Module 1: Regulations - International Association of Fire Fighters

IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician© Student Text
employer and who in the course of employment directly
affects hazardous materials transportation
safety.”
Job functions under this requirement are as follows:
• Commercial drivers
• Loaders and handlers of hazardous materials
• Hazardous materials cargo trailer and truck maintenance
personnel
• Dispatchers
• Administrative personnel who prepare hazardous
materials shipping papers
• Personnel who affect hazardous materials transportation
through packaging, labeling, and marking
• Safety supervisors and officers
On May 15, 1992, the Research and Special Programs
Administration issued a final rule called HM-126F, Training
for Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials, thus
amending the Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform
Safety Act of 1990. This final rule amended the hazardous
materials regulations in order to enhance the training
requirements for persons involved in the transportation of
hazardous materials. Its purpose is to ensure that each
hazardous materials employer trains employees on the safe
loading, unloading, handling, storing, and transporting of
hazardous materials and on emergency preparedness in
response to accidents or incidents involving hazardous
materials. Specifics concerning DOT training requirements
applicable to the hazardous materials employee are described
on the following pages.
In addition, the Performance-Oriented Packaging Standards
(POPS), also referred to as HM-181, were promulgated.
POPS standards are found in 49 CFR Subchapter C and
bring the United States into compliance with international
hazardous materials shipping regulations. UN Guidelines
require all shipments to be:
• Packaged in United Nations (UN)-specified containers
• Classified, named, marked, placarded, and labeled in
accordance with the Hazardous Materials Table in 49
CFR 172.101
1-14 Module 1: Regulations