This website will focus on hazmat training and general hazmat information. If you require hazmat training with your present job or are interested in a hazmat related occupation this website will help you understand what is required.
Hazmat Is the common term used to refer to hazardous materials, hazardous materials are toxic chemicals that can cause harm to humans, animals or the environment. Any, compound, element, or combination of, which is flammable, corrosive, explosive, radioactive, an oxidizer, an etiologic agent, or highly reactive, and because of handling, storing processing, or packaging are considered to be hazardous materials and fall under Hazmat Regulations. Such materials are strictly regulated by Government Transportation offices such as DOT.
Some materials may require Special Permits and Approvals before being transported. A Special Permit or Approval is a document which authorizes a person to perform a function that is currently not authorized under the authority of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) When transporting hazardous materials Hazmat signs or placards are used and usually pertain to vehicle restrictions through tunnels or heavily populated areas where a related incident or spill would have tremendous negative effects to the immediate surroundings. Shields and road signs are also now in place for hazmat preferred routes and banned routes.
When in the presence of these hazardous materials protective clothing commonly referred to as a Hazmat suit must be worn when handling. A Hazmat suit is a garment that covers the body completely from head to toe to provide protection from hazardous materials such as chemical, biological or radioactive materials. Only qualified personnel who have hazmat training and are authorized to handle or transport these materials may do so. To become endorsed to handle or transport hazardous materials you must first complete a qualified hazmat training course such as that provided by The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)and also pass a rigorous background check.
Hazmat laws and regulations on use and handling may be different depending on the activity and status of the materials. For example one set of requirements may apply to use in work safety while different requirements may apply to a spill response, retailing products to consumers, or transportation. Many countries have regulations in place for most aspects of hazardous materials.
Many new amendments to existing Hazmat Regulations and hazmat training guidelines have been added since the introduction of the Patriot Act for conducting security threat assessments on drivers who transport hazardous materials. Effective January 31, 2005, anyone seeking a Hazmat endorsement will be required, by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to undergo a security threat assessment prior to the issuance of the endorsement.
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