Course Overview
This online course has been updated to include changes from the HM-215N final rule.
Hazardous materials (hazmat) are substances or materials that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has determined are capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. As a hazmat employee, you are likely aware of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), which are a set of rules established by The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to ensure hazmat is packaged and handled safely during transport. To emphasize their importance, the DOT is very strict about enforcement of the HMR. For minor violations, you could be fined or placed out of service. For willful violations, penalties could include jail time. To ensure hazmat gets from Point A to Point B safely and securely, you must understand your key responsibilities as a driver.
This course is designed specifically for drivers to safely transport hazardous materials. It helps satisfy the function-specific training requirements (49 CFR 172.702(a)(2)) and modal-specific training requirements for transport by highway (49 CFR Part 177).
Please note: 49 CFR 172.704(d) of the HMR requires each hazmat employer to create and retain a record certifying the current training of each hazmat employee. It is the responsibility of the hazmat employer to complete additional company-specific training in order to formally certify each student. Trainers may use the J. J. Keller-issued certificate for compliance with the recordkeeping requirements in Section 172.704(d)(3). The trainer and the trainer, company are considered the "person providing the training" in Section 172.704(d)(4). Because of this, trainers should maintain additional records documenting a description or copy of the additional company-specific training materials provided to each student.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain what additional licensing and registration requirements are necessary before transporting hazmat
- Decide what hazmat documentation is needed and where to store it during transport
- Take precautions to keep your cargo safe and secure during transport
- Discuss what to do in the event of a hazmat incident or accident