Hazardous Materials: Placards, Papers, and Parking
Hazardous materials rules
A hazardous materials endorsement is required to drive placarded loads. The knowledge test covers shipping papers, placards, parking, driving rules, and emergency response. Placarding depends on the hazard class, the aggregate gross weight, and the packaging. Table 1 materials generally require placards for any quantity; Table 2 materials require them at 1,001 pounds or more aggregate gross weight, unless the load is in bulk packaging.
Shipping papers
- Keep the shipping paper within reach while driving.
- It must show the proper shipping name, hazard class or division, identification number, packing group, total quantity, and a shipper certification.
- Emergency response information and a 24-hour emergency telephone number must be available.
- Check that placards match the shipping paper before you move.
Worked example
You load 1,200 pounds of a Table 2 Class 3 flammable liquid in non-bulk packages. The aggregate gross weight exceeds 1,001 pounds, so the vehicle needs the Class 3 placard on both sides and both ends. If the same load were 500 pounds, no placard would be required for that Table 2 material unless another rule or bulk packaging applied. Reason: placarding is based on the total load, not one package.
Traps
- Placarding each package instead of the aggregate load.
- Storing shipping papers in the trailer or a locked box.
- Parking near crowds, tunnels, or a diner with a placarded load.
- Forgetting that emergency response information must be immediately available.
- Assuming a small package never affects placarding.