HAZMAT

What to expect?

Getting Started with Hazmat (HM) Basics

In this lesson, you’ll learn the must-know basics for hauling hazardous materials the right way. We’ll go over the key rules and responsibilities that help keep you, others, and the road safe —all based on FMCSR regulations.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What needs to be on the shipping papers

How to mark and label hazmat packages

When and how to use placards on your vehicle

What emergency info you need to carry

What the shipper is responsible for before you even hit the road

By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of what’s expected when you’re dealing with hazmat.

How to Get Your Hazmat Endorsement Want to haul hazardous materials?

Here’s the step-by-step process to add the Hazmat (H) Endorsement to your CDL:

Step 1:Complete an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) course —just like the one you’re taking now!

Step2:Pass the Hazmat Knowledge Test at your local DMV/DPS office.(Need help scheduling your appointment? Contact our office —we’ll book it for you at your convenience.)

Step 3:Get fingerprinted and complete a TSA background check. The DPS will guide you through this process.

Important: You may be denied or lose your Hazmat Endorsement if you:

Are not a lawful permanent U.S. resident (including some work permits)

Renounce your U.S. citizenship

Are under indictment or have certain felony convictions

Have been declared mentally unfit or committed to a mental institution

Are considered a security threat by the TSA

Once your TSA background check is approved, your Hazmat Endorsement will be added to your CDL. Let us know if you need help at any step!

Let’s Warm Up!

How to Identify a Hazmat Endorsement on Your CDL

The “H” Endorsementmeans you're certified to transport hazardous materials that require placards.

What to look for on your CDL:An “H”will appear in the endorsement section of your license.

Example CDL with Hazmat Endorsement:

When is it required?You must have the Hazmat endorsement if you're hauling materials that require the vehicle to display placards like these:

Example Placards:

Flammable (Class 3)

Corrosive (Class 8)

Explosive (Class 1)

Know the Rules Before You Haul Hazmat

Before you transport hazardous materials, it’s important to understand and follow all safety regulations. These rules are in place to protect you, the public, and the environment.

The main goals of Hazmat regulations are to:

Contain the product. Prevent leaks, spills, or releases during transport.

Communicate the risk. Use labels, placards, and paperwork to let everyone know what’s being transported.

Ensure safe drivers and equipment Make sure drivers are properly trained and vehicles are in safe working condition.

Understanding and following these rules isn’t just the law —it’s what keeps everyone safe on the road.

Keeping the Product SafeSome hazardous materials can harm or even kill on contact. That’s why there are rules for safely packaging, loading, and unloading these products—especially in bulk tanks.

Warning About the DangerShippers use shipping papers and diamond-shaped labels to show the risks to drivers and workers.

Section 1: Placards

A hazard class is a group of hazardous chemical substances that share similar properties. Systems of hazard classes are used to group hazards together in a manner based on an internally consistent set of technical criteria.

Hazard classification system allow individuals to efficiently identify and understand the dangers that are posed by a chemical, and well as ensure that this information is communicated between individuals in a uniform.

The next slides will show each type of class and its placards.

Class 1 -Explosives = Ammunition, Dynamite, Fireworks

Class 2 -Gas = Propane, Oxygen, Helium

Class 3 -Flammable = Gasoline, Acetone

Class 4 -Flammable Solids = Matches, Fuses

Class 5 -Oxidizers = Ammonium Nitrate, Hydrogen, Peroxide

Class 6-Poisons = Pesticides, Arsenic

Class 7 -Radioactive = Uranium, Plutonium

Class 8 -Corrosives = Hydrochloric Acid, Battery Fluid

Class 9 -Miscellaneous HM = Formaldehyde Asbestos

Dangerous & Limited Quantity Marking

Section 2: Shippers Responsibilities

Hazmat Transportation Training

This lesson covers the key skills needed to safely transport hazardous materials. Having a proper training program helps hazmat drivers handle emergencies quickly and correctly. When hauling hazardous materials, it’s important to:

Know how to load and unload safely

Read and understand shipping papers

Plan your route before starting your trip

Shipper Responsibilities Shippers are responsible for sending hazardous products by truck, train, ship, or airplane.

They must follow regulations to identify the products :

ID number

Proper shipping name

Hazard class

Packing group

Correct packaging

Labels and markings

Placards Shippers must also: Package, mark, and label the product correctly

Prepare shipping papers and emergency info

Provide and certify that placards and paperwork follow all safety rules

Driver Responsibilities

It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure the shipper has properly identified, marked, and labeledthe hazardous materials.

If any packages are leaking, the driver must refuseto accept them.

Once the shipment is loaded, the driver must use the correct placardsfor the hazardous materials being hauled.

The driver is now responsible for safely transportingthe shipment to its destination. If the materials require special rules or instructions, the driver must follow the guidance provided.

Drivers must always keep the shipping papers and emergency response information in the proper placeduring the trip.

Section 3: Reporting Hazmat Crashes and Releases

This lesson teaches the proper steps for reporting hazardous materials (hazmat) incidents and how to complete and submit incident reports correctly.

Emergency Contacts

If a hazmat incident occurs, anyone in physical possession of the material must report it as soon as possible, but no later than 12 hours after the incident.

To report, contact the National Response Center (NRC)at:800-424-8802(toll-free) or 202-267-2675(toll call)Or file online at: http://www.nrc.uscg.mil

Who Must Complete the Report?

Anyone in control of the hazardous material during transportation, loading, unloading, or temporary storagemust report incidents that meet certain conditions. This usually includes:

Carriers(drivers, trucking companies)

Warehousesor storage facilities if the shipment is being temporarily held

If required, they must fill out DOT Form F 5800.1.

Federal Regulations

Under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), 49 CFR Parts 171–180, two sections apply:

Section 171.15–Requires an immediate phone reportwithin 12 hoursfor certain hazmat incidents.

Section 171.16–Requires a written report within 30 days, with a follow-up report within 1 yearif needed.

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

Vehicles carrying certain hazardous materials must stopbefore crossing railroad tracks. The stop must be:

At least 15 feet but no more than 50 feetfrom the nearest rail

Drivers must listen and look both waysfor an approaching train before crossing

You may only cross once it is safe, and shifting gears while on the tracks is not allowed

Warning Signs and Devices

Advance Warning Signs:A round, yellow sign with a black “X” and “RR” is placed before railroad crossings.

This sign tells drivers to slow down, look, listen for trains, and be ready to stop.

All passenger vehicles and vehicles carrying hazmat must stop at railroad crossings.

Hazmat Vehicles and Tunnels

Hazardous materials should not be driven through tunnels unless there is no alternative route.

You cannot take a tunnel simply because it’s shorter.

Hazardous Materials Regulations do not override state or local lawsthat may have stricter rules about hazmat in urban tunnels or mass transit tunnels.

General Loading Rules

Always set the parking brakebefore loading or unloading to keep the vehicle from moving.

Load hazardous materials away from heat sources, since heat can make them more dangerous.

Check for leaking or damaged containers—leaking packages are unsafe and illegal to transport.

Containers must be braced securelyso they don’t move during transport.

Important Safety Tips

Do not openany packages during your trip.

Never transfer hazardous materialsfrom one package to another while driving.

No smoking or ignition sourcesnear the vehicle when loading or unloading:Explosives (Class 1)

Flammable gases (Class 2.1)

Flammable liquids (Class 3)

Flammable solids (Class 4)

Oxidizers (Class 5)

Check your load and vehicle regularly, especially after rest stops and at least every 100 miles.

Secure the Load

Brace containers so they won’t fall, slide, or bounce during transport.

Be extra careful with containers that have valves or fittings.

You may empty cargo tanks on the vehicle, but do not open or empty other packages during transit.

Section 6: Hazmat Loading, Unloading, and Transport Safety

Cargo Heater Rules

You cannot use cargo heaterswhen hauling:

Class 1 –Explosives

Class 2.1 –Flammable Gases

Class 3 –Flammable Liquids

Heaters (including automatic ones) can cause fires. Don’t load these materials in a heated space unless you’ve read and understand the specific rules.

No Overhang Loads

You must use a closed cargo spacefor:

Class 1 –Explosives

Class 4 –Flammable Solids

Class 5 –Oxidizers

Unless all packages are fire-and water-resistant (or covered by proper tarp), do not transport them with overhang or tailgate loads.

Handling Explosives (Class 1)

Turn off the enginebefore loading or unloading.

Check the cargo spacefor sharp edges or broken panels.

Disable cargo heaterscompletely.

Use non-metallic or non-ferrous floor linersfor Division 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 explosives.

Never use hooksor drop/throw explosive packages.

Don’t transfer explosivesfrom one truck to another on public roads—unless it’s an emergency.

Never move damaged or stained packages.

Explosives CANNOT be transportedwith:

Marked/placarded cargo tanks

Class 7 –Radioactive (Yellow III)

Division 2.3 –Poison Gas

Division 6.1 –Poisons

Materials in DOT 106A/110A tanks

Class 4 and 5 (Flammable Solids & Oxidizers)

Must be fully enclosed or securely covered

Keep materials dryif they react with water

Use ventilationif the material gets hot or unstable by itself

Class 8 (Corrosives)

Handle breakable containers by handand keep upright

Don’t stack unless lower containers can hold the weight

Never load corrosives with:Class 1 –Explosives

Class 4.1 –Flammable Solids

Class 4.3 –Dangerous When Wet

Class 5 –Oxidizers

Division 2.3 –Poison Gas (Zone A/B)

Division 6.1 –Poisons (Zone A)

Class 2 – Compressed Gases (including Cryogenic Liquids)

Cylinders must be:Upright and secured

In racks, boxes, or designed horizontal carriers (with vapor relief valve)

Never load near food or in the cab/sleeper

Don’t use containers with interconnections

Class 7 – Radioactive Materials

Packages are labeled Radioactive IIor III

Each has a Transport Index (TI)—this tells how much radiation is present

The total TI in a vehicle must not exceed 50

Distance from people, animals, and film depends on the TI

Tank Loading & Unloading

A qualified person must be presentduring loading/unloadingBe alert and nearby (within 25 feet)

Know the risks and emergency steps

Be able to move the vehicle if needed

Special rules apply for propaneand anhydrous ammonia

Flammable Liquids

Turn off the enginebefore loading/unloading

Ground the tank before and during filling through an open hole

Keep ground connection in place until everything is sealed

Compressed Gas

Keep valves closedexcept during loading/unloading

If using the engine for a pump, turn it off afterunloading

Always chock trailersbefore unhooking or moving

Manholes & Valves

Close all valves and manholesbefore moving

It is illegalto move a tank with valves or covers open (unless it’s completely empty per 49 CFR 173.29)

Hazmat on Passenger Vehicles

Hazardous materials are not allowedon passenger vehicles unless it's:

Small arms ammunition

Emergency drugs or supplies

Military munitions(special cases only)

If no other way of transport is available:

Max 99 lbsof Class 1 (Explosives)

Total hazmat limit: 496 lbs

Secured cylinders under 250 lbsmay be allowed if used for vehicle operation

Section 7: Bulk Packages and Rollover Prevention

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in association with the Pipeline ang Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) and industry partners, created this tool as a training aid for commercial.

This training video covers the reducing cargo tank truck rollovers:

• Vehicle design and performance

• Load effects

• Highway factors

• Driver factors

Over 78% of rollovers involve driver error. As a driver. YOU are the key component for preventing rollovers.

So why do rollovers happen and what can you do to prevent them? This Cargo Tank Truck Prevention video answers those questionand more.

• You'll see how rollovers happen, why they happen, ad what can do to avoid them.

• You'll hear how vehicle design and loads affect rollover potential.

• You'll learn the warningsigns of unsafe behaviors and conditions that contribute to rollovers.

• And you'll watch survivors of rollovers tell their stories.

Operating Emergency Equipment (Hazmat Vehicles)

This lesson explains how to safely load, unload, and operate emergency systemson a vehicle carrying hazardous materials—especially cargo tanks.

Before Loading or Unloading

Set the hand braketo keep the vehicle from moving.

Turn off the engine, unless it powers the transfer pump.If the engine must run, it should be off when connecting and disconnecting hoses.

No smoking or open flamesnear the vehicle during unloading.

Emergency Procedures

Drivers must carry written emergency proceduresin the vehicle. These must explain:

How passive shutdown systemswork (automatic shut-off)

How active shutdown systemswork (manual/remote shut-off)

What to do in case of a leak or emergency

Daily Shut-Off Test (49 CFR 177.840)

Test required daily—within 18 hours of the first delivery.

During the test:All valves must closeproperly

Engine and auxiliary systems must shut off

For wireless remotes, stand at least 150 feet away(line of sight is okay).

Before Unloading

Inspect hoses and pipes—they must be secure and in good condition.

This must be done under pressure(equal to the tank).

The driver must always carry and be holdingthe remote shut-off during unloading.

If There’s a Leak (e.g., Propane)

Immediately close the internal stop valve

Shut down all power

Use the remote shut-offif the truck has one

Warn others and secure the area

Leak Testing Methods

1. Meter Creep Test

Start the flow of propane

Close the internal stop valve

The flow must stop within 30 seconds

There should be no movement (creep)for at least 5 secondsafter stopping

If there is creep = FAIL

2. Internal Valve Leak Test

Close the valve

Evacuate the piping

Let it return to room pressure and temperature

If any propane leaks within 30 seconds= FAIL

Section 8: Emergency Response Procedures (Simplified Version)

This section teaches you what to do in case of a hazardous material (Hazmat) emergency. It also covers how to safely respond, protect the public, and follow up after the incident.

Fires and Spills

• Small Truck Fires
• You may use a fire extinguisher
• Keep shipping papers with you
• Do not open cargo doors—oxygen can make fires worse
• If cargo is burning, do not try to fight it
• Hazmat Fires
• Only trained personnel with proper gear should fight these fires
• If you find a fire:
  - Call for help
  - Warn others
  - Keep people away

Leaking Hazardous Materials

• Only move the vehicle if it's safe
• Move just far enough to protect others
• Keep the trail of contamination as shortas possible
• Use shipping papers and labels to identify what’s leaking
• Never:
• Touch spilled materials
• Smell unknown chemicals
• Eat, drink, or smoke near the scene

Major Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t try to identify materials by smell
• Don’t stay near a spill longer than necessary
• Don’t move leaking vehicles unless it’s safer to do so

What to Do After a Spill

• Park it.
• Secure the area.
• Stay with the vehicle.
• Send someone else for help with:
  - Description of the problem
  - Your location and direction
  - Your name, company, and terminal info

Name/ID number of hazardous material

When a Report Is Required

• You or your employer must report the incidentif:
• Someone dies or is hospitalized
• Property damage is over $50,000
• Public evacuation lasts more than an hour
• Major roadways are closed
• Hazardous materials leak, burn, or explode
• Marine pollutants spill over 119 gallons (liquid)or 882 pounds (solid)

What to Tell the NRC or CHEMTREC

• Be ready with:
• Your name and callback info
• Location and time of incident
• Name and amount of hazardous materials
• Type of container
• Nearby schools, hospitals, waterways
• Any injuries or dangers

Section 9: Engine (Fueling)-Procedures for fueling a vehicle that contains Hazmat

When a motor vehicle that contains hazardous material is being fueled, it's engine must not be operation, and a person must be in control of the fueling process at the point where the fuel tank is filled.

Simplified:You are not allowed to leave the vehicle unattended or let the nozzle fill on its own.