The Truth About Hauling Hazmat.

Did you know that if you haul hazmat materials you need to have a registration number with the PHMSA? 

Not only that but you need to update/renew your permit every year.

https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov/ is where you can get that done.

It doesn’t stop there though. If you are transporting through specific states, like Colorado, then you need to get a state permit too. 

As of the time, we are writing this if you only transport Class 9 hazardous materials then none of this is required.  But as we all know that is subject to change.

This is only the beginning and throughout this blog, we are going to cover many more things that you should know.

Here are the things that you should have on or in your truck before your start hauling Hazmat.

1. Emergency response Guide (ERG)
   1. Every truck needs to have its own ERG, and it needs to be accessible from the ground of the driver’s side door.
2. A bigger fire extinguisher
   1. We already knew that we needed a fire extinguisher on all CMV’s. But when we haul hazmat the size we need increases. Also, the rating might be different as well.  Be sure to check out the FMCSR’s to be sure you have the right equipment
3. SD Sheet
   1. You need to have a Safety Datasheet in your truck for what you are hauling.
4. Emergency contacts
   1. Every company needs to have a sheet in the truck book in the truck that has emergency contact information.  
   2. A lot of companies use Chem tracks for this service.  They have trained professionals on call 24-7 specifically for this purpose.
5. Placards
   1. Every vehicle that transports Hazmats needs to have placards on all 4 sides that let others know what you hauling. The main purpose of these placards is to make sure that emergency responders can tell what is being transported from a distance. That way they can be safe if there is an accident.
6. Shipping documents.
   1. Shipping documents are vital, especially with Hazmat loads.  You need to be sure that your drivers are tracking what they are hauling, when and where they pick it up, and when and where they drop it off.

There might be a few more things that we missed, so don’t take our word for it, read the Regulations to MAKE sure that you are in compliance.

We can’t stop there though.

When you work with Hazardous Materials you also need to make sure that you have the right training, policies, and other key essential items in place to ensure that your crews are safe.

All employees who work around any part of hazmat need to go through HazMat awareness training every 3 years.  

This means everyone, from the manager to the driver to the person who bills to the person who files the shipping documents.

Every employee who you hire needs to go through initial training as well. This doesn’t need to be a HUGE production, just a simple conversation that introduces them to your systems and procedures so they know how to succeed with your company, it also helps you because they can learn how your company operates and what you expect from them when it comes to HAzmat.

Site security plans are also an essential item that everyone who handles Hazmat needs to have in place.  If you keep hazardous materials on your premises it gets a little bit more complicated. But they aren’t impossible to write.  

Be sure to include what precautions you take to make sure they are safe, in transit, and at your facility. 

This is just the tip of the ice burg. But I’m sure after reading this you might feel like you are drinking from a fire hose!

It’s not that bad. Remember one step at a time, and we are here if you ever need any help.