Hazardous Materials Shipping Papers and Emergency Response Information
The shipping papers domain tests whether you can read, verify, and carry the document that tells emergency responders what is on the truck. The exam focuses on 49 CFR 172 Subpart C and the emergency response information requirements in 172.602.
What a hazmat shipping paper must show
- Proper shipping name, hazard class or division, UN/NA identification number, and packing group when assigned, in that basic description.
- Total quantity and number of packages; the shipper's certification that the material is properly classified, described, packaged, marked, and labeled.
- An emergency response telephone number that is monitored at all times the material is in transportation, plus emergency response information such as the ERG guide number, hazards, and protective actions.
- The paper must be within the driver's immediate reach, kept on top of other papers when carried in a pouch, and readily visible to a responder.
Worked example
A bill of lading reads "UN1203, Gasoline, 3, PG II, 4,000 lb." The proper shipping name should appear as "Gasoline," with "UN1203," "3," and "PG II." If the packing group field were blank, you should not accept the load until the shipper corrects it, because gasoline is assigned PG II.
Traps that cost marks
An emergency number that is not monitored during transport fails the rule. The ERG is a guide, not a substitute for the required emergency response information. "Not restricted" is only for material that is not regulated. Shipping papers must be legible and in English, and the emergency response information must travel with them.