materials. If the words "Inhalation Hazard" are on the shipping paper or package, you must display poison gas or poison inhalation placards in addition to any other placards needed by the product's hazard class.

The 1000 pound exception does not apply to these materials. Materials with a secondary hazard of Dangerous When Wet must display the Dangerous When Wet placard in addition to any other placards needed by the product's hazard class. The 1000 pound exception to placarding does not apply to these materials.

Placards used to identify the primary or subsidiary hazard class of a material must have the hazard class or division number displayed in the lower corner of the placard. Permanently affixed subsidiary hazard placards without the hazard class numbers may be used as long as they stay within color specifications.

Non-permanently affixed subsidiary hazard placards without the hazard class number may be used until October 1, 2005. Placards may be displayed for hazardous materials even if not required, so long as the placard identifies the hazard of the material being transported.

A bulk packaging is a single container with the capacity of 119 gallons or more. A bulk package and a vehicle transporting a bulk package must be placarded, even if it only has the residue of a hazardous material. Certain bulk packages only have to be placarded on the two opposite sides or may display labels. All other bulk packages must be placarded on all four sides. Do all you can to protect containers of hazardous materials. Don't use any tools which might damage containers or other packaging during loading. Don't use hooks.

General loading requirements. Before loading or unloading, set the parking brake. Make sure the vehicle will not move. Many products become more hazardous when exposed to heat. Load hazardous materials away from heat sources. Watch for signs of leaking or damaged containers. Leaks spell trouble. Do not transport leaking packages. Depending on the material, you, your truck, and others could be in danger. It is illegal to move a vehicle with leaking hazardous materials.

Containers of class 1 explosives, class 3 flammable liquids, class 4, flammable solids, class 5, oxidizers, class 8, corrosives, class 2 gases, division 6.1 poisons, and class 7, radioactive, must be braced to prevent movement of the packages during transportation.

No smoking. When loading or unloading hazardous materials, keep fire away. Don't let people smoke nearby and never smoke around class 1, explosives, class 2.1, flammable gas, class 3, flammable liquids, class 4, flammable solids, and class 5, oxidizers.

Secure against movement. Brace containers so they will not fall, slide, or bounce around during transportation. Be very careful when loading containers that have valves or other fittings. All hazardous material packages must be secured during transportation. After loading, do not open any package during your trip. Never transfer hazardous materials from one package to another one while in transit. You may empty a cargo tank, but do not empty any other package while it is on the vehicle.

Cargo heater rules. There are special cargo heater rules for loading class 1, explosives, class 2.1, flammable gas, and class 3, flammable liquids. The rules usually forbid use of cargo heaters including automatic cargo heater air conditioner units. Unless you have read all the related rules, don't load the above products in a cargo space that has a heater. Use closed cargo space. You cannot over hang or tailgate loads of class 1 explosives, class 4, flammable solids, and class 5, oxidizers. You must load these hazardous materials into a closed cargo space. Unless all packages are fire and water resistant and covered with a fire and water resistant tarp.

Precautions for specific hazards. Class 1, explosive materials. Turn your engine off before loading or unloading any explosives. Then check the cargo. You must disable cargo heaters, disconnect heater power sources and drain heater fuel tanks, make sure there are no sharp points that might damage cargo. Look for bolts, screws, nails, broken side panels, and broken floor boards. Use a floor lining with division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 class A or B explosives.

The floors must be tight and a liner must be either non-metallic material or non-ferrous metal. Use extra care to protect explosives. Never use hooks or other metal tools. Never drop, throw, or roll packages. Protect explosive packages from other cargo that might cause damage. Do not transfer a division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 class A or B explosive from one vehicle to another on a public roadway except in an emergency. If safety requires an emergency transfer, set out red warning reflectors, flags, or electric lanterns. You must warn others on the road.

Never transport damaged packages of explosives. Do not take a package that shows any dampness or oily stain. Do not transport division 1.1 or 1.2 class A explosives in triples or in vehicle combinations. If there is a marked or placarded cargo tank in the combination, the other vehicle in the combination contains division 1.1 A, initiating explosives, packages of class 7, radioactive materials labeled Yellow 3, division 2.3, poisonous gas, or division 6.1, poisonous materials, or hazardous materials in a portable tank on a DOT spec 106A or 110A tank.

Class 4, flammable solids and class 5 oxidizers materials. Class 4 materials are solids that react including fire and explosion to water, heat, and air or even react spontaneously. Class 4 and 5 materials must be completely enclosed in a vehicle or covered securely. Class 4 and 5 materials, which become unstable and dangerous when wet, must be kept dry while in transit and during loading and unloading. Materials that are subject to spontaneous combustion or heating must be in vehicles with sufficient ventilation.

Class 8, corrosive materials. If loading by hand, load breakable containers of corrosive liquid one by one. Keep them right side up. Do not drop or roll the containers. Load them onto an even floor surface. Stack carboys only if the lower tiers can bear the weight of the upper tiers safely. Do not load nitro gas at above any other product. Load charged, stored batteries so their liquid won't spill. Keep them right side up. Make sure other cargo won't fall against or short circuit them. Never load corrosive liquids next to or above division 1.4 explosive C, division 4.1 flammable solids, division 4.3 dangerous when wet, class 5, oxidizers, division 2.3 zone B, poisonous gases.

Never load corrosive liquids with division 1.1 or 1.2 explosives A, division 1.2 or 1.3 explosives B, division 1.5 blasting agents, division 2.3 zone A, poisonous gases, division 4.2, spontaneously combustible materials, and division 6.1, PGI zone A, poison liquids.

Class 2, compressed gases included cryogenic liquids. If your vehicle doesn't have racks to hold cylinders, the cargo space floor must be flat. The cylinders must be held upright in racks attached to the vehicle or in boxes that will keep them from turning over. Cylinders may be loaded in a horizontal position lying down, if it is designed so the relief valve is in the vapor space.

Division 2.3, poisonous gas or division 6.1, poisonous materials. Never transport these materials in containers with interconnections. Never load a package labeled Poison or Poison Inhalation Hazard in the driver's cab or sleeper or with food material for human or animal consumption. There are special rules for loading and unloading class 2 materials in cargo tanks. You must have a special training to do this.

Class 7, radioactive materials. Some packages of class 7, radioactive materials, bear a number called the "Transport Index." The shipper labels these packages radioactive 2 or radioactive 3, and prints the package's transport index on the label. Radiation surrounds each package passing through all the nearby packages.

To deal with this problem, the number of packages you can load together is controlled. Their closeness to people, animals and unexposed film, is also controlled. The Transport Index tells the degree of control needed during transportation. The total Transport Index of all packages in a single vehicle must not exceed 50. Table 8 of this section shows rules for each Transport Index. It shows how close you can look class 7, radioactive materials, to people, animals, or film. For example, you can't leave a package with a Transport Index of 1.1 within two feet of people or cargo space walls.

Mixed loads. The rules require some products to be loaded separately. You cannot load them together in the same cargo space. Figure 10.9 lists some examples. The regulations, the segregation, and the separation chart name other materials you must keep apart.

Markings. You must display the identification number of the hazardous materials in portable tanks and cargo tanks and other bulk packaging such as dump trucks. Identification numbers are in column 4 of the hazardous materials table. The rules require black 100 millimeter or 3.9 inch numbers on orange panels, placards or a white diamond-shaped background if no placards are required.

Specification cargo tanks must show retest date markings. Portable tanks must also show the lessee or the owner's name. They must also display the shipping name of the contents on two opposing sides. The letters of the shipping name must be at least two inches tall on portable tanks with capacities of more than 1000 gallons, and one inch tall on portable tanks with capacities of less than 1000 gallons.

The identification number must appear on each side and each end of a portable tank or other bulk packaging that holds 1000 gallons or more, and on two opposing sides, if the portable tank holds less than 1000 gallons. The identification numbers must still be visible when the portable tank is on the motor vehicle. If they are not visible, you must display identification number on both sides and ends of the motor vehicle. Intermediate Bulk Containers, IBCs, are bulk packages that are not required to have the owner's name or shipping name.

Tank loading. The person in charge of loading and unloading the cargo tank must be sure a qualified person is always watching. This person watching the loading or unloading must be alert, have a clear view of the cargo tank, be within 25 feet of the tank, know of the hazards of the materials involved, know the procedures to follow in an emergency, and be authorized and be able to move the cargo tank. There are special attendance rules for cargo tanks transporting propane and anhydrous ammonia. Close all manholes and valves before moving a tank of hazardous materials, no matter how small the amount in the tank or how short the distance.

Manholes and valves must be closed to prevent leaks. It is illegal to move a cargo tank with open valves or covers unless it is empty, according to 49 CFR 173.29. There are special attendance rules for cargo tanks transporting propane and anhydrous ammonia. Close all manholes and valves before moving a tank of hazardous materials, no matter how small the amount in the tank or how short the distance. Manholes and valves must be closed to prevent leaks. It is illegal to move a cargo tank with open valves or covers unless it is empty, according to 49 CFR 173.29.

Flammable liquids. Turn off your engine before loading or unloading any flammable liquids. Only run the engine if needed to operate a pump. Ground a cargo tank correctly before filling it through an open filling hole. Ground the tank before opening the filling hole and maintain the ground until after closing the filling hole.

Compressed gas. Keep liquid discharge valves on a compressed gas tank closed except when loading and unloading. Unless your engine runs a pump for product transfer, turn it off when loading or unloading. If you use the engine, turn it off after product transfer before you unhook the hose.

Unhook all loading/unloading connections before coupling/uncoupling or moving a cargo tank. Always chock trailers and semi-trailers to prevent motion when uncoupled from the power unit. Parking with division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 class A or B explosives, never park with division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 class A or B explosives within five feet of the travel part of the road, except for short periods of time needed for vehicle operation necessities. Example, fueling.

Do not park within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel or building, a place where people gather, or an open fire. If you must park to do your job, do so only briefly. Don't park on private property unless the owner is aware of the danger. Someone must always watch the parked vehicle. You may let someone else watch it for you only if your vehicle is on the shipper's property, on the carrier's property or on the consignee's property. You're allowed to leave your vehicle unattended in a safe haven. A safe haven is an approved place for parking.

Unattended vehicles loaded with explosives. Designation of authorized safe havens is usually made by local authorities. Attended parked vehicles. The person attending a placarded vehicle must be in the vehicle awake and not in the sleeper berth or within 100 feet of the vehicle and have it within clear view.

Be aware of the hazards of the materials being transported, know what to do in emergencies and be able to move the vehicle if needed. No flares. You might break down and have to use stop vehicle signals, use reflective triangles or red electric lights. Never use burning signals such as flares or fuses around a tank used for class 3, flammable liquids, or division 2.1, flammable gas, whether loaded or empty, and vehicle loaded with division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 class A or B explosives.

Refuel with engine off. Turn off your engine before fueling a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials. Someone must always be at the nozzle controlling fuel flow. No smoking. Do not smoke within 25 feet of a placarded cargo tank used for class 3, flammable liquids, or division 2.1, gases. Also do not smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe within 25 feet of any vehicle which contains class 1, explosives, class 3, flammable liquids, class 4, flammable solids, and class 5, oxidizers.

10BC fire extinguisher. The power unit of placarded vehicles must have a fire extinguisher with a UL rating of 10BC or more. Check tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Check placarded vehicles with dual tires at the start of each trip and when you park. You must check the tires each time you stop. The only acceptable way to check tire pressure is to use a tire pressure gauge.

Do not drive with a tire that is leaking or flat, except in the nearest safe place to fix it. Remove any overheated tire. Place at a safe distance from your vehicle. Don't drive until you correct the cause of the overheating. Remember to follow the rules about parking and attending placarded vehicles. They apply even when checking, repairing or replacing tires.

Where to keep shipping papers and emergency response information. Do not accept a hazardous material shipment without a properly prepared shipping paper. A shipping paper for hazardous materials must always be easily recognized. Other people must be able to find it quickly after an accident. Clearly distinguish hazardous material shipping papers from others by tabbing them or keeping them on top of the stack of papers.

When you are behind the wheel, keep shipping papers within your reach with your seatbelt on or in a pouch on the driver's door. They must be easily seen by someone entering the cab. When not behind the wheel, leave shipping papers in the driver's door pouch or on the driver's seat.

Emergency response information must be kept in the same location as the shipping paper. Papers for division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3, class A or B explosives. A carrier must give each driver transporting division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 class A or B explosives a copy of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, the FMCSR, part 397. The carrier must also give written instructions on what to do if delayed or in an accident.

The written instructions must include the names and telephone numbers of people to contact including carrier agents or shippers, the nature of the explosives transported, and the precautions to take in emergencies such as fires, accidents, or leaks. Drivers must sign a receipt for these documents. You must be familiar with and have in your possession while driving, the shipping papers, written emergency instructions, written route plan, and a copy of the FMCSR part 397.

Emergency Response Guidebook or ERG. The Depart of Transportation has a guidebook for firefighters, police, and industry workers on how to protect themselves and the public from hazardous materials. The guide is indexed by proper shipping name and hazardous materials identification number. Emergency personnel look for these things on the shipping paper. That is why it's vital that the proper shipping name, identification number, label, and placards are correct.

Fires. You might have to control minor truck fires on the road. However, unless you have the training and the equipment to do so safely, don't fight hazardous materials fires. Dealing with hazardous materials fires requires special training and protective gear. When you discover a fire, send for help. You may use the fire extinguisher to keep minor truck fires from spreading to cargo before firefighters arrive.

Feel trailer doors to see if they are hot before opening them. If hot, you may have a cargo fire and should not open the doors. Opening doors lets air in and may make the fire flare up. Without air, many fires only smolder until firemen arrive, doing less damage. If your cargo is already on fire, it's not safe to fight the fire. Keep the shipping papers with you to give to the emergency personnel as soon as they arrive. Warn other people of the danger and keep them away.

If you discover a cargo leak, identify the hazardous materials leaking by using shipping papers, labels, or package location. Do not touch any leaking material. Many people injure themselves by touching hazardous materials. Do not try to identify material or find the source of a leak by smell.

Toxic gases can destroy your sense of smell and can injure or kill you even if they don't smell. Never eat, drink, or smoke around a leak or spill. If hazardous materials are spilling from your vehicle, do not move it any more than safety requires. You may move off the road and away from places where people gather, if doing so serves safety. Only move your vehicle if you can do so without danger to yourself or others.

Never continue driving with hazardous materials leaking from your vehicle in order to find a phone booth, truck stop, help for similar reason. Remember that the carrier pays for the cleanup of contaminated parking lots, roadways, and drainage ditches. The costs are enormous, so don't leave a lengthy trail of contamination. If hazardous materials are spilling from your vehicle, park it, secure the area, stay there, and send someone else for help.

When sending someone for help, give that person a description of the emergency, your exact location and direction of travel, your name, the carrier's name and the name of the community or city where your terminal is located, the proper shipping name, hazard class and identification number of the hazard materials if you know them. This is a law for someone to remember. It's a good idea to write it all down for the person you send for help. The emergency response team must know these things to find you and to handle the emergency. They may have to travel miles to get to you. This information will help them to bring the right equipment the first time without having to go back for it.

Never move your vehicle if doing so will cause contamination or damage to the vehicle. Keep downwind and away from roadside rests, truck stops, cafes, and businesses. Never try to repack leaking containers. Unless you have the training and equipment to repair leaks safely, don't even try it. Call your dispatcher or supervisor for instructions, and if needed, emergency personnel.

Responses to specific hazards. Class 1, explosives. If your vehicle has a break down or accident while carrying explosives, warn others of the danger. Keep bystanders away. Do not allow smoking or open fire near the vehicle. If there's a fire, warn every one of the danger of explosion. Remove all explosives before separating the vehicles involved in a collision. Place the explosives at least 200 feet from the vehicle and occupied buildings. Stay a safe distance away.

Class 2, compressed gases. If compressed gas is leaking from your vehicle, warn others of the danger. Only permit those involved in removing the hazard or wreckage to get close. You must notify the shipper if compressed gas is involved in any accident. Unless you're fueling machinery used in road construction or maintenance, do not transfer a flammable compressed gas from one tank to another on any public roadway.

Class 3, flammable liquids. If you're transporting a flammable liquid and have an accident or your vehicle breaks down, prevent bystanders from gathering. Warn people of the danger. Keep them from smoking. Never transport a leaking cargo tank farther than needed to reach a safe place. Get off the roadway if you can do so safely. Don't transfer flammable liquid from one vehicle to another on a public roadway except in an emergency.

Class 4, flammable solids and class 5, oxidizing materials. If a flammable solid or oxidizing material spills, warn others of the fire hazard. Do not open smoldering packages of flammable solids. Remove that from the vehicle if you can safely do so. Also remove unbroken packages if it will decrease the fire hazard.

Class 6, poisonous materials and infectious substances. If your job is to protect yourself, other people and property from harm, remember that many products classed as poison are also flammable. If you think a division 2.3, poisonous gases or division 6.1 poison materials might be flammable, take the added precautions needed for flammable liquids or gases. Do not allow smoking, open flame or welding. Warn others of the hazards of fire, of inhaling vapors, or coming in contact with the poison.

A vehicle involved in a leak of division 2.3, poison gases or division 6.1, poisons, must be checked for straight poison before being used again. If a division 6.2 infectious substances, the package is damaged in handling or transportation, you should immediately contact your supervisor. Packages that appear to be damaged or show signs of leakage should not be accepted.

Class 7, radioactive materials. If a radioactive material is involved in a leak or broken package, tell your dispatcher or supervisor as soon as possible. If there's a spill or if an internal container might be damaged, do not touch or inhale the material. Do not use the vehicle until it is cleaned and checked with a survey meter.

Class 8, corrosive materials. If corrosives spill or leak during transportation, be careful to avoid further damage or injury when handling the containers. Parts of the vehicle exposed to a corrosive liquid, must be thoroughly washed with water. After unloading, wash out the interior as soon as possible before reloading.

If continuing to transfer a leaking tank would be unsafe, get off the road. If safe to do so, contain any liquid leaking from the vehicle, keep bystanders away from the liquid and its fumes. Do everything possible to prevent injury to yourself and to others.

Required notification. The National Response Center helps coordinate emergency response to chemical hazards. It is a resource to the police and firefighters. It maintains a 24-hour toll-free line. You or your employer must phone when any of the following occur as a direct result of a hazardous materials incident, a person is killed, an injured person requires hospitalization, estimated property damage exceeds $50,000, the general public is evacuated for more than one hour, one or more major transportation arteries or facilities are closed for one hour or more. Fire breakage, spillage, or suspected contamination occur involving shipment of bacteria or toxins, and a situation exists of such a nature, continuing danger to life exists at the scene of an incident that, in the judgement of the carrier, should be reported.