Are We Doing That? -- Hazardous Materials Training

The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are contained in 49 CFR parts 171 through 180. Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) amended the HMR in conformance with amendments to the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Law that required the DOT to regulate the training of all hazardous materials (hazmat) employees. Training to meet these requirements will increase a hazmat employee's safety awareness and be an essential element in reducing hazmat incidents.

Hazmat employee refers to an employee that directly affects hazmat transportation safety, including:

* Loads, unloads or handles hazmat;

* Tests, reconditions, repairs, modifies, marks or otherwise represents packagings as qualified for use in the transportation of hazmat;

* Prepares hazmat for transportation;

* Is responsible for safety of transporting hazmat; or

* Operates a vehicle used to transport hazmat.

In order to comply with hazardous materials training requirements, each hazmat employer must certify that hazmat employees have been trained and tested and maintain training records.

Hazmat training itself must include:

* General awareness/familiarization;

* Function-specific;

* Safety; and

* Security awareness training.

A new employee, or an employee who changes job functions, may perform hazmat job functions before completing training, provided the employee does so under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable hazmat employee, and that the hazmat training is completed within 90 days of employment or change in job function. Recurrent training is required at least once every three years, or when regulations change.

For more detailed information, visit www.complianceplace.com and access the DOT/fleet safety segment, or contact Walter E. Zerweck at (800) 701-9369 or by e-mail at wzerweck@complianceplace.com.

Source: Compliance Management International provides comprehensive Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) and risk management services to the printing and packaging industry. For further information or specific reporting requirements, contact Walter Zerweck at (800) 701-9369 or visit www.complianceplace.com.