DOT Hazmat – Highway Carrier Loading and Unloading Requirements

The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) apply to the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce. This includes the movement of these materials, plus all associated loading, unloading, and storage activities. Part 177 of the HMR contains requirements related to the transportation of hazardous materials by private, common, and contract “for hire” motor carriers. These carriers must also comply with several other Parts of the HMR, and many requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

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Course Details

Learning Objectives


• Define the terms “hazardous material,” “exclusive use,” and “sole use,” according to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
• Describe when the HMR apply to highway hazardous materials shipments
• Describe the shipping paper recordkeeping requirements for hazmat carriers
• List general loading and unloading requirements for hazardous materials
• List the loading and unloading requirements for hazardous materials in Classes 1-5, 7, and 8 and Divisions 2.3 and 6.1

Specs

Course Level Intermediate
Languages English
Compatibility Audio, Video
Based on: 49 CFR, Subpart D, Part 177

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Key Questions

What kind of training is required for drivers transporting hazardous materials?
In addition to general hazmat employee training and FMCSR-required training, hazmat driver training must cover vehicle operations, pre-trip inspections, vehicle attendance, parking, smoking, routing, incident reporting, and loading and unloading of materials.

Are their special loading requirements for cylinders containing Class 2 Gases?
Among other requirements, cylinders containing Class 2 Gases must be adequately secured, packed, or restrained to prevent movement under normal transportation conditions.

What is an “exclusive use” vehicle used to transport Class 7 Radioactive materials?
“Exclusive use” means that the current shipment only contains radioactive materials and is under the direction of a single consignor.

What is the difference between a “sole use” vehicle and an “exclusive use” vehicle used to transport Radioactive materials?
“Exclusive use” vehicles only sometimes transport Radioactive materials, while “sole use” vehicles are only ever used to transport Radioactive materials.

Are there any special requirements for vehicles used to transport Division 6.2 Infectious substances?
Vehicles used to transport Division 6.2 Infectious substances must be disinfected prior to reuse if any material is released during transport.

Sample Video Transcript

Loading and unloading requirements for Class 1 Explosives include:
• The engine must be turned off during loading and unloading, unless an exception listed in Section 177.835(a) applies
• Handle explosives with care – do not use bale hooks or metal tools, drop or throw packages, or place explosives anywhere near hot tailpipe exhaust

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