Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/cdl_htm/sec9
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 20:27:33+00:00

Document:
Note: To ensure public safety, DMV examiners will not conduct commercial skills tests in vehicles displaying vehicle placards per CVC §27903. This includes vehicles carrying hazardous materials and/or wastes and vehicles which have not been purged of their hazardous cargo. CVC §15278(a)(4) requires a HazMat endorsement for those who drive a vehicle requiring placards.
Note: Your CDL tests will be based on your knowledge of federal transportation requirements. Text preceded by “California” refers to state (nonfederal) requirements which also apply when driving in California. The state requirements are strictly enforced.
Hazardous materials are products that pose a risk to health, safety, and property during transportation. The term often is shortened to HazMat, which you may see on road signs or to HM in government regulations. Hazardous materials include explosives, various types of gas, solids, flammable and combustible liquid, and other materials. Because of the risks involved and the potential consequences these risks impose, all levels of government regulate the handling of hazardous materials.
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and common references are found in CFR, Title 49, Parts 100–185.
The Hazardous Materials Table in the regulations contains a list of these items. However, this list is not all-inclusive. Whether or not a material is considered hazardous is based on its characteristics and the shipper’s decision on whether or not the material meets a definition of a hazardous material in the regulations.
The regulations require vehicles transporting certain types or quantities of hazardous materials to display diamond-shaped, square on point, warning signs called placards.
This section is designed to assist you in understanding your role and responsibilities in hauling hazardous materials. Due to the constantly changing nature of government regulations, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials in this section. It is essential for your to have an up-to-date copy of the complete regulations. Included in these regulations is a complete glossary of terms.
You must have a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement before you drive any size vehicle that is used to transport hazardous material as defined in CFR, Title 49 §383.5. You must pass a knowledge test about the regulations and requirements to get this endorsement.
Note: A CLP holder is prohibited from transporting HazMat.
Everything you need to know to pass the knowledge test is in this section. However, this is only the beginning. Most drivers need to know much more on the job. You can learn more by reading and understanding the federal and state rules applicable to hazardous materials, as well as attending hazardous materials training courses. Your employer, colleges, universities, and various associations usually offer these courses. You can get copies of the Federal Regulations (CFR, Title 49) through your local government printing office bookstore and various industry publishers. Union or company offices often have copies of the rules for driver use. Find out where you can get your own copy to use on the job.
The regulations require training and testing for all drivers involved in transporting hazardous materials. Your employer or a designated representative is required to provide this training and testing. Hazardous materials employers are required to keep a record of training for each employee as long as that employee is working with hazardous materials, and for 90 days thereafter. The regulations require that hazardous materials employees be trained and tested at least once every 3 years.
All drivers must be trained in the security risks of hazardous materials transportation. This training must include how to recognize and respond to possible security threats.
The regulations also require that drivers have special training before driving a vehicle transporting certain flammable gas materials or highway route controlled quantities of radioactive materials. In addition, drivers transporting cargo tanks and portable tanks must receive specialized training. Each driver’s employer or his or her designated representative must provide such training.
Some locations require permits to transport certain explosives or bulk hazardous wastes. States and counties also may require drivers to follow special hazardous materials routes. The federal government may require permits or exemptions for special hazardous materials cargo such as rocket fuel. Find out about permits, exemptions, and special routes for the places you drive.
Permits. A permit or route restriction may be required to transport some classifications and quantities of hazardous materials. Contact CHP and DOT for information. Permits and registrations may also be required for hazardous waste and medical waste transportation. Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the Department of Health Services respectively, for information.
For a list of TSA agent sites, go online at universalenroll.dhs.gov or call 1-855-347-8371.
Hazardous materials shipments in excess of 500 pounds, transported for a fee, which would require placarding if shipped in greater amounts in the same manner.
A valid legible copy of the carrier’s hazardous materials transportation license must be carried in the vehicle and be presented to any peace officer or duly authorized employee of CHP upon request (CCR, Title 13 §1160.3(g)(2)).
This is in addition to the federal HazMat registration that may be required under CFR, Title 49 §107.601.
Shippers must warn drivers and others about the material’s hazards to communicate the risk. The regulations require shippers to put hazard warning labels on packages, provide proper shipping papers, emergency response information, and placards. These steps communicate the hazard to the shipper, carrier, and driver.
Learn the rules and follow them. Following the rules reduces the risk of injury from hazardous materials. Taking shortcuts by breaking rules is unsafe. Noncompliance with regulations can result in fines and jail.
Inspect your vehicle before and during each trip. Law enforcement officers may stop and inspect your vehicle. When stopped, they may check your shipping papers, vehicle placards, the HazMat endorsement on your CDL, and your knowledge of hazardous materials.
— Correct label and markings.
Must certify on the shipping paper that the shipment has been prepared according to the rules (unless you are pulling cargo tanks supplied by you or your employer).
Makes sure the shipper identified, marked, and labeled the hazardous materials properly.
Placards the vehicle when loading, if required.
Keeps hazardous material shipping papers and emergency response information in the proper place.
A material’s hazard class reflects the risks associated with it. There are 9 different hazard classes. The types of materials included in these 9 classes are in Figure 9.1.
A shipping paper describes the hazardous materials being transported. Shipping orders, bills of lading, and manifests are all shipping papers. Figure 9.6 shows an example of a shipping paper.
— A pouch on the driver’s door.
— Clear view within immediate reach while the seat belt is fastened while driving.
— The driver’s seat when out of the vehicle.
Shippers put diamond-shaped hazard warning labels on most hazardous materials packages. These labels inform others of the hazard. If the diamond label will not fit on the package, shippers may put the label on a tag securely attached to the package. For example, compressed gas cylinders that will not hold a label will have tags or decals. Figure 9.2 shows examples of labels.
Placards. Placards are used to warn others of hazardous materials. Placards are signs put on the outside of a vehicle and on bulk packages, which identify the hazard class of the cargo. A placarded vehicle must have at least 4 identical placards. They are put on the front, rear, and both sides of the vehicle. See Figure 9.3. Placards must be readable from all 4 directions. They are at least 10 3/4 inches square, square-on-point, in a diamond shape. Cargo tanks and other bulk packaging display the ID number of their contents on placards or orange panels or white square-on-point displays that are the same size as placards.
ID numbers are a 4-digit code used by first responders to identify hazardous materials. An ID number may be used to identify more than 1 chemical. The letters “NA" or “UN” will precede the ID number. The U.S. DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) lists the chemicals and the ID numbers assigned to them.
CFR, Title 49 §172.101, the Hazardous Materials Table.
Appendix A to CFR, Title 49 §172.101, the List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities.
Appendix B to CFR, Title 49 §172.101, the List of Marine Pollutants.
The Hazardous Materials Table. Figure 9.4 shows part of the Hazardous Materials Table. Column 1 tells which shipping mode(s) the entry affects and other information concerning the shipping description. The next 5 columns show each material’s shipping name, hazard class or division, ID number, packaging group, and required labels.
6 different symbols may appear in Column 1 of the table.
Shows the proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group to use, even if the material does not meet the hazard class definition.
Means the hazardous material described in Column 2 is subject to the HMR only when offered or intended for transport by air unless it is a hazardous substance or waste.
Means the hazardous material described in Column 2 is subject to the HMR only when offered or intended for transportation by water unless it is a hazardous substance, waste, or marine pollutant.
Means the proper shipping name is appropriate for describing materials for domestic transportation, but may not be proper for international transportation.
Identifies a proper shipping name that is used to describe materials in international transportation. A different shipping name may be used when only domestic transportation is involved.
Means this hazardous material described in Column 2 is a generic shipping name. A generic shipping name must be accompanied by a technical name on the shipping paper.
Column 2 lists the proper shipping names and descriptions of regulated materials. Entries are in alphabetical order so you can quickly find the right entry. The table shows proper shipping names in regular type. The shipping paper must show proper shipping names. Names shown in italics are not proper shipping names.
Column 4 lists the ID number for each proper shipping name. ID numbers are preceded by the letters “NA” or “UN.” The letters “NA” are associated with proper shipping names that are only used within the U.S. and to and from Canada. The ID number must appear on the shipping paper as part of the shipping description and also appear on the package. It also must appear on cargo tanks and other bulk packaging. Police and firefighters use this number to quickly identify the hazardous materials.
Column 6 shows the hazard warning label(s) shippers must put on packages of hazardous materials. Some products require use of more than 1 label due to a dual hazard being present.
Column 8 is a 3-part column showing the section numbers covering the packaging requirements for each hazardous material.
Appendix A to CFR, Title 49 §172.101 – The List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities. DOT and EPA want to know about spills of hazardous substances. They are named in the List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities. See Figure 9.5. Column 3 of the list shows each product’s reportable quantity (RQ). When these materials are being transported in an RQ or greater in 1 package, the shipper displays the letters RQ on the shipping paper and package. The letters RQ may appear before or after the basic description. You or your employer must report any spill of these materials, which occurs in an RQ.
If the words INHALATION HAZARD appear on the shipping paper or package, the rules require display of the POISON INHALATION HAZARD or POISON GAS placards, as appropriate. These placards must be used in addition to other placards, which may be required by the product’s hazard class. Always display the hazard class and POISON INHALATION HAZARD placards, even for small amounts.
Appendix B to CFR, Title 49 §172.101 – List of Marine Pollutants. Appendix B is a listing of chemicals that are toxic to marine life. For highway transportation,this list is only used for chemicals in a container with a capacity of 119 gallons or more without a placard or label as specified by HMR.
Any bulk packages of a marine pollutant must display the MARINE POLLUTANT marking (white triangle with a fish and an “X” through the fish). This marking (it is not a placard) must also be displayed on the outside of the vehicle. In addition, a notation must be made on the shipping papers near the description of the material: MARINE POLLUTANT.
A shipper’s certification, signed by the shipper, saying they prepared the shipment according to the regulations.
This is to certify that the above named materials are properly classified, described, packaged marked and labeled, and are in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations of the Department of Transportation.
Identified by an “X” placed before the shipping description (ID#, shipping name, hazard class, packing group) in a column titled “HM.” The letters “RQ” may be used instead of “X” if a reportable quantity needs to be identified.
The basic description of hazardous materials includes the ID number, proper shipping name, hazard class or division, and the packing group, if any, in that order. The packing group is displayed in roman numerals and may be preceded by "PG."
The number and type of packages (example: “6 Drums”).
If the letters RQ appear, the name of the hazardous substance (if not included in the shipping name).
For all materials with the letter “G” (Generic) in Column 1, the technical name of the hazardous material.
The number of the person offering the hazardous material for transportation (if the shipper/offerer is the emergency response information (ERI) provider).
The number of an agency or organization capable of, and accepting responsibility for, providing the detailed information required by paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The person who is registered with the ERI provider must be identified on the shipping paper by name, contract number, or other unique identifier assigned by the ERI provider.
The basic description and technical name.
Immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an accident or incident.
Immediate methods for handling fires.
Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fires.
Such information can be on the shipping paper or some other document that includes the basic description and technical name of the hazardous material. It also may be in a guidance book, such as the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Motor carriers may assist shippers by keeping an ERG on each vehicle carrying hazardous materials. The driver must provide the emergency response information to any federal, state, or local authority responding to or investigating a hazardous materials incident.
10 ctns, UN1263, Paint, 3, PG II, 500 pounds.
UN1090, Waste Acetone, 3, PG II.
A nonhazardous material may not be described by using a hazard class or an ID number.
Shippers must keep a copy of shipping papers (or an electronic image) for a period of 2 years (3 years for hazardous waste) after the material is accepted by the initial carrier.
If a shipper provides a carrier service only and is not the originator of the shipment, a carrier is required to keep a copy of the shipping paper (or an electronic image) for a period of 1 year.
Important: To view complete regulatory requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials, refer to CFR, Title 49, Parts 100–185.
When the shipper packages hazardous materials, he/she certifies that the package has been prepared according to HMR rules. The signed shipper’s certification appears on the original shipping paper. The only exceptions are when a shipper is a private carrier transporting their own product and when the package is provided by the carrier (for example, a cargo tank). Unless a package is clearly unsafe or does not comply with HMR, you may accept the shipper’s certification concerning proper packaging. Some carriers have additional rules about transporting hazardous materials. Follow your employer’s rules when accepting shipments.
The hazardous material’s shipping name and ID number.
It is a good idea to compare the shipping paper to the markings and labels. Always make sure that the shipper shows the correct basic description on the shipping paper, and verifies that the proper labels are shown on the packages. If you are not familiar with the material, ask the shipper to contact your office.
If rules require it, the shipper will put RQ, MARINE POLLUTANT, BIOHAZARD, HOT, or INHALATION-HAZARD on the package. Packages with liquid containers inside will also have package orientation markings with the arrows pointing in the correct upright direction. The labels used always reflect the hazard class of the product. If a package needs more than 1 label, the labels must be close together, near the proper shipping name.
An entry with a proper shipping name, hazard class, and ID number?
A highlighted entry or one with an X or RQ in the hazardous materials column?
Is a hazard class label, proper shipping name, or ID number on the package?
Attach the appropriate placards to the vehicle before you drive it. You are only allowed to move an improperly placarded vehicle during an emergency, to protect life or property.
Affixed to a background of contrasting color.
The use of “Drive Safely” and other slogans is prohibited.
The front placard may be on the front of the tractor or trailer.
There are 2 placard tables, Table 1 and 2. Table 1 materials must be placarded whenever any amount is transported. See Figure 9.7.
Except for bulk packaging, the hazard classes in Table 2 need placards only if the total amount transported is 1,001 pounds or more, including the package. Add the amounts from all shipping papers for the Table 2 products you have on board. See Figure 9.8.
If the words INHALATION HAZARD are on the shipping paper or package, you must display POISON GAS or POISON INHALATION placards in addition to any other placards needed by the product’s hazard class. The 1,000 pound exception does not apply to these materials.
Materials with a secondary hazard of dangerous when wet must display the DANGEROUS WHEN WET placard in addition to any other placards needed by the product’s hazard class. The 1,000 pound exception to placarding does not apply to these materials.
2.2 Non-Flammable Gases Non-Flammable Gas.
Placards used to identify the primary or subsidiary hazard class of a material must have the hazard class or division number displayed in the lower corner of the placard. Permanently affixed subsidiary hazard placards without the hazard class number may be used as long as they stay within color specifications.
Bulk packaging is a single container with a capacity of 119 gallons or more. A bulk package, and a vehicle transporting a bulk package, must be placarded, even if it only has the residue of a hazardous material. Certain bulk packages only have to be placarded on the 2 opposite sides or display labels. All other bulk packages must be placarded on all 4 sides.
What 3 things do you need to know to decide which placards (if any) you need?
A hazardous materials ID number must appear on the (fill in the blank) and on the (fill in the blank). The ID number must also appear on cargo tanks and other bulk packaging.
These questions may be on your test. If you cannot answer them all, re-read Subsections 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3.
Do all you can to protect containers of hazardous materials. Do not use any tools which might damage containers or other packaging during loading. Do not use hooks.
Watch for signs of leaking or damaged containers: LEAKS SPELL TROUBLE! Do not transport leaking packages. Depending on the material, you, your truck, and others could be in danger. It is illegal to move a vehicle with leaking hazardous materials.
Containers of hazardous materials must be braced to prevent movement of the packages during transportation.
Secure Against Movement. Brace containers so they will not fall, slide, or bounce around during transportation. Be very careful when loading containers that have valves or other fittings. All hazardous materials packages must be secured during transportation.
After loading, do not open any package during your trip. Never transfer hazardous materials from 1 package to another while in transit. You may empty a cargo tank, but do not empty any other package while it is on the vehicle.
The rules usually forbid use of cargo heaters, including automatic cargo heater/air conditioner units. Unless you have read all the related rules, do not load the above products in a cargo space that has a heater.
Make sure there are no sharp points that might damage cargo. Look for bolts, screws, nails, broken side panels, and broken floorboards.
Do not transfer a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosive from 1 vehicle to another on a public roadway except in an emergency. If safety requires an emergency transfer, set out red warning reflectors, flags, or electric lanterns. You must warn others on the road.
Never transport damaged packages of explosives. Do not accept a package that shows any dampness or oily stain.
— Division 1.1 A (Initiating Explosives).
— Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) or Division 6.1 (Poisonous) materials.
— Hazardous materials in a portable tank, on a DOT Spec 106A or 110A tank.
Class 4 (Flammable Solids) and Class 5 (Oxidizers) Materials. Class 4 materials are solids that react (including fire and explosion) to water, heat, and air or even react spontaneously.
Class 4 and 5 materials must be completely enclosed in a vehicle or covered securely. Class 4 and 5 materials, which become unstable and dangerous when wet, must be kept dry while in transit and during loading and unloading. Materials that are subject to spontaneous combustion or heating must be in vehicles with sufficient ventilation.
Do not load nitric acid above any other product.
Load charged storage batteries so their liquid will not spill. Keep them right side up. Make sure other cargo will not fall against or short circuit them.
Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet).
In racks attached to the vehicle or in boxes that will keep them from turning over.
Cylinders may be loaded in a horizontal position (lying down) if it is designed so the relief valve is in the vapor space.
Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) or Division 6.1 (Poisonous) Materials. Never transport these materials in containers with interconnections. Never load a package labeled POISON or POISON INHALATION HAZARD in the driver’s cab or sleeper or with food material for human or animal consumption. There are special rules for loading and unloading Class 2 materials in cargo tanks. You must have special training to do this.
Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials. Some packages of Class 7 (Radioactive) materials bear a number called the “transport index.” The shipper labels these packages Radioactive II or Radioactive III, and prints the package’s transport index on the label. Radiation surrounds each package, passing through all nearby packages. To deal with this problem, the number of packages you can load together is controlled. Their closeness to people, animals, and unexposed film is also controlled. The transport index tells the degree of control needed during transportation. The total transport index of all packages in a single vehicle must not exceed 50. Table A in this section shows rules for each transport index. It shows how close you can load Class 7 (Radioactive) materials to people, animals, or film. For example, you cannot leave a package with a transport index of 1.1 within 2 feet of people or cargo space walls.
Division 6.1 or 2.3 (POISON or poison inhalation hazard labeled material). Animal or human food unless the poison package is over packed in an approved way. Foodstuffs are anything you swallow. However, mouthwash, toothpaste, and skin creams are not foodstuff.
Division 2.3 (Poisonous) gas Zone A or Division 6.1 (Poison) liquids, PGI, Zone A. Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Explosives, Division 5.1 (Oxidizers), Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), Class 8 (Corrosive Liquids), Division 5.2 (Organic Peroxides), Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Explosives, Division 1.5 (Blasting Agents), Division 2.1 (Flammable Gases), Class 4 (Flammable Solids).
Charged storage batteries. Division 1.1.
Class 1 (Detonating primers). Any other explosives unless in authorized containers or packages.
Division 6.1 (Cyanides or cyanide mixtures). Acids, corrosive materials, or other acidic materials which could release hydrocyanic acid. For Example: Cyanides, Inorganic, n.o.s. Silver Cyanide Sodium Cyanide.
Nitric acid (Class 8). Other materials unless the nitric acid is not loaded above any other material.
Mixed Loads. The rules require some products to be loaded separately. You cannot load them together in the same cargo space. Figure 9.9 lists some examples. The regulations (the Segregation Table for Hazardous Materials) name other materials you must keep apart.
Which 3 hazard classes should not be loaded into a trailer that has a heater/air conditioner unit?
Should the floor liner required for Division 1.1 or 1.2 materials be stainless steel?
At the shipper’s dock, you are given a paper for 100 cartons of battery acid. You already have 100 pounds of dry Silver Cyanide on board. What precautions do you have to take?
Name a hazard class that uses transport indexes to determine the amount that can be loaded in a single vehicle.
These questions may be on your test. If you cannot answer them all, re-read Subsection 9.4.
The glossary at the end of this section gives the meaning of the word bulk. Cargo tanks are bulk packaging permanently attached to a vehicle. Cargo tanks remain on the vehicle when you load and unload them. Portable tanks are bulk packaging, which are not permanently attached to a vehicle. The product is loaded or unloaded while the portable tanks are off the vehicle. Portable tanks are then put on a vehicle for transportation. There are many types of cargo tanks in use. The most common cargo tanks are MC306 for liquids and MC331 for gases.
You must display the ID number of the hazardous materials in portable tanks and cargo tanks and other bulk packaging (such as dump trucks). ID numbers are in Column 4 of the Hazardous Materials Table. The rules require black 100 mm (3.9 inch) numbers on orange panels, placards, or a white, diamond-shaped background if no placards are required. Specification cargo tanks must show retest date markings.
Portable tanks must also show the lessee or owner’s name. They must also display the shipping name of the contents on two opposing sides. The letters of the shipping name must be at least 2 inches tall on portable tanks with capacities of more than 1,000 gallons and 1-inch tall on portable tanks with capacities of less than 1,000 gallons. The ID number must appear on each side and each end of a portable tank or other bulk packaging that holds 1,000 gallons or more and on 2 opposing sides, if the portable tank holds less than 1,000 gallons. The ID numbers must still be visible when the portable tank is on the motor vehicle. If they are not visible, you must display the ID number on both sides and ends of the motor vehicle.
Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are bulk packaging, but are not required to have the owner’s name or shipping name.
Know the hazards of the materials involved.
There are special attendance rules for cargo tanks transporting propane and anhydrous ammonia.
Close all manholes and valves before moving a tank of hazardous materials, no matter how small the amount in the tank or how short the distance. Manholes and valves must be closed to prevent leaks. It is illegal to move a cargo tank with open valves or covers unless it is empty according to CFR, Title 49 §173.29.
Keep liquid discharge valves on a compressed gas tank closed except when loading and unloading. Unless your engine runs a pump for product transfer, turn it off when loading or unloading. If you use the engine, turn it off after product transfer, and before you unhook the hose. Unhook all loading/unloading connections before coupling, uncoupling, or moving a cargo tank. Always chock trailers and semi-trailers to prevent motion when uncoupled from the power unit.
Your engine runs a pump used during delivery of compressed gas. Should you turn off the engine before or after unhooking hoses after delivery?
These questions may be on your test. If you cannot answer them all, re-read Subsection 9.5.
You are allowed to leave your vehicle unattended in a safe haven. A safe haven is an approved place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with explosives. Designation of authorized safe havens is usually made by local authorities.
You may park a placarded vehicle (not laden with explosives) within 5 feet of the traveled part of the road only if your work requires it. Do so only briefly. Someone must always watch the vehicle when parked on a public roadway or shoulder. Do not uncouple a trailer and leave it with hazardous materials on a public street. Do not park within 300 feet of an open fire.
Be aware of hazards of the materials being transported.
Vehicle loaded with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives.
If you work for a carrier, ask your dispatcher about route restrictions or permits. If you are an independent trucker and are planning a new route, check with state agencies where you plan to travel. Some localities prohibit transportation of hazardous materials through tunnels, over bridges, or other roadways. Always check before you start.
If transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives, you must have a written route plan and follow that plan. Carriers prepare the route plan in advance and give the driver a copy. You may plan the route yourself if you pick up the explosives at a location other than your employer’s terminal. Write out the plan in advance. Keep a copy of it with you while transporting the explosives. Deliver shipments of explosives only to authorized persons or leave them in locked rooms designed for explosives storage.
When transporting any amount of Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, or 1.6 EXPLOSIVES or a combination of any of these explosives together with a Division 1.5 EXPLOSIVE (blasting agent) as a delivery service or “for hire,” you must use special routes, safe stopping places, safe parking places, and mandatory vehicle inspection locations prescribed by CHP. When transporting more than 1,000 pounds of these explosives in private carriage (other than as a delivery service) the same requirements apply.
Shipments of materials designated as “Poison Inhalation Hazard,” “Toxic Inhalation Hazard,” or “Inhalation Hazard” per CFR, Title 49 §172.203, when transported in bulk packaging’s (CFR, Title 49 §171.8), must also be transported using special routes, safe stopping places, and mandatory vehicle inspection locations prescribed by CHP for these materials.
There are also specific routes prescribed by the CHP for “Highway-Route Controlled Quantity (HRCQ)” and “Radioactive Materials (RAM)” shipments.
Drivers must have in their possession, a copy of the routes supplied by the carrier applicable to their shipment when transporting these materials. The routes, stopping places and inspection locations are contained in CCR, Title 13 §§1150–1152.8 (Explosives), §§1155–1157.20 (IH), and §§1158–1159 (HRCQ). These requirements are also published by CHP.
Motor carriers may receive these publications, including revisions, by indicating their request on the APPLICATION FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION LICENSE or by contacting the Commercial Vehicle Section, Routing Coordinator at (916) 327-3310.
Unless specifically restricted or prohibited (CVC §31304), use state or interstate highways which offer the least transit time whenever possible.
Avoid, whenever practicable, congested highways, places where crowds are assembled, and residence districts (CVC §515).
Deviation from designated routes is not excusable on the basis of operating convenience.
Do not leave a loaded vehicle unattended or parked overnight in a residence district.
Except for specifically restricted or prohibited highways, other highways may be used that provide necessary access for pick up or delivery consistent with safe vehicle operation.
Highways which provide reasonable access to fuel, repairs, rest or food facilities that are designed to and intended for commercial vehicle parking, when that access is safe and when the facility is within one-half mile of the points of exit and/or entry to the designated route.
Restricted or prohibited routes may only be used when no other lawful alternative exists. The CHP also publishes a list of restricted or prohibited highways (CVC §31304). Copies of this list may be obtained by contacting the Commercial Vehicle Section, Routing Coordinator at (916) 327-3310.
The power unit of placarded vehicles must have a fire extinguisher with a Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rating of 10 B:C or more.
You must examine each tire on a motor vehicle at the beginning of each trip and each time the vehicle is parked.
The only acceptable way to check tire pressure is to use a tire pressure gauge.
Do not drive with a tire that is leaking or flat except to the nearest safe place to fix it. Remove any overheated tire. Place it a safe distance from your vehicle. Do not drive until you correct the cause of the overheating. Remember to follow the rules about parking and attending placarded vehicles. They apply even when checking, repairing, or replacing tires.
Clearly distinguish hazardous materials shipping papers from others by tabbing them or keeping them on top of your stack of papers.
When you are behind the wheel, keep shipping papers within your reach (with your seat belt on), or in a pouch on the driver’s door. They must be easily seen by someone entering the cab.
When not behind the wheel, leave shipping papers in the driver’s door pouch or on the driver’s seat.
Papers for Division 1.1, 1.2 or, 1.3 Explosives.
Note: Drivers must sign a receipt for these documents.
You must stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail. Proceed only when you are sure no train is coming and you can clear the tracks without stopping. Do not shift gears while crossing the tracks.
The Department of Transportation has a guidebook for firefighters, police, and industry workers on how to protect themselves and the public from hazardous materials. The guide is indexed by the proper shipping name and hazardous materials ID number. Emergency personnel look for these things on the shipping paper. That is why it is vital that the proper shipping name, ID number, label, and placards are correct.
Check to see that your driving partner is okay.
You might have to control minor truck fires on the road. However, unless you have the training and equipment to do so safely, do not fight hazardous materials fires. Dealing with hazardous materials fires requires special training and protective gear.
If you discover a cargo leak, identify the hazardous materials leaking by using shipping papers, labels, or package location. Do not touch any leaking material—many people injure themselves by touching hazardous materials. Do not try to identify the material or find the source of a leak by smell. Toxic gases can destroy your sense of smell and can injure or kill you, even if they do not smell. Never eat, drink, or smoke around a leak or spill.
The proper shipping name, hazard class, and ID number of the hazardous materials, if you know them.
Never move your vehicle, if doing so will cause contamination or damage the vehicle. Keep upwind and away from roadside rest stops, truck stops, cafes, and businesses. Never try to repack leaking containers. Unless you have the training and equipment to repair leaks safely, do not try it. Call your dispatcher or supervisor for instructions and, if needed, emergency personnel.
Remove all explosives before separating vehicles involved in an accident. Place the explosives at least 200 feet from vehicles and occupied buildings. Stay a safe distance away.
Never transport a leaking cargo tank farther than needed to reach a safe place. Get off the roadway if you can do so safely. Do not transfer flammable liquid from one vehicle to another on a public roadway except in an emergency.
If continuing to transport a leaking tank would be unsafe, get off the road. If safe to do so, contain any liquid leaking from the vehicle. Keep bystanders away from the liquid and its fumes. Do everything possible to prevent injury to you and to others.
The general public is evacuated for more than 1 hour.
Fire, breakage, spillage, or suspected contamination occurs involving shipment of etiologic agents (bacteria or toxins).
Type of incident, nature of hazardous materials involvement, and whether a continuing danger to life exists at the scene.
If a reportable quantity of hazardous substance was involved, the name of the shipper and the quantity of the hazardous substance discharged.
The Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC) in Washington also has a 24-hour toll-free phone line. CHEMTREC was created to provide emergency personnel with technical information about the physical properties of hazardous materials. The National Response Center and CHEMTREC are in close communication. If you call either one, they will tell the other about the problem, when appropriate.
Do not leave radioactive yellow II or yellow III labeled packages near people, animals, or film longer than shown in Figure 9.10.
Spills of hazardous materials on California highways must be reported immediately to the CHP office or police department having traffic control jurisdiction (CVC §23112.5).
Hazardous materials are categorized into 9 major hazard classes and additional categories for consumer commodities and combustible liquids. The classes of hazardous materials are listed in Figure 9.11.
How close to the traveled part of the roadway can you park with Division 1.2 or 1.3 materials?
You are hauling 100 pounds of Division 4.3 (DANGEROUS WHEN WET) materials. Do you need to stop before a railroad-highway crossing?
At a rest area you discover your hazardous materials shipments slowly leaking from the vehicle. There is no phone around. What should you do?
These questions may be on your test. If you cannot answer them all, re-read Subsections 9.6 and 9.7.
This glossary presents definitions of certain terms used in this section. A complete glossary of terms can be found in the federal HMR (CFR, Title 49 §171.8). You should have an up-to-date copy of these rules for your reference.
A maximum capacity greater than 119 gallons (450 L) as a receptacle for a liquid.
A water capacity greater than 1,000 pounds (454 kg) as a receptacle for a gas as defined in CFR, Title 49 §173.115.
A tank intended primarily for the carriage of liquids or gases and includes appurtenances, reinforcements, fittings, and closures (for “tank” definition, see CFR, Title 49 §§178.3451(c), 178.3371, or 178.3381, as applicable).
Permanently attached to or forms a part of a motor vehicle, or not permanently attached to a motor vehicle but which, by reason of its size, construction, or attachment to a motor vehicle is loaded or unloaded without being removed from the motor vehicle.
Not fabricated under a specification for cylinders, portable tanks, tank cars, or multiunit tank car tanks.
Land or water as a common, contract, or private carrier.
Consignee—The business or person to whom a shipment is delivered.
Division—A subdivision of a hazard class.
FMCSR—The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Freight container—A reusable container having a volume of 64 cubic feet or more, designed and constructed to permit being lifted with its contents intact and intended primarily for containment of packages (in unit form) during transportation.
Fuel tank—A tank, other than a cargo tank, used to transport flammable or combustible liquid or compressed gas for the purpose of supplying fuel for propulsion of the transport vehicle to which it is attached, or for the operation of other equipment on the transport vehicle.
Gross weight or mass—The weight of the packaging plus the weight of its contents.
Hazard class—The category of hazard assigned to a hazardous material under the definitional criteria of Part 173 and the provisions of the CFR, Title 49 §172.101 table. A material may meet the defining criteria for more than one hazard class but is assigned to only one hazard class.
Hazardous materials—A substance or material which has been determined by the Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce, and which has been so designated. The term includes hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants, elevated temperature materials, and materials designated as hazardous in the hazardous materials table of CFR, Title 49 §172.101, and materials that meet the definition criteria for hazard classes and divisions in CFR, Title 49 Part 173, Subchapter C.
Is listed in Appendix A to CFR, Title 49, Part 173 and §172.101.
Is in a quantity, in one package, which equals or exceeds the reportable quantity (RQ) listed in Appendix A to CFR, Title 49, Part 173 and §172.101.
(i.) For radionuclides, conforms to paragraph 7 of Appendix A to CFR, Title 49, Part 173 and §172.101.
(ii.) For other than radionuclides, is in a concentration by weight which equals or exceeds the concentration corresponding to the RQ of the material, as shown in Figure 9.12.
This definition does not apply to petroleum products that are lubricants or fuels (see CFR, Title 40 §300.6).
Hazardous waste—For the purposes of this chapter, means any material that is subject to the Hazardous Waste Manifest Requirements of the EPA specified in CFR, Title 40, Part 262.
Intermediate bulk container (IBC)—A rigid or flexible portable packaging, other than a cylinder or portable tank, which is designed for mechanical handling. Standards for IBCs manufactured in the United States are set forth in CFR, Title 49, Part 178 subparts N and O.
Limited quantity—The maximum amount of a hazardous material for which there may be specific labeling or packaging exceptions.
Marking—The descriptive name, ID number, instructions, cautions, weight, specification, United Nations (UN) marks, or combinations thereof, required on outer packaging of hazardous materials.
Mixture—A material composed of more than 1 chemical compound or element.
Name of contents—The proper shipping name as specified in CFR, Title 49 §172.101.
A maximum capacity of 119 gallons (450 L) or less as a receptacle for a liquid.
A maximum net mass of 882 pounds (400 kg) or less and a maximum capacity of 119 gallons (450 L) or less as a receptacle for a solid.
A water capacity greater than 1,000 pounds (454 kg) or less as a receptacle for a gas as defined in CFR, Title 49 §173.115.
Outage or ullage—The amount by which a packaging falls short of being liquid full, usually expressed in percent by volume. The amount of outage required for liquids in cargo tank depends on how much the material will expand with temperature change during transit. Different materials expand at different rates. Enough outage must be allowed so that the tank will still not be full at 130 Fahrenheit.
Portable tank—Bulk packaging (except a cylinder having a water capacity of 1,000 pounds or less) designed primarily to be loaded onto, or on, or temporarily attached to a transport vehicle or ship and equipped with skids, mountings, or accessories to facilitate handling of the tank by mechanical means. It does not include a cargo tank, tank car, multiunit tank car tank, or trailer carrying 3AX, 3AAX, or 3T cylinders.
Proper shipping name—The name of the hazardous materials shown in roman print (not italics) in CFR, Title 49 §172.101.
P.s.i. or psi—Pounds per square inch.
P.s.i.a. or psia—Pounds per square inch absolute.
Reportable quantity (RQ)—The quantity specified in Column 2 of the Appendix A to CFR, Title 49 §172.101 for any material identified in Column 1 of Appendix A.
RSPA (now PHMSA)—The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.
“I hereby declare that the contents of this consignment are fully and accurately described above by the proper shipping name and are classified, packaged, marked and labeled/placarded, and are in all respects in proper condition for transport by * according to applicable international and national government regulations.
* Words may be inserted here to indicate mode of transportation (rail, aircraft, motor vehicle, and vessel).
Shipping paper—A shipping order, bill of lading, manifest, or other shipping document serving a similar purpose and containing the information required by CFR, Title 49 §§172.202, 172.203, and 172.204.
Technical name— A recognized chemical name or microbiological name currently used in scientific and technical handbooks, journals, and texts.
Transport vehicle—A cargo-carrying vehicle such as an automobile, van, tractor, truck, semi-trailer, tank car, or rail car used for the transportation of cargo by any mode. Each cargo-carrying body (trailer, rail car, etc.,) is a separate transport vehicle.

References: §27903
 §15278
 §383
 §1160
 §107
in fine
 §172
 §172
 §172
 §172
 §172
 §173
 §172
 §171
 §31304
 §515
 §31304
 §23112
 §171
 §173
 §172
 §172
 §172
 §172
 §172
 §300
 §172
 §173
 §172
 §172