WHAT ARE THE MAIN GUIDELINES REGULATING THE TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?
HMR 49 mandates training for all employees handling hazardous materials. The term “hazmat employee” includes anyone who loads, unloads or handles hazardous packages, labels hazardous packages for shipment, fills out shipping papers or transports hazardous materials. These regulations also apply to consultants who help shippers identify a HAZMAT or determine the acceptability of shipping containers. Employees responsible for these tasks must under go training at least every three years in order to comply with HMR regulations. The training is meant to heighten employees’ awareness of HAZMATS and to provide specific instructions relevant to their job function. The DOT and many private organizations provide specialized HAZMAT training. Proper documentation and accurate labeling must accompany hazardous materials shipments. Although no specific form is mandated, DOT regulations require there be documentation with standard information. Shipping papers are required to have a description of th
