CDL Tanker flashcards
CDL Tanker · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Tanker endorsement N
- Required for a tank vehicle with an individual tank rated over 119 gallons and aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, even when empty.
- Aggregate tank capacity
- The sum of the rated capacities of all tanks attached to the vehicle; 1,000 gallons or more triggers the tanker endorsement requirement.
- Smooth bore tank
- A tank without internal baffles, allowing liquid to move freely from end to end and produce strong surge during driving.
- Baffled tank
- A tank with internal walls containing holes; baffles slow liquid movement and reduce, but do not eliminate, surge.
- Bulkhead
- A solid internal wall that divides a tank into separate compartments and blocks liquid flow between those compartments.
- Outage
- Empty space intentionally left in a tank so liquid can expand with temperature changes; it helps prevent overflow and spills.
- Hazmat endorsement H
- Required in addition to the tanker endorsement when transporting placarded quantities of hazardous materials; the X endorsement combines tanker and hazmat.
- Tank shell inspection
- Check the tank surface and mounting for leaks, cracks, dents, corrosion, contamination, and loose attachments before loading or driving.
- Hose inspection
- Inspect hoses for cuts, bulges, soft spots, leaks, worn couplings, and secure connections; damaged hoses must be replaced before use.
- Valve inspection
- Verify that internal, emergency, and shutoff valves are undamaged, operate freely, and are closed or set correctly for travel or transfer.
- Hatch and vent check
- Confirm dome covers, hatches, gaskets, vents, and pressure-relief devices are intact and properly closed or set for the trip.
- Placard check
- Confirm placards match the product being carried and are clean, legible, and displayed in the required positions before moving.
- Grounding cable inspection
- Check grounding and bonding cables and clamps for damage or poor connections before loading flammable liquids, because static electricity can ignite vapors.
- Liquid surge
- Movement of liquid inside a tank during acceleration, braking, or turning; it shifts weight and can affect steering, braking, and stability.
- Surge control
- Smooth acceleration, braking, and steering reduce liquid movement; sudden changes cause the load to shift and can push the vehicle.
- Rollover risk
- Tank vehicles carry liquid high above the chassis, raising the center of gravity and making them more likely to roll over in curves.
- Partially filled tank
- A tank with empty space allows liquid to move more freely, which can create strong surge and reduce stability during driving.
- Compartmented tank
- A tank divided by bulkheads into separate sections; each section holds liquid that can still surge and shift weight.
- Following distance
- Extra space is needed behind tank vehicles because liquid surge can lengthen stopping distance and reduce control during sudden stops.
- Curve technique
- Slow down before a curve, maintain steady speed, and avoid braking or shifting gears inside the curve to reduce rollover risk.
- Controlled braking
- Apply firm, steady brake pressure without locking the wheels; keep steering control and release pressure if the wheels begin to lock.
- Rear-wheel skid
- Release the brakes and steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding; avoid sudden overcorrection that can cause another skid.
- ABS braking
- Anti-lock brakes prevent wheel lock during hard braking but do not shorten stopping distance; safe speed and following gap are still required.
- Downgrade braking
- Use a lower gear and engine braking on long downgrades; continuous heavy brake use can overheat brakes and cause fade.
- Emergency steering
- Hold the wheel firmly and make smooth steering inputs; sharp maneuvers with a liquid load can cause loss of control or rollover.
- Hydroplaning
- Water on the road can lift tires off the surface, making steering and braking ineffective; reduce speed when roads are wet.
- Grounding and bonding
- Bond the vehicle to the storage tank and ground it to earth before loading flammable liquid; this prevents static sparks from igniting vapors.
- Loading preparation
- Set the parking brake, chock wheels, shut off the engine if required, and verify valves and hatches are correctly positioned before transfer.
- Outage after loading
- Leave expansion space in the tank after loading; never top off, because liquid expands as it warms and can overflow.
- Unloading attendance
- Stay with the vehicle during unloading, monitor hoses and valves, and know where the emergency shutoff is located.
- Shipping papers
- Hazardous materials loads require shipping papers, placards, and emergency response information that are accessible to the driver during transport.
- Vapor recovery
- A system that captures vapors displaced during loading; connect hoses correctly and check for leaks to prevent release and fire hazards.