If a shipping paper includes information about both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, the hazardous items must be clearly identified on the paper. They may be entered first, highlighted in a contrasting color, or identified with an "X" placed before the shipping description.

Emergency response information for a shipment of hazardous materials must include details about any immediate hazards to health that are associated with the materials.

It is a driver's responsibility to refuse packages or shipments of hazardous materials if they contain leaks.

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.

Class 1 hazardous materials are typically items that present certain explosion or fire hazards.

When transporting hazardous materials, shipping papers should be kept in a pouch in the driver's side door, or in another location where the driver is able to easily reach them while their seat belt is fastened. The papers must be easily visible to anyone who is entering the cab.

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.

When experiencing a cargo fire, it may be a bad idea to open the doors to the trailer. Doing so allows oxygen to enter the area, potentially causing the fire to flare up and expand.

If transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives, you must follow a written route plan. Whenever placarded, avoid heavily populated areas, crowds, tunnels, narrow streets, and alleys. Be sure to research any restrictions that may apply to the routes you plan to take.

Radioactive materials are categorized as Class 7 hazardous materials.

It is always a good idea to compare package markings and labels to accompanying shipping papers. Always make sure the shipper has displayed the correct basic description on the shipping paper and has provided the proper labels on the packages.

Shippers must retain a physical copy or an electronic image of hazardous materials shipping papers for a minimum of two years after the materials are accepted by the initial carrier. For hazardous waste, this increases to three years.

While the manual contains all of the information needed to pass the written exam for a hazardous materials endorsement, it does not contain all of the information necessary to do the job safely. You can learn more by attending hazardous materials training courses.

The person in charge of loading or unloading a hazardous materials cargo tank must ensure that a qualified person is always supervising the process. The supervisor must be alert; have a clear view of the tank; be within 25 feet of the tank; know the hazards of the involved materials; know the procedures to follow in the case of an emergency; and be authorized to and capable of moving the tank.

Column 2 of the Hazardous Materials Table lists the proper shipping names and descriptions of regulated materials.

The marine pollutant marking is the image of a fish in a white triangle with an X through through the fish.

Shippers of hazardous materials are required to warn drivers and others about the risks of the materials by putting hazard warning labels on packages, putting placards on the transporting vehicles, and providing proper shipping papers and emergency response information.

When transporting hazardous materials, you may leave your vehicle unattended in a safe haven. A safe haven is a location that has been approved for parking unattended vehicles that are loaded with explosives.

In the event of a cargo fire, you should not open the trailer doors. Doing this could cause the fire to flare up by giving it access to more oxygen.

A shipping paper describes the hazardous materials being transported. Shipping orders, bills of lading, and manifests are all shipping papers.

A shipper of hazardous materials must certify on the shipping paper that the shipment has been prepared in accordance with the rules.

At a minimum, emergency response information must include the basic descriptions and technical names of the materials being transported; immediate hazards to health; risks of fire or explosion; immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an accident or incident; immediate methods for handling fires; initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fires; and preliminary first aid measures.

If you discover that a cargo of hazardous materials is leaking from your vehicle, you should park the vehicle as soon as possible. The longer you continue driving, the longer the trail of contamination becomes. While this creates potential danger and harm to others, it also increases clean-up expenses.

A vehicle carrying hazardous materials must be appropriately placarded to be driven. An improperly placarded vehicle may only be driven if necessary to protect life or property in an emergency.

When hazardous materials placards are required, they must be placed on all four sides of the transporting vehicle.

When hazardous materials are being transported in a reportable quantity in one package, the shipper must display the letters "RQ" on the shipping paper and package.

On hazardous materials shipping papers, the identification number, shipping name, and hazard class must not be abbreviated, unless specifically authorized in the hazardous materials regulations.

When transporting hazardous materials, shipping papers should be kept in a pouch in the driver's side door, or in another location where the driver is able to easily reach them while their seat belt is fastened. The papers must be easily visible to anyone who is entering the cab.

You must examine each tire on a motor vehicle at the beginning of each trip. The only effective way to check tire pressure is by using a tire pressure gauge.

If a cargo of hazardous materials begins to leak, do not move your vehicle any more than safety requires. If you continue to drive, an even larger area will become contaminated. Instead, you should park your vehicle, secure it, stay with the vehicle, and contact the proper emergency personnel. If you do not have access to a phone, you should send someone else to get help.