When transporting hazardous materials it is paramount that one ensures proper compliance with the relevant federal & state regulations to ensure the safety of the cargo and those around it. At Hazmat Hub we are dedicated to ensuring all best practices are followed to ensure the best possible outcomes for the client, all personnel involved and the environment.
Make Sure to Have a Security Plan
In accordance with 49 CFR Part 172, anyone who transports qualifying materials has to make and follow a transport security plan. Familiarize yourself with the materials that require a security plan & ensure one is in place when dealing with the required materials and quantities.
Ensure Proper Compliance With the Relevant Regulations
The 1975 Hazardous Material Transportation Act (HMTA) regulates the transportation of hazardous materials, and as such ensuring compliance by proper training, segregating, labeling, packaging, waste classification, marketing, and description, is paramount. In 2016 the DOT conducted a roadside inspection of 126k trucks shipping hazardous materials and found that around 26k trucks violated at least one legal statute. In recent years the DOT has gotten more strict hence it is more imperative than ever to ensure proper compliance.
Conduct Regular Quality Control (QC) ChecksÂ
It is best practice to verify not only that you have procedures in place to ensure consistency in package preparation but to ensure that those procedures are being followed. By regularly checking QC you minimize the chance of non-compliance. It is imperative to ensure this as fines are assessed per violation hence one improper package can cost thousands of dollars in penalties.
Proper Storage
It is paramount that hazardous materials be stored in a way that avoids infringing the law & protects personnel. Firstly whenever possible ensure that food and beverages are never in the vicinity of hazardous materials. Secondly whenever possible hazardous materials should be stored in a well-ventilated & locked cabinet with a front edge lip to ensure that if there is a leak it is more likely to be contained.
Ensure Proper Placards are Offered and Affixed
If applicable the driver must be offered placards and said placards must be affixed to the vehicle. It’s best practice to have the driver sign papers to confirm that this has been done. You should ensure that the placement of these placards is proper with regards to what is required in 49 CFR 172.516
Here at Hazmat Hub, we are always dedicating to going above and beyond the industry standard in every step of the process from packing, storing, shipping, compliance and much more! As the industry leader, we run every aspect of the operation in house to ensure the best experience transporting hazardous materials across all 50 states along with Mexico & Canada
