The shipper of hazardous materials is responsible for packaging, marking, and labeling the materials. They must supply any necessary placards.

If your vehicle breaks down on the road while you are transporting explosive materials, you must warn other drivers. Put out warning signals like reflective triangles or electric lights if you are carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives. Do the same if you are driving a tank used to transport Class 3 flammable liquids or Division 2.1 flammable gases, even if the tank is empty. If transporting flammable materials, do not use warning signals that could cause your cargo to catch fire.

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.

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.

Parts of a vehicle that have been exposed to a corrosive material must be thoroughly washed with water.

The shipper of hazardous materials is responsible for correctly labeling and marking them. The driver should make sure that the shipper properly labeled and marked the materials before beginning a trip.

Shippers must place diamond-shaped hazard warning labels on most packages of hazardous materials. If the label won't fit on the package, it can be placed on a tag that is securely attached to the package.

If the words "Inhalation Hazard" appear on the shipping paper or package, you must display the "Poison Inhalation Hazard" or "Poison Gas" placards, as appropriate.

In the event of a leak in a cargo of hazardous materials, do not continue to drive any longer than is necessary for safety. Continuing to drive would result in a larger area becoming contaminated. Instead, park the vehicle, secure the area, stay with the vehicle, and send someone to get help.

If your vehicle breaks down while you are transporting explosives and you need to use warning signals, use reflective triangles or red electric lights. Never use burning signals, such as flares or fuses, when transporting explosives.

Signs are placed on the outside of vehicles and bulk packages to warn drivers and others about hazardous materials. These diamond-shaped signs are known as "placards."

Keep liquid discharge valves on a compressed gas tank closed, except when loading and unloading.

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.

For applicable materials, the "Poison Inhalation Hazard" placard and the appropriate hazard class placard must always be displayed, even for small amounts of the materials.

When loading hazardous materials, do not use hooks or tools that could damage containers or other packaging.

Employees who work with hazardous materials must be trained and tested at least once every three years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Packages containing liquid containers should display arrows pointing in the correct upright direction. These packages should be placed facing the correct direction.

Cargo tanks remain on a vehicle at all times, regardless of whether or not they are carrying cargo. Portable tanks are bulk packaging and are not permanently attached to a vehicle.

Shippers package hazardous materials in a way that is meant to completely contain the materials. Vehicles should be placarded to communicate the risk of the cargo.

Information about hazardous chemicals is found in the Emergency Response Guide (ERG) provided by U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The ERG is indexed by the proper shipping names and identification numbers of substances.

Nitric acid should not be stacked above any other product. Containers of nitric acid may be stacked, but no higher than two containers high.

Hazardous materials employees must be trained and tested at least once every three years. Drivers must learn the risks associated with hazardous materials and be able to properly respond to security threats.

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

Because of the risks presented by the nature of the materials, government on federal, state, and local levels may impose regulations on the transportation of hazardous materials.

Identification numbers, shipping names, and hazard classes must never be abbreviated when listed on a shipping paper. The only exception to this is if the abbreviation is specifically authorized in the hazardous materials regulations.