Hazmat Training 101

Proper training, no matter the industry, can prove to be beneficial for a company. It can propel good employees to become great employees with skills that push the company forward. When it comes to the hazmat industry training is not only beneficial, but utterly essential and federally required for the employees of a company. Training can never be taken lightly in the hazmat industry because running a company that does not have properly trained employees who are involved in the transportation of hazardous materials is a formula for failure.

Not only is it imperative to determine who needs hazmat training, it is equally important to make sure the training is as comprehensive as possible. Training keeps employees safe and prevents hefty fines of up to $75,000 per violation for each day a company is non-compliant.

Transportation of Hazardous Materials

Perhaps one of the most important hazmat training programs is training for those persons that transport and ship hazardous materials. People that fall into this category include fuel haulers, tank truck or tank car loaders and unloaders, people that prepare the small packages of hazardous materials that shipped via Fed-Ex or UPS and those that oversee the process, such as managers or supervisors. The Department of Transportation regulates hazmat training. These regulations include training mandates for any individual that may handle hazardous materials in any way, including anyone who ships, receives or handles hazardous materials.

There are no exemptions from hazmat training. Any business, even one run by a self-employed individual involved with the transportation of hazardous materials, must have hazmat training and follow the DOT training guidelines. All of the following companies require hazmat training: Companies whose employees prepare, handle, label, package, secure or mark hazardous materials for transportation. Companies that load and unload receive and/or forward packages or are involved in the transportation of hazardous materials. And finally, businesses that manufacture packaging for transporting hazardous materials or who test packaging for hazardous materials.

Employees Who Require Hazmat Training

Even employees who have had hazmat training in the past must repeat the entire training process every three years. Each training session also requires that employees pass a test at the end of each portion. Employees have to receive training when the DOT updates or creates new rules that apply to transporting hazardous materials. Hazmat training certification will be achieved upon successful completion of training. Generally the training records are kept on file with the employer to present to DOT or other governing agencies. Employees that must complete hazmat training would include any employee that directly affects the safety of the transportation of hazardous materials. If you ship hazardous waste, these are also hazardous materials and require DOT hazardous materials training. This training is outlined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and is mandated for all businesses that create, transport, store, handle, dispose of, or treat hazardous materials. Because of the rigid, intricate rules woven into this act, having training from a reputable source is highly recommended. This act was designed to protect the public as well as the employees and must be followed to the letter in order to achieve that goal. Companies that fail to comply are fined as much $75,000 for each day and each violation. Following the guidelines of the RCRA ensures that employee safety, the safety of the public, and the environment is protected.

Having a workforce that is fully trained to keep your company compliant can be burdensome. The experts at Transportation Compliance Associates, Inc. understand that challenge and can provide a fully comprehensive training regimen making sure each and every employee understands their role. Whether by ground, air vessel or rail, Transportation Compliance Associates Inc has you covered. Find comfort and assurance that your employees are properly trained by letting Transportation Compliance Associates, Inc. prepare your workforce for any situation. Call 412-249-1111 and schedule your first employee training session today!