U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Its Laws
- Hazardous Materials Analysis. It is essential that all hazardous materials associated with shipping and receiving depts. within the workplace be identified relative to thresholds, labeling and placarding from the 9 U.S. Coast Guard Classifications as specified by the DOT.
- HazMat Transportation Act (HMTA - 181). DOT has strict guidelines in requiring that all chemically-oriented products be properly labeled and placarded prior to and during shipment.
- HazMat Employee Training (HM - 126f). All employees associated with shipping, receiving, packaging, loading/unloading and driving are to be trained on the site-specific hazardous materials to which they are exposed in the workplace, specifically transportation departments.
- HazMat Registration. All shippers of chemically-oriented products, including those companies causing such products to be shipped, are required to register these products on an annual basis.
U.S. DOT "Hazmat Employee" Training – Triennial Training Required
As of October 1, 1993, the DOT required that detailed training be given to all "Hazmat Employees" associated with transporting hazardous materials – by air, roadway, rail, or water.
DOT defines a "Hazmat Employee" as..." a person, who in the course of employment directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety.” The definition mandates Hazmat Training of the following employees to include anyone who:
- is involved with packaging
- marks or labels packages
- prepares shipping papers
- manages or supervises shipping
- loads a vehicle
- operates a vehicle
- manages records
- any other employees involved in transporting hazardous materials.