Before you dive into the required training, it's helpful to remember why extensive safety training is necessary. Training is the first step in reducing and preventing hazardous incidents caused by human error.
According to PHMSA, “training is the best way to prevent or reduce hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation incidents due to human error. Required training enhances employee safety and security, and increases employee productivity and skills. Effective training reduces incidents and accidents, thereby reducing operating costs and property damage losses, thereby increasing profits.”5
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) require all hazardous employers to train, test and certify all hazardous employees before the employee performs any function subject to the HMR. Recurrent/refresher training is moj database required at least once every three years. Hazmat training must include general awareness/recognition training, function-specific training, safety training, security awareness training, and in-depth security training where applicable.
General Awareness Training/Knowledge (49 CFR 172.704(a)(1))
All hazmat employees must complete General Hazmat Awareness Training . It includes general knowledge of the Hazardous Materials Regulations and their requirements, as well as how to properly identify and identify hazardous materials.
Safety Training (49 CFR 172.704 (a) (3))
In addition to general awareness training, Safety Training is provided to all employees who handle hazardous materials. It covers important information regarding emergency response, measures to protect an employee from the dangers associated with exposure to hazardous materials to which they may be exposed, as well as methods and procedures to avoid accidents.
Security Awareness Training (49 CFR 172.704 (a) (4))
Since hazardous transportation can pose health and safety risks, employees must be able to identify and respond to security threats. It is a requirement for all hazmat employees to be aware of potential security risks associated with hazardous transportation, as well as methods for improving transportation security.
Important Note: Employees responsible for implementing a DOT security plan, as well as those performing specific duties under that security plan, must receive comprehensive security training (172.704(a)(5)). This training is 100% company-specific, and MUST NOT be created by the individual company.
Function-specific training (49 CFR 172.704 (a) (2))
Job-specific training addresses the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) that are relevant to the specific job (or functions) performed by a hazardous employee. For example, if an individual marks and labels packages for ground transportation, an in-depth 49 CFR training course should be taken to cover that portion of the individual’s job. Similarly, an individual who marks and labels packages for air transportation should take the IATA training course .
