Unless a package is clearly unsafe or does not comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations, you may accept the shipper's certification that it was properly packaged.

When inspecting any style of tank, the most important thing for a driver to check for is leaks. Transporting any type of gas or liquid in a leaking tank is illegal.

Bus passengers should not be allowed to leave baggage in any doorway or aisle. Baggage and freight must be secured in a manner that will prevent damage, allow the driver to move freely and easily, allow riders to exit by any window or door in an emergency, and protect riders from injury if the items fall or shift.

When a shipper packages hazardous materials, they are certifying that the package has been prepared in accordance with its applicable rules.

Brace containers so they will not fall, slide, or bounce around during transportation. All hazardous materials packages must be secured.

Maximum axle weights are often set by a bridge formula, which sets a lower maximum weight for axles that are close together.

The use of cargo heaters is not always permitted. When transporting materials that are categorized as Class 1 (Explosives), Class 2.1 (Flammable Gases), or Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), the use of heaters in the same space is generally prohibited.

You should always inspect the outside of your bus before driving. During this inspection, make sure to close all emergency exits and access panels.

Even if someone else loads cargo onto a vehicle, the driver is responsible for properly inspecting the cargo, ensuring that it is properly loaded and secured, and ensuring that it does not obscure their view or access to emergency equipment.

The loading of a tank with hazardous materials must always be watched by a qualified person. This person must be alert; have a clear view of the tank; stay within 25 feet of the tank; know the hazards associated with the materials; know what to do in an emergency; and be able and authorized to move the tank if necessary.

When approaching a railroad crossing, buses should stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest track and the driver should look both ways for a train. They should open the forward door if it improves their ability to see or hear an oncoming train.

Blocking and bracing are used to prevent cargo from shifting in transit.

While buses may carry some hazardous materials under certain conditions, they must never be used to transport tear gas or irritating materials.

Diamond-shaped signs called placards are placed on the outside of vehicles carrying hazardous materials to alert other drivers to the presence of the materials.

If you are driving a vehicle that is transporting Class 1 explosives and it is involved in an accident, you should warn others of the danger, keep bystanders away, and not allow smoking or open fires near the vehicle. Before separating the vehicles involved in the collision, remove all explosives and place them at least 200 feet away from the vehicles and any occupied buildings.

If you are transporting hazardous waste, you must carry with you a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest. The manifest must be signed by hand.

Baffles make a tank difficult to clean. For this reason, regulations usually require the use of unbaffled tanks to transport food products, like milk.

A vehicle that lacks the proper placards for any hazardous materials on board may not be driven, except as necessary to protect life and property in an emergency.

If you need to refuel a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, you must first turn off the engine. While refueling, someone must be at the nozzle and controlling the fuel flow at all times.

Particularly on curves, the maximum posted speed limit may be safe to be driven in a car but too fast to be driven in a bus. Be especially careful when the road has been made slippery by rain or snow.