Driving and Parking Rules, Emergencies, and Security Awareness
Parking and driving rules
49 CFR 397.5 restricts parking of vehicles carrying hazardous materials. A vehicle may not be parked within five feet of the traveled portion of a public street or highway, or on the street or highway itself, unless it is attended by a qualified representative. For Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives, the vehicle may not be parked within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, or place where people work, congregate, or assemble unless it is attended. No hazardous materials vehicle may be parked within 300 feet of an open fire. Under 397.13, smoking is prohibited on or within 25 feet of a vehicle containing flammable or combustible liquids or gases.
Emergencies
Emergency response information must be carried with the shipping paper, and the emergency response telephone number must be monitored at all times. In a serious incident, protect life first: isolate the area, stay upwind, keep people away, and call 911. Immediate notice to the National Response Center is required for incidents such as death, serious injury, evacuation, closure of a major transportation artery, or property damage above the regulatory threshold. A written incident report is generally due within 30 days. Do not attempt cleanup beyond your training or equipment.
Security awareness
49 CFR 172.704 requires security awareness training for hazmat employees. Drivers should recognize suspicious behavior, verify identities before releasing cargo, keep vehicles and cargo locked or attended, avoid discussing cargo or routes with strangers, and report threats to the carrier and appropriate authorities. Carriers of certain high-risk materials must also maintain a security plan under 172.800. Routine precautions matter because a hazmat vehicle can be a target or a weapon.
Worked example
A driver carrying Division 1.1D explosives needs a 20-minute stop. The driver may not park within five feet of the traveled portion of the highway, and may not park within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, or place of public assembly unless the vehicle is attended. The driver must stay with the vehicle or use a secure, attended location that meets the distance rules. The reasoning: the 300-foot restriction is specific to Division 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 explosives and is stricter than the general five-foot rule for other hazmat.
Traps
Assuming any parking lot is automatically legal; leaving explosives unattended; smoking within 25 feet of a flammable liquid or gas vehicle; calling only the carrier instead of the National Response Center when immediate notice is required; attempting cleanup without training; and discussing cargo, routes, or security measures with unauthorized people.