California CDL HazMat Endorsement Test cheat sheet

Hazard classes 1-9: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidizers/organic peroxides, 6 toxic/infectious, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosive, 9 miscellaneous.

A hazardous material is a substance the DOT determines capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce.

HazMat employees need general awareness, function-specific, safety, and security awareness training, plus DOT drug/alcohol testing, and recurrent training within 3 years.

The four communication rules are shipping papers, package markings, labels, and placards; placards are the primary warning from a distance.

Emergency response information must accompany shipping papers unless the paper itself contains it or the material is exempt.

For division 1.1-1.3 explosives, carrier must keep a written route plan; route plans are also required for high-hazard radioactive and certain poison inhalation materials.

A reportable quantity (RQ) is the amount released that triggers notification under CERCLA; RQ appears in the hazardous substance list, not the HazMat table.

Shipping paper retention: 2 years for hazardous materials, 3 years for hazardous waste; carriers keep copies of the basic description.

Basic description order: proper shipping name, hazard class or division, UN/NA identification number, and packing group (PG).

The UN/NA number may precede the proper shipping name or follow the class; never place it inside the name.

Shipping papers must include total quantity, number and type of packages, shipper's certification, and emergency response phone number.

For hazardous waste, the word WASTE precedes the proper shipping name; for RQ material, the letters RQ precede the name.

Emergency response telephone number must be monitored at all times while the material is in transportation, including storage incidental to movement.

Shipping papers must be within arm's reach of the driver when at the wheel, and kept in a clearly marked holder on the driver's door or in view.

When not driving, keep papers on the driver's seat or in the door pouch; never leave them on the dash where they can blow away.

A shipping paper may be a single document or a combination of documents (e.g., bill of lading plus emergency response guide).

Markings go on the package surface: proper shipping name, UN/NA number, consignee/consignor, and orientation arrows for liquids.

Labels are 4-inch squares applied to non-bulk packages; placards are 10.75-inch squares applied to bulk packages and vehicles.

Placard both ends and both sides of a vehicle; a bulk package shows the placard on each side and each end.

DANGER placard may replace multiple placards only when 1,001 pounds or more of two or more categories are loaded and the vehicle has 1,001 pounds aggregate of one category.

1,001 pounds aggregate gross weight of a single hazard class requires placarding; less than 1,001 pounds of table 2 materials may not require placards.

The FLAMMABLE placard applies to flammable liquids and combustible liquids in bulk; the COMBUSTIBLE placard is used for combustible liquids in non-bulk only.

A label's hazard class number and the placard's hazard class number must match the shipping paper; a mismatch is a violation.

Empty packages that contained HazMat must be marked EMPTY and retain labels/placards if residue remains.

Never load Division 1.1 or 1.2 explosives with Division 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 unless the segregation table permits it; check the compatibility table.

Cyanides and acids must be segregated; loading them together can generate deadly hydrogen cyanide gas.

Oxidizers must be kept away from flammable liquids, combustible materials, and organic peroxides.

Secure every package against movement: use dunnage, load locks, straps, or tie-downs; a shifting load can rupture a container.

Do not load HazMat in the same space as food, feed, or animals unless the material is packaged and segregated to prevent contamination.

Loading and unloading requires the engine off, parking brake set, wheels chocked, and the area clear of ignition sources for flammables.

Cargo security: lock the trailer, use seals, and account for every package; unattended vehicles with HazMat must be locked and secured.

Do not smoke or carry open flames within 25 feet of a vehicle loaded with flammables or explosives.

Stop 15 to 50 feet before a railroad crossing, look both ways, listen, and proceed only when the track is clear; never stop on the tracks.

Parking: never park within 5 feet of a roadway, and keep at least 50 feet from an open flame or source of ignition.

For Division 1.1-1.6 explosives, park at least 300 feet from a bridge, tunnel, or occupied building unless the shipper directs otherwise.

Never park a placarded vehicle on a shoulder or residential street; use a designated truck stop or secure lot.

Route plans: carriers must provide written routes for explosives and high-hazard radioactive materials; drivers must follow them.

Use the lowest practical gear and avoid downshifting on steep grades; brake smoothly to prevent load shift and spills.

Reduce speed in tunnels, construction zones, and adverse weather; placarded loads have a lower safe speed than general freight.

If a train approaches at a crossing, stop and wait; never attempt to beat the train or drive around lowered gates.

Reportable incident: a release of a hazardous material that poses a continuing danger, causes death or injury, or requires evacuation; call 911 and the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) gives initial isolation distances and protective actions by guide number; the guide number is found from the UN/NA number.

For a spill, stop, secure the scene, keep people upwind and uphill, and notify authorities; do not attempt cleanup unless trained and equipped.

A driver must not move a vehicle involved in a HazMat incident unless directed by authorities or it is necessary to prevent further danger.

Emergency response information must include nature of the hazard, fire/explosion risk, and immediate first-aid and spill-response steps.

If a package leaks, isolate it, use absorbent if available, and prevent it from entering storm drains or waterways.

After an incident, the carrier must file a written report (DOT Form 5800.1) within 30 days for reportable releases.

Never use water on a flammable liquid fire unless the ERG guide permits it; water can spread the product.

Cargo tanks must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN/NA number, and placarded on both sides and both ends.

Tank vehicles require a cargo tank endorsement (N) on the CDL; tanker drivers must know the tank's design, capacity, and fittings.

Check the tank before loading: valves closed, hatches sealed, gaskets intact, and no cracks or leaks in the shell.

Bulk packages are those over 119 gallons for liquids or over 882 pounds for solids; they require placards and shipping papers.

Never smoke, use a phone, or create a spark near a tank being loaded with flammables; bond and ground the tank to the source.

Tank vehicles must have a fire extinguisher rated 10 BC or higher, plus one 5 BC for the cab; check the gauge monthly.

A tank's maximum filling density limits how full it can be to allow for expansion; overfilling can cause a rupture.

After unloading, close all valves, secure hatches, and check for residual product before moving the vehicle.

Security awareness: recognize suspicious behavior, unattended packages, and unauthorized persons near HazMat; report to the carrier and authorities.

Do not discuss HazMat routes, cargo, or schedules with strangers; share information only on a need-to-know basis.

Keep the vehicle locked and keys controlled; never leave a placarded load unattended in an unsecured area.

Verify the identity of anyone receiving or shipping HazMat; check seals and paperwork against the load.

Personal protective equipment: gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection as specified by the shipping paper and ERG.

Use the ERG's protective clothing table to select the right suit for the material; never handle a spill without proper PPE.

Inspect the vehicle and load before departure: tires, brakes, lights, leaks, and securement; document the inspection.

Report security threats to the carrier's security officer and to the National Response Center or local law enforcement as appropriate.

Security awareness training must cover recognizing threats, securing the vehicle, and reporting suspicious activity.

A security plan is required for carriers transporting certain high-hazard materials; drivers must follow it.

Never pick up hitchhikers or allow unauthorized riders in a vehicle carrying HazMat.

Park in well-lit, secure areas; use gates, fences, and guards where available; avoid isolated rest areas.

Keep shipping papers and route plans secure; do not leave them visible in an unattended vehicle.

Report suspicious inquiries about HazMat cargo, routes, or schedules to the carrier and to law enforcement.

Verify seals and locks at each stop; a broken seal may indicate tampering and must be reported before moving.

Follow the carrier's communication check-in schedule; a missed check-in is a security concern that must be reported.

Stop 15 to 50 feet before railroad crossings; look and listen; never stop on the tracks.

Park at least 5 feet from the roadway edge and 50 feet from open flames or ignition sources.

For Division 1.1-1.6 explosives, park at least 300 feet from bridges, tunnels, and occupied buildings unless directed otherwise.

Follow the written route plan for explosives and high-hazard radioactive materials; deviations require authorization.

Use lower gears on grades and avoid harsh braking to prevent load shift and spills.

Reduce speed in tunnels, construction zones, and bad weather; placarded loads need more stopping distance.

Never park a placarded vehicle on a shoulder, residential street, or in an unsecured lot.

If a train approaches, stop and wait; never drive around lowered gates or attempt to beat the train.

Call 911 and the National Response Center (1-800-424-8802) for a reportable release, injury, or evacuation.

The ERG guide number is found from the UN/NA number; it gives isolation distances and protective actions.

Keep people upwind and uphill; isolate the area and deny entry until trained responders arrive.

Do not move an incident vehicle unless directed by authorities or to prevent further danger.

Emergency response information must state the hazard, fire/explosion risk, and first-aid and spill steps.

Prevent leaks from entering storm drains or waterways; use absorbents if trained and equipped.

File DOT Form 5800.1 within 30 days for a reportable release.

Never use water on a flammable liquid fire unless the ERG guide permits it.

Cargo tanks need the N endorsement; drivers must know tank design, capacity, and fittings.

Mark the tank with the proper shipping name and UN/NA number; placard both sides and both ends.

Bulk packages exceed 119 gallons (liquids) or 882 pounds (solids) and require placards and shipping papers.

Before loading, verify valves closed, hatches sealed, gaskets intact, and no shell cracks or leaks.

Bond and ground the tank to the source when loading flammables; no smoking, phones, or sparks.

Carry a 10 BC or higher extinguisher plus a 5 BC in the cab; check the gauge monthly.

Respect maximum filling density to allow for expansion; overfilling can rupture the tank.

After unloading, close valves, secure hatches, and check for residual product before moving.

Recognize suspicious behavior, unattended packages, and unauthorized persons near HazMat; report them.

Do not discuss routes, cargo, or schedules with strangers; share only on a need-to-know basis.

Keep the vehicle locked and keys controlled; never leave a placarded load unattended in an unsecured area.

Verify the identity of shippers and receivers; check seals and paperwork against the load.

Wear PPE specified by the shipping paper and ERG: gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection.

Use the ERG protective clothing table to select the right suit; never handle a spill without PPE.

Inspect tires, brakes, lights, leaks, and securement before departure; document the inspection.

Report security threats to the carrier's security officer and to law enforcement or the NRC as appropriate.

Classes 1-9: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers/peroxides, toxic/infectious, radioactive, corrosive, miscellaneous.

A HazMat employee needs general awareness, function-specific, safety, and security training, plus drug/alcohol testing; retrain within 3 years.

The four communication rules are shipping papers, markings, labels, and placards; placards warn from a distance.

Emergency response information must accompany shipping papers unless the paper contains it or the material is exempt.

Written route plans are required for Division 1.1-1.3 explosives and certain high-hazard radioactive and poison inhalation materials.

A reportable quantity (RQ) is the release amount that triggers CERCLA notification; it appears in the hazardous substance list.

Retain shipping papers 2 years for HazMat and 3 years for hazardous waste.

The basic description order is proper shipping name, class/division, UN/NA number, and packing group.

Basic description order: proper shipping name, hazard class/division, UN/NA number, packing group.

The UN/NA number may precede the name or follow the class, never inside the name.

Include total quantity, number and type of packages, shipper's certification, and emergency phone number.

For hazardous waste, WASTE precedes the proper shipping name; for RQ material, RQ precedes the name.

The emergency phone number must be monitored at all times while the material is in transportation.

Keep papers within arm's reach while driving and in a marked holder on the door or in view.

When not driving, keep papers on the seat or in the door pouch, not loose on the dash.

Papers may be one document or a combination, such as a bill of lading plus an emergency response guide.

Markings go on the package: proper shipping name, UN/NA number, consignee/consignor, and orientation arrows for liquids.

Labels are 4-inch squares on non-bulk packages; placards are 10.75-inch squares on bulk packages and vehicles.

Placard both ends and both sides of a vehicle; a bulk package shows placards on each side and end.

DANGER placard may replace multiple placards only when 1,001 pounds or more of two or more categories are loaded and 1,001 pounds aggregate of one category.

1,001 pounds aggregate gross weight of a single hazard class requires placarding; less may not for table 2 materials.

FLAMMABLE covers flammable liquids and combustible liquids in bulk; COMBUSTIBLE is for combustible liquids in non-bulk only.

Label and placard hazard class numbers must match the shipping paper; a mismatch is a violation.

Empty packages that held HazMat must be marked EMPTY and keep labels/placards if residue remains.

Never load Division 1.1 or 1.2 explosives with Division 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 unless the segregation table permits it.

Segregate cyanides from acids; together they can generate deadly hydrogen cyanide gas.

Keep oxidizers away from flammable liquids, combustibles, and organic peroxides.

Secure every package with dunnage, load locks, straps, or tie-downs; a shifting load can rupture a container.

Do not load HazMat with food, feed, or animals unless packaged and segregated to prevent contamination.

Engine off, parking brake set, wheels chocked, and ignition sources cleared when loading flammables.

Lock the trailer, use seals, and account for every package; unattended HazMat vehicles must be locked and secured.

No smoking or open flames within 25 feet of a vehicle loaded with flammables or explosives.