Louisiana CDL Hazmat flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Placard threshold

Placards are required for 1,001 pounds or more of a Table 2 material, any quantity of a Table 1 material, and any quantity of a material listed in the placarding tables for its hazard class.

Basic description order

The shipping paper basic description lists the UN/NA identification number first, then the proper shipping name, hazard class or division, and packing group, for example UN1203 Gasoline 3 PG II.

National Response Center

The NRC at 1-800-424-8802 must be called immediately after a hazmat incident involving a death, hospitalization, $50,000 or more in damage, evacuation, or a reportable quantity release.

DOT Form 5800.1

The written hazardous materials incident report is submitted to DOT within 30 days of an incident, and a follow-up report is required when the incident involves a death, injury, or continuing hazard.

Shipping paper location

While driving, the shipping papers must be within the driver's reach, in a door pouch, or in a holder in clear view; when the driver leaves the vehicle, the papers stay on the seat or in the door pouch.

ERG green pages

The green-bordered pages of the Emergency Response Guidebook give initial isolation and protective action distances for toxic inhalation hazards, measured from the spill site and adjusted for wind direction.

Hazard class numbering

Hazardous materials are grouped into nine classes: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidizers, 6 toxic, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosive, and 9 miscellaneous.

Cargo securement requirement

A hazmat load must be blocked, braced, or tied down so it cannot shift during transport; failure to secure the load is a violation even when the packages themselves are intact.

Acid and cyanide segregation

Cyanides and acids must never be loaded together because mixing can release deadly hydrogen cyanide gas; the segregation table in 49 CFR 177.848 lists all prohibited combinations.

Package inspection before loading

Before loading, the driver inspects each package for leaks, stains, odors, and damaged closures; a leaking or damaged package must not be loaded and must be reported to the shipper.

Engine off during loading

During loading and unloading of hazardous materials, the engine must be shut off, the brakes set, and the wheels chocked; the driver must remain with the vehicle on a public road.

Cylinder loading rules

Compressed gas cylinders must be loaded upright, secured against tipping, kept away from heat, and have their valves protected with caps or guards during transport.

Food and hazmat separation

Hazardous materials must not be loaded in the same vehicle with food or animal feed unless the hazmat is packaged and separated so contamination cannot occur.

Placard visibility after loading

Hazardous materials must be loaded so placards and labels stay visible and shipping papers are not buried, allowing the driver to identify the material in an emergency.

Cargo tank inspection cycle

A cargo tank requires an external visual inspection and leak test at least annually and an internal inspection and pressure test at least every five years, with dates stamped on the tank.

Cargo tank specification plate

The specification plate shows the tank's design pressure, capacity, and approved materials; a tank may only be loaded with a product listed on its plate.

Bulk package definition

A bulk package holds more than 119 gallons (450 liters) of liquid or more than 882 pounds (400 kilograms) of solid, and includes cargo tanks, portable tanks, tank cars, and hopper cars.

Static bonding and grounding

When loading flammable liquids, the driver bonds the tank to the loading rack and grounds the vehicle before connecting the loading hose, preventing a static spark that could ignite vapors.

Cargo tank fire extinguisher

A cargo tank carrying flammable liquids must carry a fire extinguisher rated at least 20 BC, or 10 BC for smaller tanks, and the tank must have a remote shutoff valve.

Emergency discharge control

Before unloading, the driver checks the cargo tank's internal valves and emergency discharge control system; a tank without a working emergency shutoff must not be unloaded.

Residue compatibility check

Before loading a new product, the driver verifies the tank is empty of incompatible residue, because mixing incompatible chemicals can cause a violent reaction or release toxic gas.

Railroad crossing stop

A placarded hazmat vehicle or cargo tank must stop within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail, set the parking brake, look both ways, and listen before crossing.

Tunnel restrictions

Hazmat vehicles may not enter tunnels or underpasses posted with a hazmat prohibition; the driver must use an alternate route rather than proceed through the restricted tunnel.

Hazmat parking distance

A hazmat vehicle may not be parked within 5 feet of a traveled roadway or within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing unless the vehicle is attended.

Unattended parking setup

When leaving a hazmat vehicle unattended, the driver sets the parking brake, chocks the wheels, leaves shipping papers in the door pouch, and ensures the vehicle is visible to traffic.

Crossing gate rule

A hazmat driver must not cross until the railroad gate is fully raised and the track is clear, and must never stop the vehicle on the tracks.

Flammable liquid speed

A hazmat vehicle carrying flammable liquids must not exceed the posted speed limit and must reduce speed for curves, construction zones, and bad weather to maintain control.

First priority at a spill

In a hazmat emergency, protect people first: stop the vehicle, move upwind and uphill, and keep others away; the driver must not attempt to fight a fire involving hazardous materials.

Emergency notification sequence

After a hazmat incident, the driver calls 911 and the National Response Center, then notifies the shipper and carrier, using the shipping papers and placards to identify the material.

Flammable liquid spill response

Contain a flammable liquid spill with absorbent material or dirt and eliminate all ignition sources; do not apply water to a flammable liquid fire unless the ERG guide specifically permits it.

Leaking package handling

A leaking package must not be handled without protective equipment; the driver keeps the shipping paper available and gives responders the material's proper name and UN number.

Vehicle on fire rule

If the vehicle is on fire or carries a toxic inhalation hazard, the driver must not re-enter or move it, but should move to a safe distance and wait for responders.