Hazardous Materials: Placards, Papers, and Parking Rules
The paperwork comes first
The hazmat endorsement requires a TSA background check and a written test. On the road, the shipping papers must be within reach of the driver (in the cab, or in a pouch on the driver's door) whenever hazmat is aboard, and they must include the hazard class, UN identification number, proper shipping name, quantity, and shipper's certification. Emergency response information must accompany the shipment - often the ERG guide page or a comparable document.
Placards and classes
Classes 1 through 9 cover explosives (1), gases (2), flammable/combustible liquids (3), flammablesolids (4), oxidizers and organic peroxides (5), toxic and infectious substances (6), radioactive (7), corrosive (8), and miscellaneous (9). Placards go on both sides and both ends for the highest-risk materials, such as 1.1-1.3 explosives, 2.3 poison gas, 6.1 PG I, and 7 radioactive. Otherwise, both sides typically suffice - know the exception list.
Loading, parking, and driving
- No smoking within 25 feet of a hazmat vehicle.
- Park at least 5 feet from the traveled portion of the road, and away from bridges, tunnels, and railroad crossings (300 feet is the familiar benchmark).
- Never park a placarded load near an open fire.
- Stop before railroad crossings; do not shift gears while crossing the tracks.
- Keep a fire extinguisher rated for the load and check it on the pre-trip.
Traps
Questions swap the ERG and shipping papers, confuse class numbers (3 is flammable liquid, 8 corrosive), and test whether placards are required when the quantity is small or the material is packaged in limited amounts.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot produce the shipping papers and emergency response information immediately, the vehicle does not move.