Florida CDL Handbook 2009

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9. Hazardous Materials

• 9.1. The Intent of the Regulations
• 9.2. Hazardous Materials Transportation - Who Does What
• 9.3. Communication Rules
• 9.4. Loading and Unloading
• 9.5. Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading and Unloading
• 9.6. Hazardous Materials -- Driving and Parking Rules
• 9.7. Hazardous Materials - Emergencies
• 9.8. Hazardous Materials Glossary

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9.1.1 – Contain the Material

Transporting hazardous materials can be risky. The regulations are intended to protect you, those around you, and the environment. They tell shippers how to package the materials safely and drivers how to load, transport, and unload the material. These are called "containment rules."

9.1.2 – Communicate the Risk

To communicate the risk, shippers must warn drivers and others about the material's hazards. The regulations require shippers to put hazard warning labels on packages, provide proper shipping papers, emergency response information, and placards. These steps communicate the hazard to the shipper, the carrier, and the driver.

9.1.3 – Assure Safe Drivers and Equipment

In order to get a hazardous materials endorsement on a CDL, you must pass a written test about transporting hazardous materials. To pass the test, you must know how to:

• Identify what are hazardous materials.
• Safely load shipments.
• Properly placard your vehicle in accordance with the rules.
• Safely transport shipments.

Learn the rules and follow them. Following the rules reduces the risk of injury from hazardous materials. Taking shortcuts by breaking rules is unsafe. Rule breakers can be fined and put in jail.

Inspect your vehicle before and during each trip. Law enforcement officers may stop and inspect your vehicle. When stopped, they may check your shipping papers, vehicle placards, and the hazardous materials endorsement on your driver license, and your knowledge of hazardous materials.

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