CHAPTER 10 – HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - sacog

Packaging and Securement
Many hazardous materials can injure or kill on contact. In order to protect drivers and others, the
rules advise shippers how to package safely. Loading, securement, stabilization, and segregation
rules tell drivers how to load, transport, and unload their cargo.
Communicate the Risk
Shippers must warn drivers and others about a material’s hazardous qualities. They must put
warning labels and markings on packages and describe materials on the shipping paper in a way
that clearly warns of the risk. Similarly, rules govern drivers. If there is an accident or a leak, the
driver must warn others of danger. Placards and package markings are examples of effective
tools to communicate the risk.
Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives
The rules prohibit parking vehicles carrying Division 1.1 (mass explosive hazard), 1.2
(projection hazard), or 1.3 (mass fire hazard) explosives within five feet of the traveled part of
the road. Except for short periods of time needed for vehicle operation necessities (e.g., fueling),
parking is prohibited within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or building; a place where people
gather; or an open fire.
Vehicles may be parked unattended in a safe haven. A safe haven is a government-approved
place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with explosives. Authorized safe havens are
usually designated by local authorities. In California, safe havens are designated by the
California Highway Patrol (CHP) and referred to as “safe parking places.” The CHP has
identified several routes as safe stopping places and safe parking places on the state highway
system within or near the TMP/SCS plan area. They are listed in Table 10.2.
California General Hazardous Materials Routing Requirements
The following general routing and parking restrictions (Veh. Code, § 31303) apply to hazardous
material and hazardous waste shipments for which the display of vehicle placards and/or
markings is required per Vehicle Code Section 27903 (except shipments subject to, and in
conformance with, special routing and related requirements):
Unless specifically restricted or prohibited, use state or interstate highways which
offer the least transit time whenever possible (Veh. Code, § 31304).
Avoid, whenever practicable, congested highways, places where crowds are
assembled, and residential districts (Veh. Code, § 515).
Deviation from designated routes is not excusable on the basis of operating
convenience.
A loaded vehicle is not to be left unattended or parked overnight in a residential
district.
MTP/SCS 2035
Sacramento Area Council of Governments
Draft Environmental Impact Report Chapter 10 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials – Page 10-7