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Section 9: Hazardous Materials

The hazardous material transportation information in this section reflects all revisions as of October 2009. This section contains partial information relative to the hazardous material requirements. The purpose of this section is to prepare an individual for the CDL hazardous material test. It should not be used for the hazardous material recurrent training. For detailed hazardous material transportation information, consult the regulations.

Prior to seeking or renewing the Hazardous Materials Endorsement, you must complete the application for the fingerprint and security background checks. Call 877-429-7746 or visit https://hazprints.tsa.dhs.gov to complete the application process and make an appointment at a convenient location. The fee must be paid at the time of application.

Types of Hazardous Materials

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 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, the handling of hazardous material is very heavily regulated by all levels of government.

The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are found in parts 100-185 of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The common reference for these regulations is 49 CFR 100-185.

The Hazardous Materials Table in these 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 shipperʼs 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. An up-to-date copy of the complete regulations, which includes a complete glossary of terms, is essential for you to have.

Hazardous Materials Endorsement

You must have a CDL with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement before driving vehicles carrying hazardous materials that require placards. You must pass a security background check and a written exam about the regulations and requirements to get this endorsement.

Training and Testing

Everything you need to know to pass a security background check and the written exam is in this section. However, this is only a 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. These courses are usually offered by your employer, colleges and universities, and various associations. You may obtain copies of the Federal Regulations (49 CFR) from your local Government Printing Office bookstore and various industry publishers. Union or company offices often have copies of the rules for driver use.

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 that training on 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 three years.

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 driverʼs employer or designated representative must provide such training.

Permits

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 places you drive.