handling and transporting hazardous materials:...

PRESENTER'S GUIDE

"HANDLING AND TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:

A GENERAL AWARENESS PROGRAM"

For the Department of Transportation's 49 CFR 172.700 Subpart H Training Requirements

Quality Safety and Health Products, for Today...and Tomorrow

Leader Guide: marcdota_vod

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THE "REGULATORY COMPLIANCE KIT" VIDEO SERIES

This educational program is part of a comprehensive series of programs on important regulatory topics. Many of these programs have been created to meet employee training requirements of specific OSHA, EPA and DOT regulations. The series includes programs on the following regulations and topics:

The Asbestos Standard. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The Confined Space Entry Standard. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Emergency Planning. Forklifts/Powered Industrial Trucks Standard. The "HAZWOPER" Standard (Hazardous Waste Operations

and Emergency Response). Hearing Conservation and Safety Indoor Air Quality. The Laboratory Standard. The OSHA Lead Standards (Industrial and Construction

versions). Lock-Out/Tag-Out. The OSHA Recordkeeping Standard. The Personal Protective Equipment Standards. The Respiratory Protection Standard. Right-To-Know/The Hazard Communications Standard

(Industrial and Construction versions). Supported Scaffold Safety (Industrial and Construction versions). Suspended Scaffold Safety (Industrial and Construction versions). The CDC Tuberculosis Prevention Guidelines.

Other products in the "Regulatory Compliance Kit" line include compliance manuals, employee booklets and posters which have been designed specifically to be used with the programs. These products can be used to satisfy OSHA, EPA and DOT compliance requirements for employee training.


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WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER "This program has been created to assist companies that are endeavoring to educate their employees regarding the handling and transporting of hazardous materials. In 49 CFR 172.700, the Department of Transportation requires that employers provide up to five different types of education/training for their employees:

"General awareness" training. "Safety" training. "Function-specific" training. "Security awareness" training. "In-depth security" training.

This program addresses only the "general awareness" portion of this training. It does not satisfy compliance requirements for function-specific, safety, security awareness or in-depth security training. In addition to information about DOT's training regulations, the program presents information concerning the handling and transporting of potentially hazardous materials. The information contained in this program is the information available to the producers of the program at the time of its production. All information in this program should be reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness by companies using the program to assure that it conforms to their situation and recommended procedures, as well as to any state, federal or other laws and regulations governing their operations. There is no warranty, expressed or implied, that the information in this program is accurate or appropriate for any particular company's environment."

Copyright 2003, The MARCOM Group, Ltd.


INTRODUCTION TO THE DOT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS (HMR)


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INTRODUCTION TO THE DOT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS Background On May 15, 1992 the Department of Transportation (DOT) published hazardous materials regulations (HMR) which enhanced training requirements and established a new Subpart H Training in 49 CFR. Since then several revisions have been made in both the content and structure of these training requirements, the most recent of which addresses the "security" of transported materials. The purpose of these regulations is to make sure that employees who handle or transport hazardous materials:

Are familiar with the general provisions of DOT's regulations on handling and transporting hazardous materials.

Are able to recognize and identify hazardous materials.

Know how the regulations relate to specific functions they

perform.

Are aware of "self protection" measures they should take when working with hazardous materials.

Are aware of accident prevention methods and procedures

to be used when working with hazardous materials.

Know what should be done in an emergency involving hazardous materials.

Are aware of the security risks associated with transporting

hazardous materials.

Know what can be done to enhance the security of transported hazardous materials.

Are familiar with their employer's security plan.


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These regulations are located in the DOT hazardous materials regulations in 49 CFR parts 100-185. There are two definitions that are essential to understanding the training regulation and how it applies to any facility's activities. These definitions deal with companies/facilities who are involved in handling and transporting hazardous materials... as well as the employees of these companies/facilities and how they are involved with hazardous materials:

- HAZMAT Employer - means a person (facility, company, institution, etc.) who uses one or more of their employees in connection with any of the following activities:

▪ Transporting hazardous materials in commerce. ▪ Causing hazardous materials to be transported or

shipped in commerce. ▪ Being involved with any aspect of the packaging

materials that are used in the transport of hazardous materials (such as producing, reconditioning or testing these packaging materials).

This definition includes owners/operators of motor vehicles which transport hazardous materials. It also encompasses Federal and state departments and agencies.

- HAZMAT Employee - means a person who works for a HAZMAT employer and who directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety. Activities that the DOT feels fit this definition include:

▪ Loading, unloading or handling hazardous materials. ▪ Working with hazardous materials' containers

including testing, reconditioning, marking, etc. ▪ Preparing hazardous materials for transport. ▪ Having the responsibility for the safety of hazardous

materials transportation. ▪ Operating a vehicle used to transport hazardous

materials.


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This includes self-employed individuals who are involved in these activities as well as owners/operators of motor vehicles used to transport hazardous materials. It is easy to see that because these definitions are so broad, in many facilities and operations the regulations will cover many types of employees... from warehouse personnel to shipping/receiving groups, loading dock workers, truck drivers, train engineers, and others. It is also important to recognize that this regulation applies to any environment where these activities take place. This is not a regulation that is limited to "industrial" facilities, but includes laboratories, healthcare facilities and many other types of operations.

Major Compliance Requirements There are five types of training required by 49 CFR 172.700.

- General Awareness/Familiarization Training - should familiarize employees with the requirements of DOT's HMR (hazardous materials regulations) as well as enable them to recognize and identify hazardous materials.

- Safety Training - must cover three major areas:

▪ Actions that can be taken to protect employees from hazards associated with materials they may be exposed to (this must include any specific measures an employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure).

▪ Methods and procedures for avoiding accidents, such as proper package handling.

▪ Emergency response.

- Function-Specific Training - must help employees to work safely with hazardous materials in their specific jobs.

- Security Awareness Training - must give employees an

awareness of the security risks associated with transporting hazardous materials, as well as what can be done to increase the security of those materials.


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- In-Depth Security Training - should familiarize employees with their employer's security plan and its implementation, including:

▪ The company's security objectives. ▪ Specific security procedures. ▪ Actions to take in case of a security breach. ▪ The organizational security structure.

In addition to the training requirements themselves it is important to be aware of several other aspects of this regulation. For instance, the burden of providing employees with entirely new training can be relieved somewhat if a facility is already conducting OSHA or EPA training involving hazardous materials (such as "Right-To-Know" or "HAZWOPER" training). However, not only must all HAZMAT employees be initially trained as required in 49 CFR, but "retraining" is required for these employees at least once every three years. In addition, training must be done whenever new procedures, information or regulations occur requiring employees to receive updated training. Also, the Department of Transportation requires that formal records be kept of the training given to each employee under 49 CFR. These records must include:

- The HAZMAT employee's name.

- The date when the employee's most recent training was completed.

- A description or copy of the training materials that were used... or

a reference to the location to where these materials can be found.

- The name and address of the person providing the training.

- Certification by the employer that the HAZMAT employee has been trained and tested.


INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM


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INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM Structure and Organization Information in this program is presented in a definite order so that employees will see the relationships between the various groups of information and can retain them more easily. The sections included in the program discuss:

The purpose of DOT hazardous materials regulations in 49 CFR 172.700.

The definition of "hazardous materials".

Required employee training.

Shipping papers.

24-hour emergency response telephone numbers.

"Hazard class" labels and placards.

Other labels that may indicate materials are hazardous.

Where hazardous materials may be encountered.

Proper packaging and packaging materials.

Loading and unloading hazardous materials.

Storing hazardous materials.

The Hazardous Materials Table.

The Emergency Response Guidebook.

These sections include examples and other references that will help employees to relate the information in the program to their work environments.


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Objectives This training program is designed to do three things: make employees aware of DOT regulations on handling and transporting hazardous materials; familiarize employees with the training required by those regulations; help employees to know how to recognize and identify hazardous materials. Upon completion of the program, employees should:

Understand the general areas covered and the purposes behind the DOT hazardous materials regulations.

Know the various types of training they are required to go

through under 49 CFR 172.700.

Know what is considered to be a hazardous material.

Be aware of situations where they may encounter hazardous materials.

Understand what information about hazardous materials

can be found on shipping papers, in the hazardous materials Table and in other sources.

Recognize "hazard class" labels and placards.

Be aware of some basic practices for safely loading,

unloading, handling and storing hazardous materials.

Reviewing the Program As with any educational program, the "presenter" should go through the entire program at least once to become familiar with the content and make sure the program is consistent with company policy and directives. Additionally, because this program addresses a federal regulation, the presenter should check to make sure that the program's contents do not conflict with any other regulations that the company is subject to in this area. An "Outline of Major Program Points" section is included in this Presenter's Guide to help with this task and for general reference.


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As part of this review process, you should determine how you will conduct your session. The use of materials, such as handouts, charts, etc., that may be available to you needs to be well thought out and integrated into the overall program presentation.


PREPARING FOR THE PRESENTATION


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PREPARING FOR THE PRESENTATION Structuring the Presentation In conducting this education session, you should proceed with a friendly and helpful attitude. Remember that the "trainees" are looking to your experience and knowledge to help them relate to the situations shown in the program. It is important to let the trainees interact with you and each other during the training session. Stimulating conversation within the group is one of the best things you, as the presenter of the program, can do to help everyone get as much as possible from the session. Be alert for comments that could help in this area in future sessions and make note of them. As the presenter, you also should:

Keep the session related to the topic of handling and transporting hazardous materials and the associated DOT regulations.

Relate discussions to your company's operations,

procedures and responsibilities.

Prevent any one person or small group of employees in the session from doing all the talking.

Get everyone involved. Ask questions of those who don't

participate.

Clarify comments by relating them to the key points in the program.

Use the "Outline of Major Program Points" section in this guide, as well as the information included in the quiz, as the basis for answering any questions. If you don't know the answer, say so. Tragic situations can result if you provide incorrect or inaccurate information. Remember, this is a positive program on working with hazardous materials safely. Make sure your attitude and words reflect this and that the emphasis is always on providing the information needed by the


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attendees to recognize potentially hazardous materials when they encounter them, as well as to handle and transport them safely and securely.

Additional Training Requirements As we have discussed, in addition to this "general awareness" training, you are required to give your employees several other types of training as well. This can include:

"Safety" training.

"Function-specific" training.

"Security awareness" training.

"In-depth security" training. Since these types of training are mentioned in the program, you might want to discuss with attendees how your company will be dealing with this additional training, including other courses you may have scheduled (if this information is available).

Setting Up the Class and Classroom Remember, there are a number of things that must be done to "set up" the class as well as the classroom. These fall into several groups of activities, and include:

- Scheduling and Notification ▪ Use the enclosed form to schedule employees into

the session. ▪ Make sure that the session is scheduled so that it fits

into your attendees' work day. ▪ Send out notification of the session well in advance,

to give people enough time to incorporate it into their schedule for that day.


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▪ If possible, post a notification on bulletin boards in the affected employees' areas.

- The Classroom

▪ Schedule the room well in advance. ▪ Make sure the room can accommodate the expected

number of attendees. ▪ Check it again on the day of the program to make

sure there is no conflict. ▪ Make sure the room can be darkened, and won't

create a glare on the television screen. ▪ Locate the light controls and test them. ▪ Make sure the power for the videotape or DVD player

you are using operates separately from the room light.

▪ See if you can control the room temperature. ▪ Know where the closest restrooms are. ▪ Assure that the room is free from distracting noises. ▪ Make sure emergency exits are marked and known

to the attendees.

- Seating ▪ Make sure everyone can see the screen from their

seat. ▪ Make sure everyone can hear the videotape/DVD

and you (when you speak). ▪ Check to see that seating is such that writing can be

done easily. ▪ Make sure the seating arrangement allows eye

contact between attendees, and between you and attendees.

- Equipment and Materials

▪ Make sure the videotape or DVD player, monitor, and all appropriate cables and extension cords are available.

▪ Make sure a stand or table is available and is of appropriate height for all attendees to easily see the monitor.


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▪ If you plan on using a chartpad, blackboard, or other writing board, make sure it is available, easy to see, and you have the proper writing instruments.

▪ Make sure you have 6" x 8" index cards or other materials to be used as "name tents" for attendees.

▪ Make sure you have made up a sufficient number of copies of the quiz, as well as any other handouts you are using.

- "Final Check"

▪ Make sure equipment is in the room prior to the scheduled session.

▪ Make sure you have the right program, (look inside the three-ring binder).

▪ Check to see that the room is set up properly. ▪ Check equipment prior to the presentation to assure

that it works. ▪ Make sure extension cords, etc. are "taped down", if

need be, to avoid tripping. ▪ If you are using the videotape version of the

program, run the "leader" up to the point where the program begins.


CONDUCTING THE SESSION


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CONDUCTING THE SESSION The Initial Steps In conducting the session remember the positive nature of this presentation. Everyone is attending in order to learn more about DOT hazardous materials regulations, as well as how to recognize and identify the hazardous materials that they may encounter in their jobs. Initially, you need to:

Introduce yourself as the session leader.

State the title of the program, "Handling and Transporting Hazardous Materials: A General Awareness Program".

State the purpose of this session (to learn more about the

DOT HAZMAT regulations, as well as how to recognize and identify hazardous materials).

Inform the attendees when there will be breaks (if you plan

them) the location of exits and restrooms and if water, coffee, or other refreshments will be available.

Make sure all of the attendees have "signed in" on your

scheduling and attendance sheet. Remember, it is very important to document peoples' attendance at the session.

Once this housekeeping is done, it is time to move to the "meat" of the session. First, the attendees need to be informed about the objectives of the session (this is where you can use a flip chart or board to list the objectives, which should be done prior to the class starting). This listing should be preceded with some introductory remarks. Your own words are always best, but the remarks should go along the lines of the following:

"Today we are going to talk about the Department of Transportation's regulations on handling and transporting hazardous materials, and what those regulations mean to us in our environment."


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"As you know, any number of materials can be hazardous... for many different reasons. Skin contact with some substances can cause rashes or other forms of dermatitis. Other materials can harm our eyes, lungs or even internal organs. Some of these materials can cause immediate effects, other effects only occur after repeated long-term exposure."

"The Department of Transportation is concerned enough about hazardous materials and their effects on us that they have created several regulations dealing with handling and transporting hazardous materials safely and securely. These regulations are broad enough that they affect all types of employees, including those of us who work in the warehouse, people working in shipping and receiving, anyone who packs or unpacks hazardous materials, as well as truck drivers, train engineers and others who actually transport hazardous materials from one place to another."

"One of the major emphases of these regulations is on training. We need to be able to recognize and identify hazardous materials, know where we may encounter them in our jobs, know how to protect ourselves when working with them, how to keep them secure, as well as know what to do in emergency situations that involve these materials."

"Learning more about these areas, as well as the requirements in the DOT regulations, is the focus of this session. In order to do that, these are the things we would like to accomplish here today (verbally reference the 'Objectives' list provided in the second section of this guide verbally, or indicate to the board or chart where you have written them down)."

Once the objectives have been provided, you are ready to show the program. However, you need to let the attendees know that they will be taking a quiz at the end of the session. It needs to be emphasized that the quiz is being used to see if the session is effectively transmitting information to them in a way they will remember. The quiz will also permit employees to receive the certification regarding this training that the DOT requires.


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Showing the Program At this point, you need to introduce the title of the videotape program once again, "Handling and Transporting Hazardous Materials: A General Awareness Program", darken the lights if necessary, and begin the showing of the program. If you are using the DVD version of the course you have several options as to how you can move through the program and what employees see. The DVD menu has three "selection bars":

"Play".

"Scene Index".

"Contact Info". To just play the program from beginning to end, select "Play". To view (or review) a specific section of the program, select "Scene Index". You will be presented with a group of buttons, each of which corresponds to a section of the program. You can then select the specific section that you want to view. If you would like information on other programs and products that are available from MARCOM you can select "Contact Info" for information about how to contact us. All of our DVDs, both English and Spanish, are subtitled (similar to closed captioning). If there are hearing impaired employees participating in your training session, or you want people to be able to read the program narration as well as hear it, push the "subtitle" button on your DVD player's remote control or the player's control panel. A print version of the narration will then appear on the screen as the video plays.

Conducting the Discussion After the program has been shown it is time for the group discussion on the information contained in the session. Care must be taken to make sure that the discussion is kept to the general topic of the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations and how to recognize and identify hazardous materials. There are


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several ways to conduct these discussions. They include:

- Calling for questions from the attendees and using these questions as the basis for the discussion.

- "Leading" the discussion through the points covered in the

program, using statements such as: ▪ "One of the sections that we saw in the program

discussed things that might indicate to us that we are dealing with a hazardous material. What 'indicators' do we encounter in our facility that could provide us with advance warning that a material is hazardous?"

▪ "We saw some interesting information about 'hazard classes'. How many hazard classes can you name and which of them are we likely to encounter here?"

You should use the discussion format that you are most comfortable with. The "Outline of Major Program Points" section in this guide, and the questions and answers in the master copy of the quiz should be used as a basis for this discussion. Remember, you have allocated a limited amount of time in which this discussion can take place. It is important to blend the attendees' questions and areas of obvious interest with the objective of trying to touch on each major area within the program in the discussion. By touching on each area, the attendees are much more likely to retain the information presented in the session.

Concluding the Presentation Once discussion has concluded (whether naturally or you have had to bring the discussion to a close in order to complete the session within the time allowed), it is time to give the quiz. Again, remind the attendees that the quiz is meant to help determine how effective the presentation of the


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information is, and that they will be graded. Let them know that they have approximately five minutes to complete the quiz. At the end of the five minute period, remind the attendees to date and sign their quizzes and then collect them. The attendees should be thanked for attending the session and reminded of any other sessions in the educational program that they may be attending. They can then be dismissed to return to their normal activities. *(An alternative to this approach is to give the quiz immediately after showing the program, then use a review of the quiz as a basis for your group discussion.)

"Wrapping Up" the Paperwork Before much time has passed, and the subject matter is fresh in your mind, several areas of "paperwork" must be completed. First, check to make sure that all attendees signed the scheduling and attendance form. Also, make sure that you have a quiz from every attendee, dated and signed. Unlike many other regulations, 49 CFR 172.700 requires that employees who receive this training are also tested on it. The DOT has also included rigorous recordkeeping requirements in these regulations. The scheduling and attendance form will serve to provide overall information on who you have trained and on what date. However, you should also begin (or update) your records for each individual employee, showing what training they have received and when it was given. This can be done manually or via computer records (there is a form that can be copied and used for this purpose in the "Accompanying Materials" section of this guide). Remember, the fact that an employee has received the proper training and has been tested must be certified in writing. There is also a form that can be used for this purpose in the "accompanying materials" section of this guide.


OUTLINE OF MAJOR PROGRAM POINTS


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OUTLINE OF MAJOR PROGRAM POINTS The following outline summarizes the major points of information presented in the program. The outline can be used to review the program before conducting a classroom session, as well as in preparing to lead a class discussion about the program.

- Every day facilities across the U.S. send out thousands of shipments.

▪ We depend on safe and efficient transportation by air, land and sea to get these goods to their destinations.

- Some of these materials require special attention.

▪ Some are fragile. ▪ Others are bulky. ▪ Some are hard to handle.

- Other shipments, however, need attention for a more

important reason. ▪ These are the ones that pose health and safety risks. ▪ They are what we call "hazardous materials".

- It is extremely important to handle these hazardous materials

safely. ▪ Not handling them properly can lead to serious

incidents, such as chemical spills and fires.

- To prevent these types of accidents, the U.S. Department of Transportation has developed a set of regulations addressing the handling of hazardous materials.

▪ These regulations, located in 49 CFR, parts 100 B 185, are referred to as the HMR (hazardous materials regulations).

▪ To keep them as comprehensive as possible, the HMR are revised frequently.

▪ The most recent revisions are designed to combat the threat of terrorism, by increasing the security of hazardous materials during transportation.


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- While they are being transported, hazardous materials are particularly vulnerable.

▪ Unlike at fixed facilities, there is much less security when materials are on the move.

▪ When materials are "mobile" they can easily be taken to population centers or industrial targets, where they can cause devastating damage.

- So if you work with hazardous materials, you need to know

about these "HAZMAT" regulations.

- The Department of Transportation defines a hazardous material as...

▪ "A substance or material... which has been determined by the Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce."

- Each regulated material is listed in the "Hazardous Materials

Table" in the hazardous materials regulations. ▪ The table lists the materials alphabetically, by proper

shipping name. ▪ The table shows you where to find all of the

information necessary for shipping each material, from proper labeling to proper packaging.

- The table is revised periodically, so make sure you are using

the most up-to-date version available.

- The Department of Transportation's HMRs affect all "HAZMAT employers". These are companies that:

▪ Are involved in transporting hazardous materials. ▪ Cause hazardous materials to be transported. ▪ Manufacture, recondition or test containers that are

used in the transportation of hazardous materials.


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- The hazardous materials regulations also affect all "HAZMAT employees." HAZMAT employee" is defined very broadly, and includes:

▪ Anyone who directly affects a hazardous material's transport (loads, unloads or otherwise handles the material).

▪ Workers who prepare hazardous materials for transport.

▪ Employees who are responsible for assuring that safe handling procedures are followed when hazardous materials are used.

▪ Workers who manufacture, recondition or test containers or other packaging that is used in the transportation of hazardous materials.

▪ Vehicle operators, such as truck drivers and train engineers, who transport hazardous materials.

- No matter what role you play in the transportation of

hazardous materials, one of the most important requirements of the HMR is that you participate in training.

- The Department of Transportation has defined five different

types of training for HAZMAT employees. This training is designed to:

▪ Increase employees' awareness of the potential dangers of transporting and handling hazardous materials.

▪ Demonstrate how to work with hazardous materials safely.

▪ Enhance the security measures that are taken for hazardous materials during transportation.

- The first type of training is "general awareness training" (the

topic of this program). ▪ This training focuses on helping employees

recognize hazardous materials.


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- The second type of training is "function-specific training". ▪ This addresses how each worker's specific job is

effected by hazardous materials. ▪ For instance, people in a shipping department need

to know how to pack hazardous materials for transport, so that employees who make deliveries or unpack the materials for storage will be safe.

- The third type of training required by the HMR is "safety

training". It covers: ▪ Emergency response information. ▪ Measures that can be taken to protect employees

from hazardous materials. ▪ Methods and procedures used to avoid accidents.

- Because of the increased threat that terrorists could use

hazardous materials as "weapons of mass destruction", the DOT has created two types of security-related training as well.

- All HAZMAT employees must undergo "security awareness"

training, which covers: ▪ The security risks associated with hazardous

materials. ▪ The procedures to enhance the security of

hazardous materials during transportation. ▪ The ability to recognize and respond to possible

security threats.

- "In-depth security training" must be given to all HAZMAT employees who work for companies that are required by the DOT to maintain a security plan. This includes:

▪ Companies that transport any quantity of "extremely dangerous" materials (such as radioactive chemicals, certain types of explosives and some substances that are defined as "poisonous by inhalation").

▪ Companies that deal with shipments of hazardous materials which are large enough to require placarding under DOT regulations.


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- "In-depth security training" must cover: ▪ The company's security objectives. ▪ Specific security procedures. ▪ Employee responsibilities. ▪ Actions to take in the event of a security breech. ▪ The company's organizational security structure.

- When we think about hazardous materials, one of the things

we need to remember is that we can encounter them in a number of places.

- If you work for a company that sells hazardous materials,

you can find them: ▪ Out on a delivery truck. ▪ In storage facilities like tanks and warehouses.

- If your facility uses hazardous materials you can find them:

▪ On trucks arriving at the loading dock. ▪ In various locations where research, manufacturing

or maintenance is being performed.

- If you company is involved in transportation, you may encounter hazardous materials:

▪ On trucks. ▪ In railroad cars. ▪ On ships. ▪ Even in pipelines.

- No matter what your job description is, "warning indicators"

such as labels are one of the best ways to determine whether or not you are handling hazardous materials.

- Hazardous materials are divided into nine different "classes".

▪ Each class has its own specific label. ▪ These labels are used on boxes and other containers

to identify both the primary and secondary hazards of the materials inside.


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- "Hazard class labels" are meant to attract attention. So they: ▪ Are diamond shaped. ▪ Must measure at least 100 millimeters (3.9 inches)

on each side.

- Each hazard class has it own symbol, which must appear in the top corner of the diamond. Labels must also:

▪ Be a specific color. ▪ Have the "hazard class number" at the bottom of the

diamond.

- You may also see placards with these same symbols on things such as trucks and rail cars that are carrying large quantities of hazardous materials.

- Because placards are meant to be seen when they are in

motion, they are bigger than labels. ▪ Placards must measure at least 273 millimeters (10.7

inches) on each side.

- Placards must only show information that describes the shipment.

▪ Messages like "drive safely" and "have a nice day" are no longer allowed to appear on placards and placard holders.

- Specific hazard information, such as additional handling

precautions and prohibitions, can sometimes also be found on the outsides of packages and containers.

- Other types of markings are important too.

▪ Labels such as "cargo aircraft only" or "this end up" serve notice that a specific type of handling is required.

- Make sure that you take note of all labels and markings on a

container... and take the precautions that they indicate are necessary.


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- The "shipping papers" that accompany hazardous materials are another good source of hazard information.

- The most important thing that shipping papers are required

to list is the material's "basic description". This includes: ▪ It's proper DOT "shipping name". ▪ The material's "hazard class". ▪ The material's four-digit "identification number". ▪ The material's "packing group" (this indicates the

degree of danger associated with the material).

- Two other pieces of important information must also appear on the shipping papers:

▪ The total quantity of the material being shipped. ▪ A 24-hour emergency response telephone number

that can be used to get additional information in the event of an incident.

- The last section of the shipping papers is a declaration that

the shipment is safe, and that it has been packed according to the rules in the HMR.

▪ This must be signed by the provider of the hazardous material.

- Remember, packages can not be released for shipment

unless they are in full compliance with all the requirements in the regulations.

- Another resource for important information about hazardous

materials is the Department of Transportation's "Emergency Response Guidebook".

▪ It provides first responders with easy-to-use instructions for handling emergencies involving hazardous materials.

- Since materials have similar hazards, the book has divided

initial emergency response actions into over sixty "guides". ▪ To determine which action should be taken in the

event of a HAZMAT incident, simply look up the material that is involved and the guidebook with point you to the appropriate "guide number".


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- The guidebook is updated frequently, just like the hazardous materials regulations.

▪ So you must be aware of recent revisions and make sure that you are using the most up-to-date version available.

- In addition to ensuring that everyone who works with

hazardous materials is appropriately trained, another objective of the HMR is to make sure that employees know how to correctly pack hazardous materials.

▪ This means that packaging must meet or exceed the international performance-oriented packaging requirements established by the United Nations.

- To make sure that the containers you are using are safe, you

can consult the hazardous materials table.

- If you are involved with loading packages, you are one of the last lines of defense for ensuring that materials are packed according to DOT requirements.

▪ You also need to make sure that each package is undamaged.

▪ If there is a problem, you shouldn't load it.

- Once you confirm that everything is safely packed up: ▪ Double-check that each package has been labeled

and marked according to the HMR. ▪ Make sure that the shipping papers are ready to go

with the shipment.

- As you get ready to load the shipment, remember that some types of materials can be dangerous if they are shipped or stored together.

▪ In the event of an accident, these materials can react violently with each other.

▪ To help guard against this problem, the Department of Transportation has developed tables in the HMR that dictate which hazardous materials must be segregated from one another.


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- If you are responsible for shipping hazardous materials, you need to make sure that all delivery vans, trailers, tankers and other transport vehicles are properly placarded.

▪ Placards must be displayed on each end and each side of vehicles and freight containers.

▪ Placarding specifications can be found in the two placarding tables in section 172.504 of the HMR.

▪ The tables describe what placards are required for each material, depending on how dangerous it is and how much of it is being shipped.

- All carriers must keep a ready supply of extra placards and

labels on hand at terminals or similar locations, in case the originals are lost or damaged.

- Whenever hazardous materials are on the move, it's

important that their shipping papers be readily available, no matter how the materials are being transported.

▪ In addition to basic information about the materials that are being shipped, these papers list actions that should be taken in case of an accident or other emergency.

▪ For motor vehicles, the papers are usually kept inside a pouch on the driver's door.

▪ They can also be kept other places in the cab, as long as they are within "arms' reach" of the driver.

▪ They must also be in a location where they won't be confused with other documents.

- Once a shipment arrives at a facility, there are a few things

that need to be checked out before it is unloaded. ▪ First, make sure the shipping papers are in order. ▪ Then check the shipping papers and any container

labels for special handling instructions (such as whether personal protective equipment should be used when handling the materials).


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- If you are involved in receiving or storing hazardous materials, remember not to accept damaged packages.

▪ If you find a damaged package already on the shelf, notify your supervisor.

- Many materials require specially controlled storage areas.

▪ Flammables and combustibles, for instance, should be kept away from heat and other potential sources of ignition.

▪ Don't forget to keep materials that need to be segregated away from each other.

- You can help avoid incidents when you are handling and

transporting hazardous materials by taking the time to work with them safely... and making sure that they are "secured" properly.

* * * SUMMARY * * *

- Know your role, and be on the lookout for hazardous materials as you go about your work.

- Understand the HMR completely, so that you can spot

potential problems. ▪ Be especially aware of security risks.

- Know how to use the hazardous materials table and other

references to get answers to your questions.

- Make sure that packages, labels, placards and shipping papers meet compliance requirements.

- Remember, the regulations are there to protect us all.

- Following the HMR will make handling and transporting

hazardous materials safe for everyone!


handling and transporting hazardous materials:...

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