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9.3.5 – The Item Description
If a shipping paper describes both hazardous and
non-hazardous products, the hazardous materials
must be:
Entered first.
Highlighted in a contrasting color, OR.
Identified by an "X" placed before the shipping
description (ID#, Shipping Name, Hazard Class,
Packing Group) in a column captioned "HM". The
letters "RQ" may be used instead of "X" if a
reportable quantity needs to be identified.
The basic description of hazardous materials
includes the identification number, proper shipping
name, hazard class or division, and the packing
group, if any, in that order. The packing group is
displayed in Roman numerals and may be preceded
by "PG".
Identification number, shipping name, and hazard
class must not be abbreviated unless specifically
authorized in the hazardous materials regulations.
The description must also show:
The total quantity and unit of measure.
The number and type of packages (example: “6
Drums”).
The letters RQ, if a reportable quantity.
If the letters RQ appear, the name of the
hazardous substance (if not included in the
shipping name).
For all materials with the letter “G” (Generic) in
Column 1, the technical name of the hazardous
material.
Shipping papers also must list an emergency
response telephone number (unless excepted). The
emergency response telephone number is the
responsibility of the shipper. It can be used by
emergency responders to obtain information about
any hazardous materials involved in a spill or fire.
The telephone number must be:
The number of the person offering the hazardous
material for transportation (if the shipper/offerer is
the emergency response information (ERI)
provider); or
The number of an agency or organization capable
of, and accepting responsibility for, providing the
detailed information required by paragraph (a)(2) of
this section. The person who is registered with the
ERI provider must be identified by name, or contract
number or other unique identifier assigned by the
ERI provider, on the shipping paper
Shippers also must provide emergency response
information to the motor carrier for each hazardous
material being shipped. The emergency response
information must be able to be used away from the
motor vehicle and must provide information on how
to safely handle incidents involving the material. At
a minimum, it must include the following
information:
The basic description and technical name;
Immediate hazards to health;
Risks of fire or explosion;
Immediate precautions to be taken in the event of
an accident or incident;
Immediate methods for handling fires;
Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the
absence of fires; and
Preliminary first aid measures
Such information can be on the shipping paper or
some other document that includes the basic
description and technical name of the hazardous
material. Or, it may be in a guidance book such as
the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Motor
carriers may assist shippers by keeping an ERG on
each vehicle carrying hazardous materials. The
driver must provide the emergency response
information to any federal, state, or local authority
responding to a hazardous materials incident or
investigating one.
Total quantity and number & type of packages must
appear before or after the basic description. The
packaging type and the unit of measurement may
be abbreviated. For example:
10 ctns. UN1263, Paint, 3, PG II, 500 lbs.
The shipper of hazardous wastes must put the word
WASTE before the proper shipping name of the
material on the shipping paper (hazardous waste
manifest). For example:
UN1090, Waste Acetone, 3, PG II.
A non-hazardous material may not be described by
using a hazard class or an identification number.
Shippers must keep a copy of shipping papers (or
an electronic image) for a period of 2 years (3 years
for hazardous waste) after the material is accepted
by the initial carrier.
If one provides a carrier service only and is not the
originator of the shipment, a carrier is required to
keep a copy of the shipping paper (or an electronic
image) for a period of 1 year.
Section 9 - Hazardous Material Page 9-7
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
IMPORTANT NOTE: To view complete regulatory
requirements for the transportation of hazardous
materials one should refer to the Code of Federal
Regulations, Title 49, Parts 171-185.
9.3.6 – Shipper's Certification
When the shipper packages hazardous materials,
he/she certifies that the package has been prepared
according to the rules. The signed shipper's
certification appears on the original shipping paper.
The only exceptions are when a shipper is a private
carrier transporting their own product and when the
package is provided by the carrier (for example, a
cargo tank). Unless a package is clearly unsafe or
does not comply with the HMR, you may accept the
shipper's certification concerning proper packaging.
Some carriers have additional rules about
transporting hazardous materials. Follow your
employer's rules when accepting shipments.
9.3.7 – Package Markings and Labels
Shippers print required markings directly on the
package, an attached label, or tag. An important
package marking is the name of the hazardous
material. It is the same name as the one on the
shipping paper. The requirements for marking vary
by package size and material being transported.
When required, the shipper will put the following on
the package:
The name and address of shipper or consignee.
The hazardous material's shipping name and
identification number.
The labels required.
It is a good idea to compare the shipping paper to
the markings and labels. Always make sure that the
shipper shows the correct basic description on the
shipping paper, and verifies that the proper labels
are shown on the packages. If you are not familiar
with the material, ask the shipper to contact your
office.
If rules require it, the shipper will put RQ, MARINE
POLLUTANT, BIOHAZARD, HOT, or
INHALATION-HAZARD on the package. Packages
with liquid containers inside will also have package
orientation markings with the arrows pointing in the
correct upright direction. The labels used always
reflect the hazard class of the product. If a package
needs more than one label, the labels must be close
together, near the proper shipping name.
9.3.8 – Recognizing Hazardous Materials
Learn to recognize shipments of hazardous
materials. To find out if the shipment includes
hazardous materials, look at the shipping paper.
Does it have:
An entry with a proper shipping name, hazard
class, and identification number?
A highlighted entry, or one with an X or RQ in the
hazardous materials column?
Other clues suggesting hazardous materials:
What business is the shipper in? Paint dealer?
Chemical supply? Scientific supply house? Pest
control or agricultural supplier? Explosives,
munitions, or fireworks dealer?
Are there tanks with diamond labels or placards on
the premises?
What type of package is being shipped? Cylinders
and drums are often used for hazardous materials
shipments.
Is a hazard class label, proper shipping name, or
identification number on the package?
Are there any handling precautions?
9.3.9 – Hazardous Waste Manifest
When transporting hazardous wastes, you must
sign by hand and carry a Uniform Hazardous Waste
Manifest. The name and EPA registration number of
the shippers, carriers, and destination must appear
on the manifest. Shippers must prepare, date, and
sign by hand the manifest. Treat the manifest as a
shipping paper when transporting the waste. Only
give the waste shipment to another registered
carrier or disposal/treatment facility. Each carrier
transporting the shipment must sign by hand the
manifest. After you deliver the shipment, keep your
copy of the manifest. Each copy must have all
needed signatures and dates, including those of the
person to whom you delivered the waste.
9.3.10 – Placarding
Attach the appropriate placards to the vehicle
before you drive it. You are only allowed to move an
improperly placarded vehicle during an emergency,
in order to protect life or property.
Placards must appear on both sides and both ends
of the vehicle. Each placard must be:
Easily seen from the direction it faces.
Placed so the words or numbers are level and read
from left to right.
Section 9 - Hazardous Material Page 9-8
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
At least three inches away from any other
markings.
Kept clear of attachments or devices such as
ladders, doors, and tarpaulins.
Kept clean and undamaged so that the color,
format, and message are easily seen.
Be affixed to a background of contrasting color.
The use of “Drive Safely” and other slogans is
prohibited.
The front placard may be on the front of the tractor
or the front of the trailer.
To decide which placards to use, you need to know:
The hazard class of the materials.
The amount of hazardous materials shipped.
The total weight of all classes of hazardous
materials in your vehicle.
9.3.11 – Placard Tables
There are two placard tables, Table 1 and Table 2.
Table 1 materials must be placarded whenever any
amount is transported. See Figure 9.7.
Except for bulk packaging, the hazard classes in
You have 1,001 pounds or more of two or more
Table 2 hazard classes, requiring different
placards, and
You have not loaded 2,205 pounds or more of any
Table 2 hazard class material at any one place.
(You must use the specific placard for this
material.)
The dangerous placard is an option, not a
requirement. You can always placard for the
materials.
If the words INHALATION HAZARD are on the
shipping paper or package, you must display
POISON GAS or POISON INHALATION placards in
addition to any other placards needed by the
product's hazard class. The 1,000 pound exception
does not apply to these materials.
Materials with a secondary hazard of dangerous
when wet must display the DANGEROUS WHEN
WET placard in addition to any other placards
needed by the product’s hazard class. The 1,000-
pound exception to placarding does not apply to
these materials.
Placard Table 2
1,001 Pounds Or More
Category of Material (Hazard
Table 2 need placards only if the total amount
transported is 1,001 pounds or more including the
package. Add the amounts from all shipping papers
for all the Table 2 products you have on board. See
Figure 9.8.
Placard Table 1
Any Amount
IF YOUR VEHICLE
class or division number and
additional description, as
appropriate)
1.4 Minor Explosion
1.5 Very Insensitive
1.6 Extremely Insensitive
2.1 Flammable Gases
2.2 Non- Flammable Gases
3 Flammable Liquids
Placard Name
Explosives 1.4
Explosives 1.5
Explosives 1.6
Flammable Gas
Non-Flammable Gas.
Flammable
CONTAINS ANY AMOUNT
OF……
1.1 Mass Explosives
1.2 Project Hazards
1.3 Mass Fire Hazards
2.3 Poisonous/Toxic Gases
4.3 Dangerous When Wet
5.2 (Organic Peroxide, Type
B, liquid or solid,
Temperature controlled)
6.1 (Inhalation hazard zone
A & B only)
7 (Radioactive Yellow III
label only)
PLACARD AS…
Explosives 1.1
Explosives 1.2
Explosives 1.3
Poison Gas
Dangerous When
Wet
Organic Peroxide
Poison/toxic
inhalation
Radioactive
Combustible Liquid
4.1 Flammable Solids
4.2 Spontaneously
Combustible
5.1 Oxidizers
5.2 (other than organic
peroxide, Type B, liquid or
solid, Temperature
Controlled)
6.1 (other than inhalation
hazard zone A or B)
6.2 Infectious Substances
8 Corrosives
9 Miscellaneous Hazardous
Materials
ORM-D
Combustible*
Flammable Solid
Spontaneously
Combustible
Oxidizer
Organic Peroxide
Poison
(None)
Corrosive
Class 9**
(None)
Figure 9.7
You may use DANGEROUS placards instead of
separate placards for each Table 2 hazard class
when:
* FLAMMABLE may be used in place of a
COMBUSTIBLE on a cargo tank or portable tank.
** Class 9 Placard is not required for domestic
transportation.
Figure 9.8
Section 9 - Hazardous Material Page 9-9
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
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