Hazmat Transportation Safety Tips

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and its regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180), impose broad requirements for every aspect of hazardous materials transportation, including preparing materials for shipping.

DOT regulations basically require that:

• Packaging used for hazardous materials shipments must have been manufactured, assembled, and tested according to the DOT regulations.


• Packaging meets specific performance requirements (for example, leakproof).


• All hazardous materials are packed according to the written instructions from the packaging manufacturer.


• Packages that contain hazardous materials must not have been overfilled.


• The materials have been properly secured and cushioned.


• Packages that contain hazardous materials have been properly closed and sealed so that materials cannot leak or escape.

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Compatibility and Identification Requirements

Furthermore, as employees are instructed in the OSHA Training System’s hazmat transport training session, chemicals packed and shipped together must be compatible. This means:

• Before packing different hazardous substances together for shipment, employees must consult the Segregation Table for Hazardous Materials in the regulations to make sure the materials are compatible and won’t react with one another during transport.



• Materials that could react with one another during shipment cannot be packaged and shipped together.

Shipments of hazardous materials must also be properly identified. This means:

• Hazard class number and hazard name must appear on the shipping label and shipping documents.
• Package or container markings must include the name of the substance and the chemical identification number of the hazardous material. Markings must be durable, in English, and not obscured by other markings or labels.
• Container labels and placards on transport trucks, rail cars, etc., must identify the hazard by name and with a picture (for example, a flame for flammable materials) as well as give the hazard class number.

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Big Training in a Small Package

This is just a small sampling of the training materials in the OSHA Training System. As its name implies, this is a complete system to meet your full training needs. All the materials are prepared in advance, so no prep time is required. All you do is reproduce what you need and put it to use. Materials include:

• 32 complete safety units, meeting every key OSHA standard. Each includes full background for trainers, a ready-to-use safety meeting, and follow-up handouts. View a Table of Contents.


• Quizzes, handouts, and copies of 27 different employee booklets, coordinated to the safety meetings. (Booklets can be bought in any quantity at a discount.)


• A complete training recordkeeping and tracking system that tells you which employees need what training, and then tracks your program to ensure they get it.


• Quarterly updates, included with the program. You receive at least 4 new safety units every 90 days, covering new OSHA standards and training needs. ,

If you share the common problem of never having enough time or the right materials for training, we’d suggest you examine the OSHA Training System program. We’ve arranged for you to do so for up to 30 days at no cost or risk. Just let us know and we’ll be happy to make all the arrangements.

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