NJ CDL Tanker flashcards

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

Outage

The empty space left in a tank above the liquid, expressed as a percentage of tank volume, to allow for thermal expansion of the product.

Liquid surge

The movement of liquid forward, backward, and sideways inside a partially filled tank as the vehicle accelerates, brakes, or turns.

Baffles

Internal walls inside a cargo tank that divide the liquid into compartments and reduce, but do not eliminate, surge during driving.

High center of gravity

A condition in which the load's weight sits high in the tank, reducing rollover threshold and making the vehicle less stable in curves.

Half-full tank surge

A tank about half full produces the greatest surge because the liquid has the most room to move; full and empty tanks surge least.

Braking with surge

Liquid moving forward on braking pushes the vehicle ahead and lengthens stopping distance, so following distance must be increased.

Side-to-side surge

Lateral liquid movement in a partly loaded tank that can cause trailer sway; correct it with smooth steering rather than abrupt inputs.

Outage minimum

The smallest empty space the tank may have for a given product, set so expansion from heat cannot overflow or rupture the tank.

Pre-trip tank inspection

A walk-around checking shell, baffles, hatches, gaskets, valves, vents, bonding cable, and placards for damage before driving.

Bonding cable

A cable connecting the tank to the loading rack to equalize static charge before transfer; it is removed last after unloading.

Manhole cover check

Confirming dome covers and hatches are closed and sealed before moving; an open hatch spills product and creates a static hazard.

Trailer ABS check

Verifying the trailer antilock braking system functions, since surge and heavy liquid loads demand full braking authority and stability.

Fifth wheel inspection

Checking the coupling and kingpin for cracks and wear; surge multiplies stress on the coupling during braking and acceleration.

Emergency kit

Required onboard items such as a charged fire extinguisher, spill kit, wheel chocks, and warning devices, all mounted and accessible.

Downshift on grades

Using a lower gear and engine braking on downgrades to avoid overheating service brakes and losing stopping power.

Smooth inputs

Gradual acceleration, braking, and steering that limit liquid surge and keep a high-center-of-gravity tanker stable.

Tank cleanliness check

Confirming the tank is drained and compatible with the new product before loading, so residue does not contaminate or react with it.

Ground before loading

Bonding the tank to the rack and grounding the rack before opening hatches or connecting hoses to prevent static ignition.

Hose and gasket check

Inspecting transfer hoses and gaskets for cuts, swelling, or leaks before connecting, since a failed seal spills product.

Load within capacity

Filling only to the tank's marked maximum and required outage; overfilling causes spills, fires, and reportable releases.

Open hatches slowly

Cracking dome covers gradually and standing upwind, because tanks vent toxic or flammable vapor and pressure can release suddenly.

Attend the transfer

Remaining at the loading or unloading point the entire time; unattended transfers are a leading cause of overfill and spills.

Shut off before disconnect

Closing the discharge valve and stopping the pump before removing hoses, so trapped pressure does not spray product.

Post-unload steps

Draining hoses, closing valves, replacing caps, and removing bonding cables last to dissipate residual static safely.

Bill of lading check

Confirming product, quantity, and discrepancies on the paperwork before leaving the rack to prevent delivery and compliance errors.

Leak response steps

Stop, shut off the engine, set the brake, and move people upwind and uphill, then notify emergency services and the carrier.

Placard and UN number

Hazard identification on the vehicle and shipping papers that responders use to select the correct emergency response guide.

BLEVE

Boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion, a tank rupture from fire that can throw fragments and a fireball far beyond the scene.

Unknown product fire

Do not fight it; evacuate and let trained responders handle a fire involving an unidentified or hazardous product.

National Response Center

The federal point of contact that must be notified of certain hazardous material releases, with the report number kept on file.

Emergency response information

Required paperwork carried with shipping papers so responders can act on the hazard before reaching the carrier.

Disabled with load

Keep placards visible, set warning devices, and stay with the vehicle unless leaving is required for personal safety.