BASICs: Improving Hazardous Materials Compliance 15
Communications link #4: to first responders on what measures they should take to contain any potentially released hazardous materials.
First responders also want to see the same four items: • Proper placarding • Shipping papers • Emergency response information • USDOT hazmat carrier registration number
Their need for accurate communication is obvious. The proper method of containing, mitigating and cleaning up the release of a hazardous material varies with the exact commodity being transported. Mistakes can be catastrophic and fatal.
This is all the more reason why a driver must remove unneeded placards once hazmat freight has been delivered. An accident may make the paperwork inaccessible. The placards must communicate the right information for the correct first responder actions.
In their case, the first responders will want to see the USDOT hazmat carrier registration number so they can notify the motor carrier, if not already contacted by law enforcement or the driver. And in some instances first responders may need to know the experience of the motor carrier or shipper in handling this specific hazardous material.
Communications link #5: to receivers on the nature of the freight being delivered.
Finally, a safe journey completed! The hazardous materials freight is unloaded at the receiver’s facility. But the motor carrier has one last step in communication: telling the receiver what exactly is being delivered. The driver must hand over:
• Shipping papers • Emergency response information
In turn, the driver must receive a receipt for the transaction (which may be directly communicated electronically to the carrier). The motor carrier must document the completion of this freight delivery – every communications link should be followed and documented when commodities of “unreasonable threat” are involved. That is the essence of hazardous materials compliance.
(REMINDER: NOW IS THE TIME FOR THE DRIVER TO REMOVE UNNEEDED PLACARDS.)
Improving the Hazardous Materials BASIC requires consistency, with the documentation for each hazmat shipment, the training (knowledge) for each hazmat employee, and accurate, complete communication at each step in the process. It starts at the top with management but then flows throughout the whole motor carrier team. Safe and compliant hazardous materials transportation contributes to a good ISS score. That leads to qualifying for and continuing in a weigh station bypass program like PrePass. Most important, it means improved safety and efficiency for all team members and for everyone sharing the road.
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