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Georgia CDL Hazmat study materials
Georgia CDL Hazmat study resources

Georgia CDL Hazmat: Loading, Unloading, and Segregation of Hazardous Materials

Georgia CDL Hazmat · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Loading, Unloading, and Segregation of Hazardous Materials

What the exam tests

This domain covers loading, unloading, securement, and segregation: keeping incompatible materials apart, protecting packages, and controlling the vehicle during transfers.

Loading and securement

  • Inspect packages for leaks, damage, and proper marks and labels before loading.
  • Load so packages cannot move; use dunnage, blocking, or tiedowns.
  • Do not load hazmat where it can be crushed or where it blocks access.
  • Keep smoking materials away from Class 3, 4, and 5 materials.
  • For flammable liquids, bond and ground the container and receiving equipment during loading and unloading.
  • Set the parking brake, chock wheels, and shut off the engine during transfers unless needed for pumping.

Segregation

  • The segregation table in 49 CFR 177.848 controls what may be loaded together. 'X' means no segregation required; 'O' means do not load in the same vehicle or container.
  • Acids and cyanides must be kept apart; contact can generate hydrogen cyanide gas.
  • Oxidizers (5.1) and organic peroxides (5.2) must be kept away from flammables (3, 4) and combustible materials.
  • Class 6.1 and 2.3 materials must not be loaded against foodstuffs.
  • Explosives require compatible loading only; detonators and other explosives are segregated.

Worked example

A shipper wants to load 500 lb of UN1830, Sulfuric acid, Class 8, PG II and 500 lb of UN1689, Sodium cyanide, Class 6.1, PG I in one van. The segregation table gives 'O' for this combination. Acid and cyanide can react to release hydrogen cyanide, a toxic gas. The correct answer is to refuse the mixed load and arrange separate vehicles or an approved separation.

Traps

Do not assume all corrosives are compatible. Do not rely on labels or placards as a substitute for checking the segregation table. Do not leave a vehicle unattended during transfer. Do not forget subsidiary hazards, such as a Class 8 material with a toxic subsidiary risk.