Drivers transporting dangerous goods are required to identify hazardous contents to protect people sharing the road with them - including first responders. Per U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) DOT 49 CFR 172.504(a) “… each transport vehicle and freight container containing any quantity of a hazardous material must be placarded on each end and each side with the type of placards specified…”
The DOT requires the proper identification and classification of hazardous materials during transporting and shipping. These regulations (HM-181 & HM-206) can be further explored on The U.S. Department of Transportation website.
The Hazardous Materials Marking, Labeling, and Placarding Guide recently made changes per Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to DOT Chart 16:
The placard identifies the material within the proper classification. For complete information on labeling regulations, see 49 CFR, Part 172, Subpart E, or view the information here.
What are the nine hazard classifications used for identifying dangerous materials in transport vehicles?
The nine main hazard classifications have mandated color schemes, symbols, words, and numbers to identify the hazardous material. These DOT placards are printed in a square diamond format.
The nine hazard classifications are:
Are drivers required to be trained on specific hazards prior to transporting them?
According to Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) officials, the requirements to have hazardous materials endorsement (HME) on your license are triggered by placarding. PHMSA requires yearly registration for anyone who offers or transports hazardous materials.
Additionally, transporters of class 9 hazmat must receive hazmat training. Per the Environmental, Health, and safety (EHS), the training must include general awareness, function-specific, safety, and security awareness training under PHMSA regulations as well as driver training in the applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and the procedures necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles.
Please note: The PHMSA document is for general guidance only and should not be used to determine compliance with 49 CFR, Parts 100-185.
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