MODULE 3

1. MODULE 3 DOT General Awareness Hazmat Training

2. Module 3 – DOT General Awareness Hazmat Training Overview In an effort to promote safety on our nation’s highways, DOT has developed special transportation and handling requirements for hazardous materials. These can be found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). If you or your company handle or transport hazardous materials, you must comply with these requirements. Doing so, helps keep you, your customers, and the public safe. After completing this module, you will be able to: • Recognize Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements. • Identify hazard classes and packing groups. • Discuss packaging and hazard identification requirements. • Explain transportation documentation requirements. • Discuss best practices for handling and transporting hazardous materials.

3. LESSON 1 Driver and Vehicle Requirements

4. Driver and Vehicle Requirements Introduction DOT develops regulations to govern drivers who transport hazardous materials. It also requires drivers to receive special training for the type of vehicle they drive and acquire licensing and endorsements to certify that training. This lesson will help you understand these requirements. After completing this lesson, you will be able to: • List license requirements for a CDL. • Identify endorsements for hazardous materials and specific types of vehicles. • Discuss hazardous material registration requirements.

5. License Requirements Drivers operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) to deliver propane must meet DOT licensing and driving requirements. For the purpose of licensing requirements, DOT defines aCMV as either: DOT defines a CMV as: “A vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,000+ pounds, either is designed to transport 6 or more passengers including the driver, or is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations.” Before driving a CMV, you must obtain a Commercial Driver’sLicense (CDL) and any additional endorsements that may be required. These endorsements allow you to operate different types of vehicles that are used to transport hazardous materials, provided you have successfully completed the training to do so.

6. CDL Classifications Your CDL must have the correct classification for the type of vehicle you operate. CDLs are classified by the following vehicle groups: • Class A (Combination Vehicle): Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lb or more, provided the GCWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 lb. • Class B (Heavy Straight Vehicle): Any single vehicle with a GCWR of 26,000+ lbs, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 lb GVWR. • Class C (Small Vehicle): Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or is placarded for transporting hazardous materials.

7. Endorsements Drivers in the propane industry are required to have a Hazmat Endorsement (H), which will be listed on the CDL as an H. In addition, depending on the type of vehicle you will be driving, you may need at least one of the following endorsements: • N: Tanker Endorsement – Required to operate a commercial tank vehicle, such as a propane bobtail or transport truck. This does not include the transportation of portable tanks with a capacity under 1,000 gallons. • T: Trailers Endorsement – Required when operating vehicles with more than one trailer (double/triple trailers). • X: Combination Tank Vehicle (N) and Hazmat (H) Endorsement – Required for operating tank vehicles carrying propane.

8. Endorsements, cont. For security reasons, any driver seeking a hazardous materials endorsement is required to have a federal background check. Some states also require their own background check. More information regarding security requirements can be found in Module 10 of this course. You can find other codes in DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). It should also be noted that individual states may have additional requirements for endorsements and restrictions that you must comply with. For example, the state you are licensed in may also require you to complete and pass the knowledge and skills tests for vehicles equipped with air brakes in order to receive a CDL. If your state does not require this, and air brake testing is not completed, then a restriction will be placed on your driver’s license that allows you to only operate without air-brakes.

9. LEARNING ACTIVITY CDL Endorsements

10. Registration All companies transporting hazardous materials must register with the Federal Government. The government then provides a Hazardous Materials Certificate of Registration (HMCR). You must carry this certificate or another document bearing the DOT hazardous material registration number every time you transport hazardous material. Some states and jurisdictions require additional registrations, permits, or licensing to transport hazardous materials. Your company should inform you if any additional certification or documentation is required. Check with your supervisor.

11. LESSON 2 Hazardous Materials Classification

12. Hazardous Materials Classification Introduction Due to the risks involved in handling and transporting hazardous materials, it is important these materials be identified and classified properly. How a hazardous material is classified determines how it is packaged. The packaging is intended to inform you about precautions that must be taken while handling, transporting, storing, and responding to emergencies involving that material. Although you are not responsible for classifying hazardous materials, you are required to know these precautions. After completing this lesson, you will be able to: • Identify the nine hazard classes and their divisions. • Identify and discuss packing groups. • Explain how to determine if you are transporting hazardous substances.

13. Hazard Classes DOT divides regulated hazardous materials into these nine hazard classes: • Class 1: Explosives. • Class 2: Gases. • Class 3: Flammable Liquids. • Class 4: Flammable Solids. • Class 5: Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides. • Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances. • Class 7: Radioactive Substances. • Class 8: Corrosive Substances. • Class 9: Miscellaneous. Some of these classes are further divided into divisions. The table describes these hazard classes and divisions. Propane, a gas, is assigned to Hazard Class 2.1, Division 1. In addition to class 2.1 gases, you will likely handle Class 3 hazardous materials such as methanol, paint, and paint thinner.

14. Packing Groups DOT assigns most hazardous materials to one of three Packing Groups. A Packing Group indicates how dangerous a hazardous material is. The more hazardous the material, the stricter the packaging requirements. • Packing Group I: Great Danger. • Packing Group II: Medium Danger. • Packing Group III: Minor Danger. Propane does not meet the requirements to belong to any of the above Packing Groups. However, some of the products that you may come into contact with as a part of your job may meet those requirements. For example, methanol belongs to Packing Group II. You should always be aware of which Packing Group the hazardous materials you are transporting or handling belongs to.

15. EPA List of Hazardous Substances DOT requires shippers to comply with the List of Hazardous Substances, which is published and maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This list identifies substances considered to be a threat to the environment. You can find this list following the Hazmat Table, in Appendix A of Title 49 CFR §172. Also, because the amount of a material may determine if it will be hazardous, Appendix A lists those amounts as Reportable Quantity. These hazardous substances must be identified on shipping papers and packaging with the letters “RQ.” Propane is NOT considered a hazardous substance, so it does not appear in Appendix A. However, other materials you come in contact with may be.

16. Hazardous Materials Table The Hazardous Materials Table can be found in 49 CFR §172. This table is used to determine how to prepare hazardous material packages for shipment and lists requirements for transport. The columns in this table list the names, hazard class, identification number, packing group, and label codes, as well as other information needed by anyone transporting hazardous materials.

17. EPA List of Hazardous Substances DOT requires shippers to comply with the List of Hazardous Substances, which is published and maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This list identifies substances considered to be a threat to the environment. You can find this list following the Hazmat Table, in Appendix A of 49 CFR §172. Also, because the amount of a material may determine if it will be hazardous, Appendix A lists those amounts as Reportable Quantity. If substances transported meet such quantity, they must be identified on shipping papers and packaging with the letters “RQ.” Propane is NOT considered a hazardous substance, so it does not appear in Appendix A. However, other materials you come in contact with may be.

18. EPA List of Marine Pollutants The EPA also publishes the List of Marine Pollutants, which contains materials known to kill or retard the growth of marine life. You can find this after the List of Hazardous Substances in Appendix B Title 49 CFR §172. One example of a marine pollutant in the propane industry is Ethyl Mercaptan, which is used in the odorization process. Since these materials pose a risk to the marine environment, special requirements apply when they are transported. Any material that is found on the List of Marine Pollutants must display the marine pollutant mark on its packaging.

19. CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

20. LESSON 3 Shipping Papers

21. Shipping Papers Introduction Shipping papers are required for most hazardous material shipments and provide details about what is being transported and what to do in case of an emergency. Although you may not be responsible for preparing shipping papers, you should know their basic requirements for your own safety and so that you can verify the information. If youare responsible for preparing shipping papers, you must know DOT requirements as well as any state requirementsthat may apply. After completing this lesson, you will be able to: • Identify when shipping papers are required. • Identify what information must be provided on the shipping papers. • Identify emergency response information that must be provided on or with the shipping papers. • Identify where shipping papers must be located during transport.

22. Basic Requirements Shipping papers may vary in appearance, but all must include the following information: • Proper shipping name. • Hazard class or division number. • Subsidiary hazard class or division number. • Identification number. • Packing group. • Total quantity by weight or capacity. • Number and type of packages. • Emergency Response Telephone Number. The first five items are known as the material’s basic description, and are usually shown in order.

23. Basic Requirements, cont. Special Permits: Each shipping paper issued for a shipment made under a special permit must bear the notation “DOT-SP” followed by the assigned special permit number. The notation location on the shipping paper must be clearly associated with the description to which the special permit applies. Each shipping paper issued for a shipment made under an exemption or a special permit issued prior to October 1, 2007, may bear the notation “DOT-E” followed by the number assigned. The location of the notation must be clearly associated with the description to which it applies. Note: After January 1, 2013, the first five items of the material’s basic description must be in the order as listed below: 1. Identification number. 2. Proper shipping name. 3. Hazard class or division number. 4. Subsidiary hazard class or division number (entered in parentheses). 5. Packing group.

24. Other Shipping Paper Requirements DOT requires the total quantity of a hazardous material being transported to be listed on the shipping paper. In the propane industry, quantities are typically listed as the number of cylinderson a cylinder truck or “One Cargo Tank” for a bobtail or transport.Each copy of the shipping paper must also include the date of acceptance by the carrier. Shipping papers must be retained for two years after the material is accepted. To fully comply with this requirement, companiescan keep a single copy of the shipping paper as long as they record the following information for each shipment: • Shipping name. • Identification number. • Quantity transported. • Date of the shipment. Some states and municipalities have their own requirements in addition to DOT’s. Refer to your company policy to find out how it maintains shipping papers.

25. Emergency Response Information You must carry emergency response information along with the hazmat shipping papers in your CMV. You must keep this information readily available for emergency responders, enforcement authorities, and company personnel in the event of an incident. The emergency response information must also be available at LP-gas transfer and storage facilities in case of emergency. Each state may have different requirements. Be sure to know and follow these as well as your own company’s policy and DOT regulations.

26. Emergency Response Information, cont. At a minimum, the emergency response information must include: • A description and technical name of the hazardous material. being transported. • Immediate precautions to take in the event of an accident or incident. • The risks of fire or explosion and immediate methods for handling small and large fires. • Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fire. • Immediate hazards to health and preliminary first aid measures. • Emergency response telephone numbers. This information must be either on the shipping papers or kept with the shipping papers. Trucks equipped with remote or passive shutdown systems for their cargo tank must also carry documentation explaining both the system being used and how it can be operated in the event of an incident. Additional information about these systems is covered in Module 4.

27. Complying with Emergency Response Information Requirements Propane companies and their drivers must comply with emergency response information requirements. Often, companies will develop and provide their own emergency response information sheet to their drivers. If an emergency response information sheet is not available, you can comply with these requirements by carrying a copy of the shipping papers with one of the following: • A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) • The North American Emergency Response Guidebook. • Guide 115 for Propane from the North American Emergency Response Guidebook. See Resources for Guide 115 of the North American Emergency Response Guidebook. Whichever document is utilized to comply, make certain the material’s basic description and technical name are listed on the document.

28. Location During Transport DOT requires shipping papers and emergency response information to be visible, clearly marked, and within reachof the driver at all times during transportation. You must make them immediately available in case of an inspectionor emergency situation. The following tips will help you ensure easy access to your shipping papers: • Tab or place them on top of all other papers. • Have them within arm’s reach while your safety belt is fastened. • Make sure they are visible by placing them in the driver’s side door pouch or other easily accessible spot. • When you are not behind the wheel of your vehicle, make sure the papers are either in the driver’s side door pouch or on the driver’s seat.

29. Additional Shipping Paper Requirements Some additional shipping paper requirements include: • If your job requires you to receive shipments, you may accept only them if they are accompanied by properly completed shipping papers. Refuse the load if the shipping papers are missing or not in order. • If your job requires you to transport hazardous materials, make sure the correct information is on the shipping paper before you begin transport. • If you transport cylinders or ASME containers, the shipping paper must properly list the quantity of the material on the vehicle at the beginning of the route. If the quantity is increased during the route, you must update your shipping papers to reflect the change.

30. LEARNING ACTIVITY Required Documents for Transport

31. CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

32. LESSON 4 Packaging and Hazard Identification

33. Packaging and Hazard Identification Introduction DOT has specific requirements for how hazardous materials must be packaged and identified. Bulk and nonbulk hazardous material packages are categorized by the substance and quantity being shipped. Depending on these factors, the packaging will have specific labeling requirements. Bulk PackagesHave no intermediate form of containment and can consist of liquids or solids. Bobtails, transports, and railcars that are filled directly at the supply terminal or bulk plant are considered bulk packages. Nonbulk PackagesAre used to transport liquids, solids, or gases. These packages must include the material’s shipping name and ID number. In the propane industry, DOT-specification cylinders are considered non-bulk packages. After completing this lesson, you will be able to: • Identify requirements for bulk and nonbulk packaging. • Identify markings on bulk and nonbulk packaging. • Understand labeling and placarding requirements.

34. DOT Hazard Identification DOT requires all shipments of hazardous materials in commerceto be labeled or placarded with the proper shipping name and hazard class of that material. Colored diamonds, numbers, words, and pictures may be used to identify and describe potential hazards. When a diamond is used to identify hazardous materials,the following colors communicate that hazard’s characteristic: • Orange – Explosive. • Red – Flammable. • Yellow – Oxidizer. • White – Health Hazard. • Black – Corrosive. Diamonds may be a solid color or a combination of colors. Labels and placards can also show a picture to indicate their potential hazard. In this example, the shipping label for propane has a flame located on the diamond, indicating it is flammable.

35. DOT Hazard Identification, cont. The large number on the diamond identifies the hazard class the material belongs to. Propane, for example, has the number “2” on the diamond below the flame. A four-digit United Nations (UN) or North America (NA) identification number may also be displayed. If a hazardous material is identified as UN, it may be transported internationally. Those identified with NA may be shipped only within North America. The identification number for propane is UN 1075.

36. Identification Requirements for Nonbulk Packaging DOT defines nonbulk packages as: “Packages which consist of liquids havinga maximum capacity of 119 gallons or less,solids having a maximum net mass of 882 lb or less and a maximum capacity of 119 gallonsor less, and gases having a water capacityof 1,000 lb or less.” Cylinders are a type of non-bulk packaging used in the propane industry. DOT requires nonbulk packages containing hazardous materials to be marked or labeled with the shipping name and ID number. If the shipping name on the packaging does not identify the hazardous material, the technical name must be included.

37. Identification Requirements for Nonbulk Packaging, cont. Depending on the material being transported, additional information may be required. For example, if a package contains reportable quantities of a hazardous substance, it must be marked “RQ.” When you receive a shipment with nonbulk packaging of hazardous materials, do not accept it until you have verified that: • The proper shipping name and ID number on the shipping paper match the markings on the package. (The ID number is not required to be marked on a package that contains limited quantities of hazardous materials.) • Markings are clearly visible, in English, displayed on a background of contrasting color, and located away from other package markings.

38. Identification Requirements for Bulk Packaging DOT defines bulk packages as: “Packages which have no intermediate form of containment and consist of liquids having a maximum capacity greater than 119 gallons, solids having a maximum net mass greater than 882 lb, and a maximum capacity greater than 119 gallons, and gases which have a water capacity greater than 1,000 lbs.” Examples in the propane industry include cargo tanks, railcars, and intermodal tanks. Bulk packages must be labeled with data plates and tank markings that provide information about the tank itself, as well as placards that list the hazard class and shipping names of the tank's contents.

39. Identification Requirements for Bulk Packaging, cont. The ID number must be visible at all times. When you are transporting propane in bulk packaging, such as the cargo tank on a bobtail or transport. The ID number must be displayed on all four sides of the vehicle. Both sides and each end of the cargo tank must also be marked with the proper shipping name, either “PROPANE” or “LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS.” Frequently, the ID number will be displayed on a placard. Placards are discussed in detail later in this lesson.

40. DOT Hazard Class Placards According to Title 49 CFR, any vehicle that transports 1,001 lb, or more aggregate gross weight of hazardous materials must display a DOT Hazard Class placard on the front, rear, and each side. Before making your delivery, verify that the placard is: • Appropriate for the shipment. • Affixed securely before moving your vehicle. • Easy to read. When displayed, each placard must be: • Seen easily from the direction it faces. • Placed at least 3 inches away from other markings. • Positioned so that the words and numbers are horizontal.

41. DOT Hazard Class Placards, cont. When displayed, each placard must be: • Located away from attachments and devices such as ladders, doors, and tarps. • Clean and free from damage such as tears, rips, or cuts. • Not faded and able to withstand 30-day exposure to open weather conditions. The placard should be displayed only when you are transporting hazardous materials. If you use a placarded vehicle, such as a service truck, for a purpose other than transporting a hazardous material, do not display the placard. Bobtails should always display placards unless the tank has been cleaned and purged of all flammable vapors.

42. CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

43. LESSON 5 Handling and Transport

44. Handling and Transport Introduction When handling hazardous materials, you must take the necessary precautions to minimize risks. The following lesson will provide some best work practices to help keep you safe. After completing this lesson, you will be able to: • Identify the safety procedures for loading and unloading hazardous materials. • Identify safety practices for both parking and attending your vehicle. • Identify the requirements for transporting placarded loads. • Identify fire prevention measures when loading and unloading. • Identify the restrictions on the use of hand-held mobile devices.

45. Safety Practices for Loading and Unloading There is very little risk involved in handling hazardous materials if you take the necessary precautions every time you load and unload your vehicle. Follow these guidelines to maintain safety: • Keep your vehicle from moving when parked. Set the parking brake and chock your wheels. • Smoking on or about a motor vehicle while loadingor unloading propane is prohibited. • Secure all containers against movement, including motion between containers. Remember, even if you are not the one to load your vehicle, you are responsible for making sure the cargo is secured properly. • Protect valves and other fittings from damage. • Take measures to protect packaging and their contents from tampering. • If loading or unloading a cargo tank, make sure a qualified person is in attendance. Always follow company procedures whenever you are securing a load. You will learn more about loading and unloading later in this course.

46. Safety Practices for Parking In this lesson, a parked vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is no longer in operation and is briefly left unattended, such as for a lunch break or pit stop. DOT has provided guidelines to follow each time you park your vehicle. When transporting hazardous materials: • Avoid parking on or within 5 feet of the traveled part of the road. When there is no alternative, try to do so only briefly. • Do not leave an uncoupled trailer containing hazardous materials parked on a public street. • Do not park in congested areas or on a city street within 50 feet of a building used for assembly, institutional, or multiple-residential occupancy. • Do not park within 300 feet of an open fire.

47. Restrictions On The Use Of Hand-held Mobile Devices Federal regulations restrict the use of hand-held mobile telephones by CMV drivers. CMV drivers are prohibited from holding or reaching for a hand-held mobile phone while driving. In addition, the federal government has banned texting and the use of hand-held mobile telephones while driving on a highway. This ban applies whether you are transporting hazardous materials in interstate or intrastate commerce. Texting or using a hand-held mobile telephone can be an extremely dangerous activity. NOTE: (a) the ban applies to both interstate and intrastate driving, and (b) the ban specifically applies to driving on a highway. Pulling over to the side of the road where the vehicle can safely remain stationary is acceptable. Consult your supervisor for any additional company policy requirements regarding the use of hand-held mobile devices.

48. Transporting Placarded Loads Because of the large amount of hazardous material involved, DOT requires that you follow these safety rules each time you transport a placarded load: • Avoid tunnels, narrow roads, narrow bridges, and heavily populated areas, unless there is no alternate route. Some localities require permits to transport hazardous materials. Others may limit the routes you can use. • Do not drive near open fires. • Stop 15 to 50 feet before all railroad crossings, and proceed only when you are sure there is not a train coming. Shift to your lowest gear before driving across the tracks, and do not shift again until you are across the tracks. • Turn off the engine when fueling your vehicle.

49. Transporting Placarded Loads, cont. DOT requires that you follow these safety rules each time you transport a placarded load: • If your vehicle breaks down, place reflective triangles or red electric lights around the vehicle. Do not use flares. Because they are a source of ignition, flares are strictly prohibited when transporting propane. • Do not smoke or carry a lit cigarette, cigar, or any lit smoking materials within 25 feet of a vehicle that contains hazardous materials, or an empty cargo tank motor vehicle that was used to transport hazardous materials. • When driving a marked or placarded vehicle, examine each tire on the vehicle at the beginning of the trip and each time the vehicle is parked. Repair or replace defective tires immediately.

50. Fire Prevention When Loading and Unloading Because propane vapor and other materials you may work with are flammable, fire prevention is critical in your industry. You can help prevent fires by following these simple guidelines: • Never smoke or carry any lit smoking materials within 25 feet of placarded vehicles containing hazardous materials. • Do not use tools that could damage packages, containers, or container closures. • Do not use tools that could create sparks. • Be aware that there are special requirements to bring a loaded propane vehicle into an enclosed heated garage. • Do not load flammable materials in a cargo space that has a heater unit, unless you follow all related rules. • Do not load flammable materials in a cargo space that has a hearer unit, unless you follow all related rules.