There are nine classifications of hazardous materials you must label in transit. When moving hazardous materials, it’s important you understand transportation regulations and business risks.
Keep reading to learn more about transporting hazardous materials.
What To Focus On When Transporting Hazardous Materials
You need to know exactly what you are transporting when handling these materials. There are guidelines on how to handle materials and what regulations you must follow.
You must understand the dangers and regulations for these types of materials. To learn more, you can take dangerous goods training online. This course might be the right choice for your business. This training can teach you the ins and outs of hazardous materials.
With this training, you’ll learn HAZMAT security awareness, safety measures, handling, and regulations.
Outlined below, you’ll find the requirements your company must follow.
1. Identification and Classification
Before shipping and transportation, it’s important you identify the material you are packaging. Once you do, you must classify it as one of the nine hazardous materials. Logistics companies must document what is being transported. They must specify its class, quantity, and storage.
The classifications are:
- Explosives
- Gases
- Flammable liquids
- Flammable solids
- Oxidizers/organic peroxides
- Toxic and infectious substances
- Radioactive material
- Corrosives
- Miscellaneous materials
You should understand each of these classifications before handling it.
2. Packaging and Labeling
The US Department of Transportation has specific requirements to follow. You must follow special packaging instructions. Each container must have a label showing what is inside.
You can buy hazardous materials labels to let others know what you are transporting. This will help you maintain compliance.
What do you do if you come across a package that is not packaged or labeled? You must follow guidelines provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency for disposal. Your company could face fines if these requirements are not followed.
3. Regulations and Compliance
There are many fines and violations with moving dangerous materials. It’s important your drivers understand how to maintain compliance when on the road.
Shippers have a lot of responsibility. They must provide training to employees and have emergency response plans in place. Companies must also have proper documents. Each container has to be labeled and packaged.
Carriers have many of the same requirements. They must have place cards, marked containers and vehicles, and a security plan in place.
How do you ensure your company avoids fines and violations? You make sure you meet all regulatory requirements.
4. Documents
When transporting dangerous materials, you must have the proper papers and certificates. These papers are required before loading hazardous materials onto a truck. Carriers and shippers should check paperwork after each load and unload.
Hazardous Materials Route Planning
You are ready to plan your route and transport the dangerous materials. Remember to identify, classify, and document each container before transporting hazardous materials.
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