A person attending a placarded vehicle must be awake inside the vehicle or otherwise within 100 feet of the vehicle; 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.

You should not smoke within 25 feet of a placarded cargo tank used to transport materials that are categorized as Class 3 (flammable liquids) or Division 2.1 (gases). Do not smoke or carry a lit cigar, pipe, or cigarette near a vehicle containing flammable or explosive materials.

The power unit of a placarded vehicle must be equipped with a fire extinguisher with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rating of 10 B:C or more.

To drive a vehicle of any size that is used to transport hazardous materials, you must have a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement.

Shippers of hazardous materials are required to include an emergency response telephone number on shipping papers.

A vehicle that has not been properly placarded may not be driven, except when necessary to protect life or property in an emergency.

In general, vehicles carrying hazardous materials are required to display diamond-shaped warning signs on all four sides. These warning signs are called "placards."

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.

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.

Packaging can be an indicator of whether or not materials are hazardous. Cylinders and drums are often used to hold and transport hazardous materials.

Always protect containers of hazardous materials. When loading hazardous materials, never use equipment that could damage containers or packaging, such as hooks.

To determine which placards need to be used, you must know the hazard class of the materials being shipped, the amount of hazardous materials being shipped, and the total weight of all hazardous materials in your vehicle.

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.

In general, vehicles carrying hazardous materials are required to display diamond-shaped warning signs on all four sides. These warning signs are called "placards."

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

If transporting chlorine in cargo tanks, a driver must have an approved gas mask in their vehicle.

If your vehicle has cargo tanks that are used to carry hazardous materials, you must stop before crossing railroad tracks. This is true whether the tanks are full or empty.

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.

A placard must be placed at least three inches away from any other markings. The placard should be kept clear of attachments or devices, such as doors and ladders. Placards should always be placed against a background of a contrasting color.

If loading by hand, load breakable containers of corrosive liquid one by one. Keep them facing upright. Do not drop or roll the containers.

All drivers must be trained in the security risks of hazardous materials transportation. This training must include how to recognize and respond to possible security threats. Hazardous materials employees must be trained and tested at least once every three years.

If a shipping paper lists both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, the hazardous materials must be entered first.

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

A "G" in Column 1 of a hazardous materials shipping paper indicates that the description in Column 2 is the generic name for a material. A generic shipping name must be accompanied by a technical name.

Unless you must run the engine to operate a pump, you should always turn off the engine before loading or unloading flammable liquids.

When a shipper packages hazardous materials, they certify that the package has been prepared according to Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Unless a package is clearly unsafe or noncomplying with HMR, you may accept the shipper’s certification concerning the proper packaging of a material.

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.

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

Hazardous materials warning placards are usually diamond-shaped.

Some radioactive materials are required to be accompanied by a transport index. A transport index is a number that indicates how much control the material will require during transport. The total transport index of all cargo in a single vehicle may not exceed 50.