Transportation of Hazardous Materials

This book has been written as a guidebook to understanding and applying the Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazard Materials Regulations (H M R) to the shipment and handling of regulated hazardous materials. The intent is to provide a general reference that can be used by industry managers to provide training on hazard awareness and to assist in job specific training of employees involved in regulated hazardous materials and articles transportation. DOT specifies that all employees involved in the preparation, handling, and transportation of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes be trained in the regulations. This is designed to increase safety awareness and to improve emergency preparedness for responding to transportation incidents. Specific training includes: 1. General awareness and familiarization training 2. Function-specific training 3. Safety training The U.S. DOT regulations require that at a minimum, hazardous materials (hazmat) employees undergo general awareness training in hazardous materials transportation. Material presented in this book will assist you and your organization in meeting that requirement. What can happen if the company does not comply with the regulations? 1. Delays on shipments 2. Fines and penalties 3. Embarrassment to the company 4. Danger or incidents that effect health, safety, or the environment Civil penalties can be imposed when the hazardous materials regulations are not followed. Some examples are: not marking the correct proper shipping name on a package, or placing a placard on a vehicle that does not contain hazardous materials. There is no requirement that the violation be intentional orthat the person committing the violation even know that there are hazardous Materials Regulations in existence. The shipper, forwarder, and carrier, as appropriate, may face civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. When