Colorado CDL Hazmat cheat sheet

Hazmat is a material meeting any 49 CFR 172.101 Table hazard class: explosives (1), gases (2), flammable/combustible liquids (3), flammable solids/spontaneous combustibles/dangerous-when-wet (4), oxidizers/organic peroxides (5), toxic/infectious (6), radioactive (7), corrosive (8), miscellaneous (9).

Nine hazard classes; Class 7 uses three RADIOACTIVE labels (White-I, Yellow-II, Yellow-III) keyed to transport index, not a single label.

A material is hazardous if it is listed by name in the 172.101 Table, meets a hazard class definition, is a hazardous substance/waste, or is a marine pollutant - a shipping name is required in every case.

Division 1.1–1.3 explosives need placards and a permit/route controls; Division 1.4S generally needs no placard. Forbidden explosives (e.g., detonators with incompatible cargo) cannot be loaded together.

Hazmat employees need general awareness, function-specific, safety, and security awareness training, recurrent at least every 3 years; documentation of training must be kept.

A hazardous substance is a material listed in Appendix A to 172.101 at or above its reportable quantity (RQ) in one package; a marine pollutant is listed in Appendix B.

Packaging groups: PG I great danger, PG II moderate, PG III minor danger. PG is assigned per material in Column 5 of the 172.101 Table and drives packaging and marking.

The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is organized by 4-digit UN/NA number and by material name; the orange pages give initial isolation and protective-action distances.

Shipping paper entries: proper shipping name, hazard class/division, UN/NA identification number, packing group, total quantity, number and type of packages, and shipper's certification; emergency response telephone number must be on the paper.

Basic description order on the shipping paper: proper shipping name, hazard class, UN/NA number, packing group (e.g., Gasoline, 3, UN1203, PG II).

Placards are required for 1,001 lb (454 kg) or more aggregate gross weight of a hazard class in one vehicle; 1,001 lb of one class triggers that class placard only.

Placard both sides and both ends of the vehicle; a DANGEROUS placard may be used instead of specific placards only when two or more classes (except 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 6.1 PG I, or 7) are loaded.

Identification number must appear on the placard, on orange panels, or on the vehicle; the UN number must be displayed when the vehicle carries a placarded load.

Labels go on packages (not the vehicle); each package must show the hazard label for its class plus the proper shipping name and UN number marking.

Shipping papers must be within arm's reach of the driver while driving, kept in a pouch on the driver's door, or in clear view on the seat when the driver leaves the cab.

Emergency response information (ERG guide page or equivalent) must accompany the shipping paper in the cab and be immediately available to emergency responders.

Before loading, check the shipping paper for the proper shipping name, class, UN number, and compatibility; never load a package showing damage, leakage, or missing labels.

Do not smoke or carry a lit smoking device within 25 feet of a vehicle containing Class 3, 4, or 5 materials; no smoking during fueling or loading of flammables.

Set the parking brake, chock wheels, and turn off the engine before loading or unloading; use a trained helper when the shipper requires it.

Load packages with labels and markings visible; secure against shifting with dunnage or tiedowns so packages cannot move and damage each other.

Never load Division 1.1/1.2/1.3 explosives with detonators or other incompatible cargo; keep Class 8 corrosives away from Class 4 materials and from food/feed.

Use a fire extinguisher rated at least 10 BC (or 10 ABC) on the vehicle when carrying hazmat; keep it charged and accessible.

After unloading, check the vehicle floor and body for spilled material or leaking packages and remove any residue before loading other cargo.

Do not accept a package that leaks or has a damaged label; refuse it and notify the shipper - the carrier is responsible for reporting the defect.

Segregation table (49 CFR 177.848) prohibits loading certain class pairs together: e.g., Class 1 explosives with Class 5 oxidizers, Class 8 with Class 4, and Class 3 with Class 5.1 oxidizers in some cases.

Keep cyanides and acids apart (Class 6.1 with Class 8) - mixing generates toxic gas; keep food, feed, and animal products away from all toxic and corrosive materials.

When segregation is required, separate by a full bulkhead or by at least one package space; the driver must know the segregation table before accepting the load.

Secure every package with tiedowns, blocking, or bracing rated for the load; a load must not shift enough to affect vehicle stability or damage a package.

Load heavy packages on the bottom; keep labels and markings facing outward so responders can read them without moving cargo.

A vehicle carrying 1,001 lb or more of one hazard class must display the correct placard; the placard requirement is independent of segregation.

When two incompatible materials must travel together, the shipper must provide written instructions and the driver must verify the segregation table allows the combination.

Do not load a package with a damaged closure or a leaking container; a leaking package contaminates the rest of the load and requires incident reporting.

A bulk package holds more than 119 gallons (450 L) of liquid, more than 882 lb (400 kg) of solid, or more than 1,000 lb (454 kg) of gas - it must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number.

Cargo tanks must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number on both sides and rear; specification (MC-306, DOT-406, MC-331) must match the material being carried.

MC-306/DOT-406 tanks carry flammable liquids; MC-331 carries pressurized gases; MC-338 carries refrigerated liquids. Never load a material into a tank not rated for it.

Before loading a cargo tank, verify the tank is empty of incompatible residue, hatches and valves are closed, and the tank is grounded/bonded to the loading rack.

Cargo tank bottom outlets must be closed and the internal valve/emergency shutoff must be functional before the vehicle moves; check for leaks at all fittings.

Tank vehicles carrying flammable liquids need a fire extinguisher of at least 20 BC rating and must have the tank placarded on both sides and rear.

Bulk packages must be loaded so the tank's weight is within axle and gross weight limits; check the vehicle's rated capacity and the bridge formula before loading.

A cargo tank with a leaking valve, damaged dome cover, or missing placard is out of service - do not move it until repaired.

Reportable incident: a release of a hazardous material that is not authorized, or any incident involving a fatality, serious injury, or evacuation - notify the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

Immediate actions at a spill: stop the vehicle, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, keep people away, and stay upwind; do not attempt cleanup of unknown materials.

Use the ERG: identify the UN number, find the guide page, apply the initial isolation distance and protective-action distance, and follow the orange-page guidance.

Written incident report (DOT Form 5800.1) must be filed within 30 days of a reportable incident; a telephone report to NRC is required as soon as practical.

A release of a hazardous substance at or above its reportable quantity (RQ) must be reported; RQs are listed in Appendix A to 172.101.

Do not move a leaking package or vehicle unless necessary to protect life; if a package leaks, isolate it, warn others, and call for emergency response.

Carry a fire extinguisher, warning devices (triangles or flares), and a spill kit appropriate to the load; use flares only where safe from flammable vapors.

After a spill, secure the scene, document what was released and how much, and preserve shipping papers and placards for the investigating agency.

Never park a vehicle carrying hazardous materials within 5 feet of a roadway or within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or occupied building unless the shipper authorizes it.

Attended parking is required for placarded loads; if unattended, the vehicle must be parked in a secure area and the engine off with brakes set.

Stop at all railroad crossings, look both ways, and listen; a placarded hazmat vehicle must stop at every crossing, not just those marked with a stop sign.

Do not drive through a tunnel posted for hazardous materials; route around it. Tunnel restrictions apply to placarded loads and to specific classes.

Follow designated hazmat routes; some cities and states require permits or restrict routes for explosives, radioactive, and bulk flammable loads.

Keep the shipping papers within arm's reach, and never leave a placarded vehicle unattended in a populated area or near a fire hazard.

Use warning devices (triangles) at 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the vehicle when stopped on a highway; use flares only if no flammable vapors are present.

Reduce speed and increase following distance when carrying bulk liquids - surge and shifting weight lengthen stopping distance.

Hazard label colors and symbols: red = flammability, blue = health hazard, yellow = reactivity, white = special hazard (e.g., oxidizer, corrosive, radioactive).

The NFPA 704 diamond is a facility marking, not a shipping label; do not confuse it with DOT hazard labels on packages.

A placard is a 10¾-inch square diamond; a label is a 4-inch diamond applied to the package. Both use the same hazard class colors and symbols.

Class 3 flammable liquid label/placard shows a flame; Class 8 corrosive shows a test tube dripping onto a hand and metal; Class 2.1 flammable gas shows a flame.

The UN identification number must be displayed on the vehicle when placarded; it goes on the placard, an orange panel, or the vehicle body.

A shipping paper must include the proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, packing group, and total quantity; the emergency response phone number is also required.

When a material has a subsidiary hazard, both the primary and subsidiary labels must appear on the package; the shipping paper shows the primary class first.

Marine pollutants and hazardous substances require additional marking (e.g., the word 'Marine Pollutant' or the RQ notation) on the shipping paper and package.

A hazmat endorsement (H) on a CDL requires a TSA security threat assessment, a knowledge test, and a clean driving record; the endorsement must be renewed with the license.

Pre-trip inspection for hazmat: check tires, brakes, lights, couplings, tank fittings, placards, fire extinguisher, and shipping papers before moving.

The driver must be able to read and speak English well enough to understand highway signs and respond to official questions.

Carry the CDL with hazmat endorsement, the medical examiner's certificate, and any required permits; a placarded load may require a route permit.

Report any change in medical status or a suspension of driving privileges to the employer; do not drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.

A vehicle carrying hazmat must have a fire extinguisher of at least 10 BC rating (20 BC for tank vehicles carrying flammables) and warning devices.

The driver is responsible for checking that the shipping paper matches the load and that placards are correct before departure.

Keep the shipping paper and emergency response information in the cab; the driver must be able to produce them for inspection at any time.

Security awareness training covers recognizing suspicious behavior, securing the vehicle, and reporting threats; it is part of the required hazmat training.

Never discuss the cargo, route, or schedule with strangers; keep the shipping paper and placards out of public view when parked.

Park in a secure, well-lit area; a placarded load should be attended or parked where it can be watched.

Report suspicious inquiries, tampering, or attempts to obtain hazmat information to the employer and, if appropriate, to law enforcement.

Keep the vehicle locked when unattended and never leave the keys in the ignition; a stolen hazmat vehicle is a serious security incident.

Verify the identity of anyone requesting cargo information; do not release shipping papers or route details to unauthorized persons.

Do not pick up hitchhikers or allow unauthorized persons into the cab; a placarded vehicle is a target for theft or sabotage.

Follow company security plans and route instructions; deviations from the planned route should be reported to the dispatcher.

Shipping papers must be retained by the shipper for 2 years (3 years for hazardous waste) and by the carrier for 1 year after the material is delivered.

Training records must be kept for each hazmat employee for as long as they are employed and for 2 years afterward.

Incident reports (DOT Form 5800.1) must be kept for 3 years by the carrier.

A shipping paper must include the shipper's certification statement signed by the shipper, confirming the material is properly classified and packaged.

Hazardous waste manifests use a different form (EPA Form 8700-22) and require a designated facility signature; the driver signs and keeps a copy.

Keep a copy of the emergency response information with the shipping paper; it must be available to responders at the scene.

Retain records of vehicle inspections and maintenance for the required period; a placarded vehicle must be in proper condition before each trip.

If a shipping paper is lost or illegible, do not move the load until a replacement is obtained from the shipper.

Never transport a forbidden material or a package that is leaking, damaged, or improperly marked; refuse the shipment and notify the shipper.

Do not load explosives with detonators or other incompatible materials; check the segregation table before accepting a mixed load.

Do not smoke or use open flames near a vehicle carrying Class 3, 4, or 5 materials; keep ignition sources away.

Do not transport hazardous materials in the passenger compartment or in a vehicle not designed for the load; use proper bulk packaging.

Never leave a placarded vehicle unattended in a populated area, near a fire, or where it can be struck by other vehicles.

Do not drive through a tunnel posted for hazmat or on a restricted route; follow designated routes and permits.

Do not attempt to repair a leaking tank or package on the road; isolate the area and call for emergency response.

Report any incident involving a release, fire, or injury immediately; failure to report is a violation of federal law.

Placards must be displayed on both sides and both ends of the vehicle; a placard is 10¾ inches square and must be readable from 50 feet.

The DANGEROUS placard may be used instead of specific placards when two or more hazard classes are loaded, except for 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 6.1 PG I, and 7.

A vehicle carrying 1,001 lb or more of one class must display that class placard; the 1,001 lb threshold is aggregate gross weight.

The UN identification number must be displayed on the vehicle when placarded - on the placard, an orange panel, or the vehicle body.

Placards must be removed or covered when the vehicle no longer carries the material; a placard for a class not present is a violation.

A cargo tank must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number on both sides and rear; the specification must match the material.

Portable tanks and bulk packages must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number; the marking must be durable and legible.

When a placard is required, the vehicle must also carry the emergency response information for that material.

Stop at all railroad crossings and look both ways; a placarded vehicle must stop at every crossing, not just those with stop signs.

Do not drive through a tunnel posted for hazardous materials; route around it and follow designated hazmat routes.

Park a placarded vehicle at least 5 feet from the roadway and 300 feet from a bridge, tunnel, or occupied building unless authorized.

Use warning devices at 10, 100, and 200 feet behind a stopped vehicle; use flares only if no flammable vapors are present.

Reduce speed and increase following distance with bulk liquids; surge and shifting weight lengthen stopping distance.

Never leave a placarded vehicle unattended in a populated area or near a fire hazard; park in a secure area with the engine off and brakes set.

If a tire blows or the load shifts, stop in a safe place, set the brakes, and check the load and tank fittings before continuing.

Report any accident or release immediately; do not move a leaking vehicle unless necessary to protect life.

A package must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number; the marking must be durable and legible.

A hazard label is a 4-inch diamond applied to the package; it shows the hazard class color and symbol.

A package with a subsidiary hazard must show both the primary and subsidiary labels; the shipping paper lists the primary class first.

The UN number must appear on the package marking, not just the shipping paper; it identifies the material to responders.

A package must not be marked or labeled if it does not meet the packaging requirements for that material.

Labels must be applied to the package surface, not to the closure or a removable part; they must be visible and not obscured.

A package containing a marine pollutant must be marked 'Marine Pollutant' in addition to the hazard label.

A package with a reportable quantity (RQ) of a hazardous substance must be marked with the letters 'RQ' before the proper shipping name.

Before loading, check the shipping paper for the proper shipping name, class, UN number, and compatibility; never load a package showing damage or leakage.

Do not smoke or carry a lit smoking device within 25 feet of a vehicle containing Class 3, 4, or 5 materials.

Set the parking brake, chock wheels, and turn off the engine before loading or unloading; use a trained helper when required.

Load packages with labels and markings visible; secure against shifting with dunnage or tiedowns.

Never load Division 1.1/1.2/1.3 explosives with detonators or other incompatible cargo; keep Class 8 corrosives away from Class 4 materials.

Use a fire extinguisher rated at least 10 BC on the vehicle when carrying hazmat; keep it charged and accessible.

After unloading, check the vehicle floor and body for spilled material or leaking packages and remove any residue.

Do not accept a package that leaks or has a damaged label; refuse it and notify the shipper.

A bulk package holds more than 119 gallons of liquid, more than 882 lb of solid, or more than 1,000 lb of gas; it must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number.

Cargo tanks must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number on both sides and rear; the specification must match the material.

MC-306/DOT-406 tanks carry flammable liquids; MC-331 carries pressurized gases; MC-338 carries refrigerated liquids.

Before loading a cargo tank, verify the tank is empty of incompatible residue, hatches and valves are closed, and the tank is grounded.

Cargo tank bottom outlets must be closed and the emergency shutoff must be functional before the vehicle moves.

Tank vehicles carrying flammable liquids need a fire extinguisher of at least 20 BC rating and must be placarded on both sides and rear.

Bulk packages must be loaded within axle and gross weight limits; check the vehicle's rated capacity before loading.

A cargo tank with a leaking valve, damaged dome cover, or missing placard is out of service - do not move it until repaired.

Reportable incident: a release of a hazardous material that is not authorized, or any incident involving a fatality, serious injury, or evacuation - notify the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

Immediate actions at a spill: stop the vehicle, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, keep people away, and stay upwind.

Use the ERG: identify the UN number, find the guide page, apply the initial isolation distance and protective-action distance.

Written incident report (DOT Form 5800.1) must be filed within 30 days of a reportable incident.

A release of a hazardous substance at or above its reportable quantity (RQ) must be reported; RQs are listed in Appendix A to 172.101.

Do not move a leaking package or vehicle unless necessary to protect life; isolate it, warn others, and call for emergency response.

Carry a fire extinguisher, warning devices, and a spill kit appropriate to the load; use flares only where safe from flammable vapors.

After a spill, secure the scene, document what was released and how much, and preserve shipping papers and placards for investigators.

Never park a vehicle carrying hazardous materials within 5 feet of a roadway or within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or occupied building unless the shipper authorizes it.

Attended parking is required for placarded loads; if unattended, the vehicle must be parked in a secure area with the engine off and brakes set.

Stop at all railroad crossings, look both ways, and listen; a placarded hazmat vehicle must stop at every crossing.

Do not drive through a tunnel posted for hazardous materials; route around it.

Follow designated hazmat routes; some cities and states require permits or restrict routes for explosives, radioactive, and bulk flammable loads.

Keep the shipping papers within arm's reach, and never leave a placarded vehicle unattended in a populated area or near a fire hazard.

Use warning devices (triangles) at 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the vehicle when stopped on a highway.

Reduce speed and increase following distance when carrying bulk liquids - surge and shifting weight lengthen stopping distance.

Shipping paper entries: proper shipping name, hazard class/division, UN/NA identification number, packing group, total quantity, number and type of packages, and shipper's certification.

Basic description order: proper shipping name, hazard class, UN/NA number, packing group (e.g., Gasoline, 3, UN1203, PG II).

Placards are required for 1,001 lb or more aggregate gross weight of a hazard class in one vehicle.

Placard both sides and both ends of the vehicle; a DANGEROUS placard may be used instead of specific placards only when two or more classes are loaded.

Identification number must appear on the placard, on orange panels, or on the vehicle.

Labels go on packages, not the vehicle; each package must show the hazard label for its class plus the proper shipping name and UN number.

Shipping papers must be within arm's reach of the driver while driving, kept in a pouch on the driver's door, or in clear view on the seat.

Emergency response information must accompany the shipping paper in the cab and be immediately available to responders.

Hazmat is a material meeting any 49 CFR 172.101 Table hazard class: explosives (1), gases (2), flammable liquids (3), flammable solids (4), oxidizers (5), toxic (6), radioactive (7), corrosive (8), miscellaneous (9).

A material is hazardous if it is listed by name in the 172.101 Table, meets a hazard class definition, is a hazardous substance/waste, or is a marine pollutant.

Division 1.1–1.3 explosives need placards and route controls; Division 1.4S generally needs no placard.

Hazmat employees need general awareness, function-specific, safety, and security awareness training, recurrent at least every 3 years.

A hazardous substance is a material listed in Appendix A to 172.101 at or above its reportable quantity (RQ) in one package.

Packaging groups: PG I great danger, PG II moderate, PG III minor danger; assigned per material in Column 5 of the 172.101 Table.

The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is organized by 4-digit UN/NA number and by material name.

A marine pollutant is listed in Appendix B to 172.101 and requires additional marking on the package and shipping paper.

Segregation table (49 CFR 177.848) prohibits loading certain class pairs together: e.g., Class 1 explosives with Class 5 oxidizers, Class 8 with Class 4.

Keep cyanides and acids apart (Class 6.1 with Class 8) - mixing generates toxic gas; keep food and feed away from toxic and corrosive materials.

When segregation is required, separate by a full bulkhead or by at least one package space.

Secure every package with tiedowns, blocking, or bracing rated for the load; a load must not shift enough to affect stability.

Load heavy packages on the bottom; keep labels and markings facing outward so responders can read them.

A vehicle carrying 1,001 lb or more of one hazard class must display the correct placard; the requirement is independent of segregation.

When two incompatible materials must travel together, the shipper must provide written instructions and the driver must verify the segregation table allows the combination.

Do not load a package with a damaged closure or a leaking container; a leaking package contaminates the rest of the load.

Placards must be displayed on both sides and both ends of the vehicle; a placard is 10¾ inches square and must be readable from 50 feet.

The DANGEROUS placard may be used instead of specific placards when two or more hazard classes are loaded, except for 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 6.1 PG I, and 7.

A vehicle carrying 1,001 lb or more of one class must display that class placard; the 1,001 lb threshold is aggregate gross weight.

The UN identification number must be displayed on the vehicle when placarded - on the placard, an orange panel, or the vehicle body.

Placards must be removed or covered when the vehicle no longer carries the material; a placard for a class not present is a violation.

A cargo tank must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number on both sides and rear.

Portable tanks and bulk packages must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number; the marking must be durable and legible.

When a placard is required, the vehicle must also carry the emergency response information for that material.

A hazmat endorsement (H) on a CDL requires a TSA security threat assessment, a knowledge test, and a clean driving record.

Pre-trip inspection for hazmat: check tires, brakes, lights, couplings, tank fittings, placards, fire extinguisher, and shipping papers.

The driver must be able to read and speak English well enough to understand highway signs and respond to official questions.

Carry the CDL with hazmat endorsement, the medical examiner's certificate, and any required permits.

Report any change in medical status or a suspension of driving privileges to the employer.

A vehicle carrying hazmat must have a fire extinguisher of at least 10 BC rating (20 BC for tank vehicles carrying flammables) and warning devices.

The driver is responsible for checking that the shipping paper matches the load and that placards are correct before departure.

Keep the shipping paper and emergency response information in the cab; the driver must be able to produce them for inspection.

Security awareness training covers recognizing suspicious behavior, securing the vehicle, and reporting threats.

Never discuss the cargo, route, or schedule with strangers; keep the shipping paper and placards out of public view when parked.

Park in a secure, well-lit area; a placarded load should be attended or parked where it can be watched.

Report suspicious inquiries, tampering, or attempts to obtain hazmat information to the employer and, if appropriate, to law enforcement.

Keep the vehicle locked when unattended and never leave the keys in the ignition.

Verify the identity of anyone requesting cargo information; do not release shipping papers or route details to unauthorized persons.

Do not pick up hitchhikers or allow unauthorized persons into the cab.

Follow company security plans and route instructions; deviations from the planned route should be reported to the dispatcher.

Shipping papers must be retained by the shipper for 2 years (3 years for hazardous waste) and by the carrier for 1 year after delivery.

Training records must be kept for each hazmat employee for as long as they are employed and for 2 years afterward.

Incident reports (DOT Form 5800.1) must be kept for 3 years by the carrier.

A shipping paper must include the shipper's certification statement signed by the shipper.

Hazardous waste manifests use EPA Form 8700-22 and require a designated facility signature.

Keep a copy of the emergency response information with the shipping paper; it must be available to responders at the scene.

Retain records of vehicle inspections and maintenance for the required period.

If a shipping paper is lost or illegible, do not move the load until a replacement is obtained from the shipper.

Never transport a forbidden material or a package that is leaking, damaged, or improperly marked; refuse the shipment.

Do not load explosives with detonators or other incompatible materials; check the segregation table before accepting a mixed load.

Do not smoke or use open flames near a vehicle carrying Class 3, 4, or 5 materials.

Do not transport hazardous materials in the passenger compartment or in a vehicle not designed for the load.

Never leave a placarded vehicle unattended in a populated area, near a fire, or where it can be struck.

Do not drive through a tunnel posted for hazmat or on a restricted route.

Do not attempt to repair a leaking tank or package on the road; isolate the area and call for emergency response.

Report any incident involving a release, fire, or injury immediately; failure to report is a violation of federal law.

Stop at all railroad crossings and look both ways; a placarded vehicle must stop at every crossing.

Do not drive through a tunnel posted for hazardous materials; route around it and follow designated hazmat routes.

Park a placarded vehicle at least 5 feet from the roadway and 300 feet from a bridge, tunnel, or occupied building unless authorized.

Use warning devices at 10, 100, and 200 feet behind a stopped vehicle; use flares only if no flammable vapors are present.

Reduce speed and increase following distance with bulk liquids; surge and shifting weight lengthen stopping distance.

Never leave a placarded vehicle unattended in a populated area or near a fire hazard.

If a tire blows or the load shifts, stop in a safe place, set the brakes, and check the load and tank fittings.

Report any accident or release immediately; do not move a leaking vehicle unless necessary to protect life.

A package must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number; the marking must be durable and legible.

A hazard label is a 4-inch diamond applied to the package; it shows the hazard class color and symbol.

A package with a subsidiary hazard must show both the primary and subsidiary labels.

The UN number must appear on the package marking, not just the shipping paper.

A package must not be marked or labeled if it does not meet the packaging requirements for that material.

Labels must be applied to the package surface, not to the closure or a removable part.

A package containing a marine pollutant must be marked 'Marine Pollutant' in addition to the hazard label.

A package with a reportable quantity (RQ) must be marked with the letters 'RQ' before the proper shipping name.

Before loading, check the shipping paper for the proper shipping name, class, UN number, and compatibility.

Do not smoke or carry a lit smoking device within 25 feet of a vehicle containing Class 3, 4, or 5 materials.

Set the parking brake, chock wheels, and turn off the engine before loading or unloading.

Load packages with labels and markings visible; secure against shifting with dunnage or tiedowns.

Never load Division 1.1/1.2/1.3 explosives with detonators or other incompatible cargo.

Use a fire extinguisher rated at least 10 BC on the vehicle when carrying hazmat.

After unloading, check the vehicle floor and body for spilled material or leaking packages.

Do not accept a package that leaks or has a damaged label; refuse it and notify the shipper.

A bulk package holds more than 119 gallons of liquid, more than 882 lb of solid, or more than 1,000 lb of gas.

Cargo tanks must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN number on both sides and rear.

MC-306/DOT-406 tanks carry flammable liquids; MC-331 carries pressurized gases; MC-338 carries refrigerated liquids.

Before loading a cargo tank, verify the tank is empty of incompatible residue, hatches and valves are closed, and the tank is grounded.

Cargo tank bottom outlets must be closed and the emergency shutoff must be functional before the vehicle moves.

Tank vehicles carrying flammable liquids need a fire extinguisher of at least 20 BC rating.

Bulk packages must be loaded within axle and gross weight limits.

A cargo tank with a leaking valve, damaged dome cover, or missing placard is out of service.

Reportable incident: a release of a hazardous material that is not authorized, or any incident involving a fatality, serious injury, or evacuation - notify the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

Immediate actions at a spill: stop the vehicle, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, keep people away, and stay upwind.

Use the ERG: identify the UN number, find the guide page, apply the initial isolation distance and protective-action distance.

Written incident report (DOT Form 5800.1) must be filed within 30 days of a reportable incident.

A release of a hazardous substance at or above its reportable quantity (RQ) must be reported.

Do not move a leaking package or vehicle unless necessary to protect life.

Carry a fire extinguisher, warning devices, and a spill kit appropriate to the load.

After a spill, secure the scene, document what was released and how much, and preserve shipping papers and placards.