New York CDL HazMat flashcards

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

Hazmat endorsement requirement

A CDL hazmat endorsement (H) is required to drive any vehicle carrying hazardous materials in a quantity that requires placarding. It requires a knowledge test and a TSA security threat assessment before issuance.

Placarding threshold 1,001 lb

Table 2 hazardous materials require placards when the aggregate gross weight in the vehicle reaches 1,001 pounds or more. The weight includes the packaging and all Table 2 materials combined.

Table 1 materials

Table 1 materials require placards in any quantity, with no 1,001-pound threshold. They include Division 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 explosives, Division 2.3 poison gas, and Division 6.1 Packing Group I poisons.

Shipping paper basic description

The shipping paper must show the proper shipping name, hazard class or division, UN/NA identification number, and packing group, in that order. The emergency response telephone number must also appear.

Shipping paper accessibility

While driving, the shipping paper must be within reach, kept in a pouch on the driver's door or in clear view on the seat. It must be given to emergency responders at an incident scene.

Emergency response information

Emergency response information must accompany the shipping paper, such as an ERG guide page, a 24-hour emergency telephone number, or a written response plan. The number must be monitored at all times.

Nine hazard classes

The nine classes are explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive, corrosives, and miscellaneous. Divisions refine several of these classes.

Class 2 divisions

Class 2 gases are divided into 2.1 flammable gas, 2.2 non-flammable non-toxic gas, and 2.3 poison gas. Division 2.3 requires placards in any quantity and is highly dangerous.

Bulk package definition

A bulk package holds more than 119 gallons of liquid, more than 882 pounds of solid, or more than 1,000 pounds of gas. Bulk packages must display the UN/NA number on the placard or orange panel.

Packing group meanings

Packing Group I means great danger, Packing Group II means moderate danger, and Packing Group III means minor danger. The packing group appears on the shipping paper after the ID number.

Proper shipping name rule

The shipping paper must use the proper shipping name from the hazmat table, not a trade name or abbreviation. The name must match the package markings and the placards on the vehicle.

UN/NA identification number

The UN/NA number is a four-digit number assigned to a hazardous material, such as UN1203 for gasoline or UN1017 for chlorine. It must match the shipping paper and the placard or orange panel.

Placard placement

Placards must be displayed on both sides and both ends of the vehicle and must be readable from 50 feet. Placards must be removed or covered when the vehicle no longer carries the material.

DANGEROUS placard use

The DANGEROUS placard may replace individual placards for two or more Table 2 materials in the same vehicle when the aggregate weight is 1,001 pounds or more. It may not replace Table 1 placards.

Smoking distance rule

No smoking is allowed within 25 feet of a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, and no smoking is allowed while loading or unloading. The engine must be off during fueling and loading of flammables.

Parking distance rules

Do not park within 5 feet of the traveled roadway when carrying hazardous materials. When carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives, never park within 300 feet of an open fire.

Railroad crossing stop

Vehicles carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives or any quantity of chlorine must stop at all railroad crossings, look both ways, and proceed only when clear, even if signals are present.

Attendance of explosives loads

A vehicle carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives or poison gas must be attended at all times or locked and secured. The driver may not leave it unattended in an unsecured area.

Segregation of acids and cyanides

Acids must not be loaded with cyanides or other materials that release toxic gas when mixed. Oxidizers must be kept apart from flammable materials. Check the segregation table before loading.

Loading in passenger compartment

Hazardous materials must never be loaded in the passenger compartment or anywhere they block an exit. Packages must be blocked and braced so they cannot shift during transport.

Bonding and grounding

Before transferring flammable liquids, bond the containers together and ground them to prevent static sparks. Keep the engine off and sources of ignition away during the transfer.

Cargo tank outage space

A cargo tank must not be filled completely; outage or ullage space is left to allow for liquid expansion. The driver must know the tank's marked capacity and check valves and closures for leaks.

Refusing a shipment

A driver must refuse a hazardous material shipment if the shipping paper is incomplete, the package is leaking or damaged, or the placards do not match the load. The driver checks the shipment before driving.

National Response Center

Hazmat releases of reportable quantities must be reported to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. The driver must also notify local authorities and the shipper of the incident.

Incident duties of driver

At a hazmat incident, keep people away, call for help, and give the shipping paper and emergency response information to responders. Do not attempt cleanup unless trained and equipped.

TSA threat assessment

The hazmat endorsement requires a TSA security threat assessment with fingerprinting and a background check. The endorsement is valid for five years and requires a new assessment at renewal.

Company security plan

Hazmat drivers must follow the company security plan, watch for and report suspicious activity or threats, and avoid discussing the nature of the load with unauthorized persons.

ERG organization

The Emergency Response Guidebook is organized by UN/NA number and by material name. Its orange section gives protective clothing, evacuation distances, and fire and health hazards for the material.

Hazmat table use

The hazmat table lists each material by proper shipping name, hazard class, ID number, packing group, label codes, and special provisions. Drivers use it to verify the shipping description before accepting a load.

Limited quantity exception

Some materials shipped as limited quantities or consumer commodities are excepted from certain placarding or shipping paper requirements. The driver must check the shipping paper for the applicable exception.

Labels versus placards

Labels are placed on individual packages, while placards are placed on the vehicle. Both use the same hazard class colors and symbols, and both must match the material's hazard class.

Radioactive materials endorsement

The hazmat endorsement alone does not authorize transporting radioactive materials. A separate radioactive materials endorsement is required, along with additional requirements and background checks.

Tunnel and route restrictions

Hazardous materials may be banned from tunnels, bridges, and certain routes. Drivers must plan the route, follow posted restrictions, and obtain any required state permits for certain quantities.