Transportation Safety

DOT Hazmat

DOT Hazmat Courses

Transportation Safety

Duration: 0.47 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials can be found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) contain requirements related to the classification, labeling, packaging, handling, loading and unloading of hazardous materials that are offered for or transported in commerce. They also stipulate standards related to hazmat training, incident reporting, hazard communication, and security. In this interactive, online course, we will discuss the applicability of the HMR to vessel shipments of hazardous materials. We will discuss the DOT general requirements for the handling, stowage, and segregation of hazmat packages on vessels, including use of the Hazardous Materials Table to determine stowage and segregation requirements. We also cover DOT requirements for hazmat vessel shipments related to power-operated equipment, barges, and ferries.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms stowage, segregation, cargo transport unit (CTU), and Dangerous Goods Manifest
  • Describe the applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to vessel shipments of hazardous materials
  • List DOT general requirements for the handling, stowage, and segregation of hazmat packages on vessels
  • Identify stowage and segregation requirements for hazardous materials using the Hazardous Materials Table
  • List DOT requirements for hazmat vessel shipments related to power-operated equipment, barges, and ferries

Duration: 0.43 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

In the U.S., the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the shipping and packaging of hazardous materials being transported in commerce between states and internationally. DOT regulations related to the transportation of hazardous materials can be found in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (or HMR), which are included in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). When hazardous materials, or “dangerous goods,” are transported on vessels on international waters, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code applies. The IMDG Code was created and is maintained by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), an agency of the UN. This interactive, online course provides an overview of regulations and procedures for the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea internationally.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms “hazardous materials,” “dangerous goods,” “packaging,” “package,” “limited quantities,” and several package- and packaging-related terms
  • Describe the roles of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), U. S. Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), International Maritime Organization (IMO), and IMDG Code
  • Describe the contents of the IMDG Code, including the Dangerous Goods List (DGL), Emergency Schedules (EmS), and Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG)
  • Identify common hazardous communication marks used on dangerous goods packages and containers
  • Describe the shipping documents required for dangerous goods shipments
  • Identify who must receive training related to the handling and transport of dangerous goods

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

Part 175 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) contains requirements related to the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce by aircraft. It applies to the offering, acceptance, and transportation of hazardous materials in commerce by all aircraft to, from, or within the U.S., and by aircraft of U.S. registry anywhere in the world. This interactive, online course will discuss the responsibilities of air carriers with regards to the HMR, the permitted use of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, exceptions to the prohibition of hazardous materials on passenger aircraft, and hazmat employee training requirements.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms “cargo aircraft,” “passenger aircraft,” “dangerous goods” and “hazmat employee”
  • Compare the requirements for hazardous material air shipments in Part 175 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) with those in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) Technical Instructions
  • List the HMR requirements, including employee training requirements, for air carriers who transport hazardous materials
  • List the shipping paper and pilot notification requirements for hazardous materials shipped in commerce by aircraft
  • Describe the hazardous material exceptions for passenger aircraft

Duration: 0.45 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

Part 175 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) contains requirements related to the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce by aircraft. It applies to the offering, acceptance, and transportation of hazardous materials in commerce by all aircraft to, from, or within the U.S., and by aircraft of U.S. registry anywhere in the world. This interactive online course will discuss Hazmat air carrier requirements and responsibilities. We will discuss the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) and List of Dangerous Goods. We will discuss packaging for hazardous materials air transport, and the location, orientation, and securement of such items on an aircraft. We will also cover damaged shipments.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms “passenger aircraft,” “cargo aircraft,” “dangerous goods,” and “accessible” and “inaccessible” cargo locations
  • Explain how the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) and the List of Dangerous Goods can be used to satisfy requirements for hazardous materials transported in commerce by aircraft
  • Describe the packaging requirements and identify quantity limitations and exceptions for hazardous materials transported by aircraft
  • List the loading, unloading, and stowage requirements for hazardous materials transported in commerce by aircraft
  • Discuss the HMR requirements for damaged or leaking hazardous material packages

Duration: 0.42 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

The U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, defines hazardous material as any material or substance that, due to its chemical properties, has the potential to cause injury, loss of life, or damage to property or the environment when transported in commerce. U.S. DOT regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials can be found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Regulations specific to hazardous materials transported in commerce by motor vehicle, rail car, aircraft, or vessel can be found in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) located in Parts 171 through 180 of Title 49 in the CFR. In this course, we will discuss hazmat vessel carrier requirements and responsibilities and describe the applicability of the hazardous materials regulations to vessel shipments of hazardous materials. We will discuss the required contents of the dangerous goods manifest for a vessel transporting packaged hazardous materials and describe the incident response and reporting requirements for hazmat vessel shipments.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms “dangerous goods,” “stowage,” “segregation,” “cargo transport unit” and “hazmat employee”
  • Describe the applicability of the hazardous materials regulations to vessel shipments of hazardous materials
  • List DOT requirements for hazmat shippers and vessel carriers
  • List the required contents of the dangerous goods manifest for a vessel transporting packaged hazardous materials
  • Describe the incident response and reporting requirements for hazmat vessel shipments

Duration: 0.38 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

Rail carriers who transport hazardous materials in commerce in the U.S. must comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). This interactive online course discusses the DOT’s “Carriage by Rail” requirements in Subparts C and D in Part 174 of the HMR. This includes requirements related to segregation, handling, switching, train position, and incident reporting for hazardous material shipments by rail. It details how to the use the Segregation, Compatibility, and Position In Train tables in the HMR.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe how the Segregation Table in Section 174.81(d) of the HMR is used for hazardous material rail shipments
  • Use the Compatibility Table in Section 174.81(f) to determine the segregation requirements for rail shipments of Class 1 Explosives
  • Describe DOT switching requirements for placarded rail cars
  • Describe how to use the “Position in Train of Placarded Cars Transporting Hazardous Materials” table in Section 174.85(d)
  • Determine when a transportation incident involving a hazardous material must be reported to the National Response Center (NRC)

Duration: 0.33 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

Rail carriers who transport hazardous materials in commerce in the U.S. must comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Besides requiring hazmat training for all affected employees, there are regulations related to shipping papers; rail car positioning; package markings, labels, and placards; leaking packages; and shipment acceptance and inspections. This interactive online course discusses the DOT’s “Carriage by Rail” requirements in Subparts A, B, and most of C in Part 174 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). This includes general requirements for hazardous material rail shipments, plus requirements specific to the acceptance, inspection, handling, and loading of hazardous material packages. It also covers tank car unloading and the removal and disposition of hazardous materials after delivery.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) documentation and placarding requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce by rail
  • Describe the DOT’s inspection, acceptance, handling, loading, leakage, and tank car unloading requirements for hazardous material rail shipments
  • Describe the DOT’s requirements for the removal and disposition of hazardous materials after delivery by rail

Duration: 0.75 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

Regulations related to the transportation of hazardous materials are contained in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) in Parts 171-180 of Title 49 regulate the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce by motor vehicle, rail car, aircraft, or waterborne vessel. The HMR include classification, labeling, packaging, handling, loading and unloading requirements, in addition to standards for hazmat training, incident reporting, hazard communication, and security.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Provide U.S. DOT definitions for “hazardous material,” “hazmat employer” and “hazmat employee”
  • Identify the circumstances under which the U.S. DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) apply
  • Describe the responsibilities of hazmat employees and persons who offer hazardous materials for shipment
  • Use the Hazardous Materials Table to generate a basic description for use on shipping documents
  • Explain how hazardous substances, marine pollutants, elevated temperature materials, and hazardous wastes are identified and regulated during shipping

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

In the wrong hands, hazardous materials can pose a significant security threat. Terrorist incidents involving hazardous materials have occurred in many different locations around the world and in some cases, have inflicted major damage and mass casualties. All hazmat employees must receive security awareness training to help them identify and handle security threats. This training is critical because hazmat employees are our first line of defense in preventing terrorists from accessing and using hazardous materials as weapons.

Hazmat employees must be aware of the hazardous materials stored, handled, or transported by their company; make sure hazmats are stored securely; plan deliveries carefully to minimize opportunities for theft, hijacking, or sabotage; inspect all hazmat shipments upon arrival, refuse suspicious or damaged containers, and report evidence of tampering or theft; and never share hazmat or security procedures on a mobile device, in public, or over an unsecured network.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Provide the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) definition for “hazardous material”
  • Identify which employees should be knowledgeable about the HMR
  • Describe how terrorists can be identified
  • Explain why internal threats are especially dangerous, including threats to information security
  • Identify the types of hazardous materials terrorists are interested in obtaining
  • List facility and in-transit security measures that can be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous material shipments

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) apply to the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce. This includes the movement of these materials, plus all associated loading, unloading, and storage activities. Part 177 of the HMR contains requirements related to the transportation of hazardous materials by private, common, and contract “for hire” motor carriers. These carriers must also comply with several other Parts of the HMR, and many requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms “hazardous material,” “exclusive use,” and “sole use,” according to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) 
  • Describe when the HMR apply to highway hazardous materials shipments 
  • Describe the shipping paper recordkeeping requirements for hazmat carriers 
  • List general loading and unloading requirements for hazardous materials 
  • List the loading and unloading requirements for hazardous materials in Classes 1-5, 7, and 8 and Divisions 2.3 and 6.1

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

Certain hazardous materials must be separated from each other during transportation in a manner that prevents commingling if a package failure or leakage were to occur. The segregation requirements for highway hazmat shipments are contained in Section 177.848 of the HMR. These requirements apply only to the Hazard Classes and Divisions listed in the HMR’s Segregation Table and only if the materials are in packages that require labeling or placarding, a compartment within a cargo tank, or a portable tank loaded in a container or vehicle.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Use the Segregation Table in Section 177.848 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to determine segregation requirements for commercial highway hazardous materials shipments 
  • Use the Compatibility Table to determine the segregation requirements for commercial highway shipments of Class 1 Explosives 
  • Determine when a transportation incident involving a hazardous material must be reported to the National Response Center (NRC)

Duration: 0.75 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

The packaging used to secure hazardous materials during transport typically contains markings and labels to indicate that it contains a hazardous material. The purpose of marking and labeling is to communicate the hazards and risks of the materials being transported to anyone who could potentially be exposed to them. “Labeling” refers to the placement of primary and, if applicable, subsidiary hazard labels on the outer package. DOT labeling requirements are contained in Part 172, Subpart E of the HMR.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms hazardous material, packaging, package, bulk packaging, non-bulk packaging, marking, and labeling 
  • Identify who is responsible for non-compliant hazardous material shipments 
  • Use the Hazardous Materials Table and HMR to determine the required hazard labels for a package 
  • List the international labels that can be used in place of or in addition to DOT hazmat labels 
  • List durability, size, color, and placement requirements for DOT labels 
  • Identify non-compliant hazmat packages

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

The primary function of hazmat packaging is to ensure that hazardous materials remain intact and secure during transportation. All packagings must be designed to ensure that under normal conditions, the contents will not be released and the packaging effectiveness will be maintained as it experiences typical physical stresses, including shocks, vibrations, temperature extremes, and changes in humidity and pressure. The Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) in Section 172.101 of the HMR can be used to determine the non-bulk and bulk packaging requirements, and any conditions for packaging exceptions, for hazardous material shipments.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms “hazardous material,” “dangerous goods,” “packaging,” “package,” “limited quantity,” “excepted quantity,” and “consumer commodity” 
  • Describe “bulk,” “non-bulk,” “combination,” “composite,” “single,” “large,” and “salvage” packagings 
  • Identify when the Hazardous Materials Regulations, IMDG Code, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, and UN Recommendations apply 
  • Demonstrate how to determine packaging exceptions and authorized packagings, and how to apply Special Provisions
  • Describe the purpose and application of DOT Special Permits 
  • Show how Packing Group performance levels in UN POP marks are applied 
  • List general HMR packaging requirements and common exceptions 
  • Identify where the requirements for limited quantity and excepted quantity shipments can be found

Duration: 0.75 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

The DOT requires marking, labeling, and placarding of hazardous materials being transported in commerce to, from, or within the U.S. The term “placarding” refers to the placement of large durable versions of hazard labels on transport vehicles, bulk packages, freight containers, unit load devices, and rail cars. The purpose of marking, labeling, and placarding is to communicate the potential dangers of hazardous materials. Placards are especially important to emergency responders, who use this information to initiate protective actions after an incident or accidental release.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms “hazardous material,” “packaging,” “package,” “bulk” packaging, and “non-bulk” packaging, as defined in the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) 
  • Identify the hazmat packaging employees who must comply with the HMR 
  • Identify markings, labels, and placards on hazardous material shipments 
  • Describe placards that are prohibited, including the exceptions that are allowed 
  • Describe general placarding requirements for hazardous material shipments to, from, and within the U.S., including how to use the placarding tables in the HMR, and placarding provisions and exceptions

Duration: 0.75 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

Shippers of hazardous materials – including hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, and marine pollutants – must prepare and certify shipping papers before offering these materials for commercial transportation to, from, or within the U.S. Shipping papers identify and classify the hazardous materials being shipped, and notify shippers and carriers of their hazards. They help define the protective measures necessary to protect employees, the public, and the environment, and can provide critical information to emergency response personnel.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the shipping paper preparation and recordkeeping responsibilities of shippers, drivers, and carriers 
  • Identify the requirements for the Emergency Response Telephone Number on shipping papers 
  • Describe common exceptions for shipping paper requirements 
  • Identify the required components of a Basic Description and Proper Shipping Description 
  • List the additional information that is required for some hazardous material shipments 
  • Identify the four types of shipper certifications 
  • List the additional information that is included on the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English, French
Capability: Audio, Video

Over 4 billion tons of hazardous materials are transported in the U.S. every year. Due to their inherent risks to life, property, and the environment, the U.S. DOT established the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to cover the classification, labeling, packaging, and handling of hazardous materials. The HMR also regulate hazmat training, incident reporting, hazard communication, and security. This course addresses safety training for hazmat employees. It provides them with the information they need to keep themselves and others safe when working with or around hazardous materials. This includes potential hazards, precautions that can be taken, basic first aid measures, and how to deal with leaks, spills, and fires. Regulations covered: 49 CFR 171-180 (2015): Hazardous Materials Regulations 49 CFR 172.704 (2015)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Provide the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) definition for “hazardous material”
  • Describe the application of the U.S. DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
  • Identify whom must comply with the HMR
  • Describe the purpose of hazmat package markings, labels, and shipping papers
  • Identify where one can find the emergency response information for a hazmat shipment
  • List Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for working around chemicals
  • Identify first aid measures and how to respond to hazmat spills and fires

Duration: 0.75 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

The packaging used to secure hazardous materials during transport typically contains markings and labels to indicate that it contains a hazardous material. The purpose of these markings and labels is to communicate the hazards and risks of the materials being transported to anyone who could be exposed to them. All markings must be legible and durable; clearly visible; written in English; printed on or affixed to the package surface or a label, tag, or sign; and placed away from other markings (such as advertising) that could substantially reduce their effectiveness. DOT marking requirements are detailed in Part 172, Subpart D of the HMR.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the terms “hazardous material,” “packaging,” “package,” “bulk packaging,” and “non-bulk packaging,” as defined in the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) 
  • Identify the responsibilities of shippers, carriers, and drivers for hazardous material shipments 
  • List general packaging requirements for hazardous materials 
  • Identify UN POP marks, Box Maker’s Certificates, and “Glass – Handle with care,” “Keep dry,” and “Upright position” markings 
  • Identify general, material-specific, and packaging-specific marking requirements for bulk and non-bulk packaging 
  • Identify the DOT markings used to identify marine pollutants, radioactive materials, poisons, self-reactive materials and organic peroxides, explosives, regulated medical waste, and elevated temperature materials