Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...
Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...
Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...
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DRIVIng tAnk VehIcleS<br />
speeding in a tank vehiCle<br />
If you are driving a tank vehicle containing more<br />
than 500 gallons <strong>of</strong> flammable liquid, which is<br />
subject to CVC §34000, faster than the speed<br />
limit allowed, you are subject to a $500 fine for a<br />
first <strong>of</strong>fense. Stiffer penalties apply for a second<br />
or subsequent <strong>of</strong>fense.<br />
hours <strong>of</strong> serviCe in a tank vehiCle<br />
The maximum driving time within a work period<br />
is 10 hours for drivers <strong>of</strong> tank vehicles with a<br />
capacity greater than 500 gallons when transporting<br />
flammable liquid. (49 CFR 395.1)<br />
Liquids in bulk are transported in tanks, mounted<br />
on trucks, semitrailers, or full trailers. Transporting<br />
liquids, including liquefied gases, in tanks requires<br />
special skills because <strong>of</strong> the high center <strong>of</strong> gravity<br />
and the liquid surge <strong>of</strong> the cargo. Transit mix trucks<br />
and cement mixers are considered tank vehicles<br />
for purposes <strong>of</strong> a <strong>California</strong> CDL.<br />
high Center <strong>of</strong> gravity<br />
High center <strong>of</strong> gravity means that the load is carried<br />
high up <strong>of</strong>f the road. This makes the vehicle<br />
top-heavy and easy to roll over. Tankers <strong>of</strong>ten roll<br />
over. Tests have shown that tankers can turn over<br />
even at the cautionary speeds posted for curves.<br />
You should drive on highway curves or onramp/<br />
<strong>of</strong>framp curves well below the posted speeds.<br />
liquid surge<br />
Liquid surge results from movement <strong>of</strong> the liquid in<br />
partially filled tanks. For example, when coming to<br />
a stop, the liquid will surge back and forth. When<br />
the wave hits the end <strong>of</strong> the tank, it tends to push<br />
the truck in the direction the wave is moving. If<br />
the truck is on a slippery surface such as ice, the<br />
wave can shove a stopped truck into an intersection.<br />
The driver <strong>of</strong> a tanker must be very familiar with<br />
the handling <strong>of</strong> the vehicle.<br />
- 106 -<br />
Controlling surge<br />
• Keep a steady pressure on the brakes.<br />
• To control the surge do not release brakes too<br />
soon when coming to a stop.<br />
• Brake far in advance <strong>of</strong> a stop and increase<br />
your following distance.<br />
• If you must make a quick stop to avoid a crash,<br />
use controlled or stab braking. Also, remember<br />
that if you steer quickly while braking, your<br />
vehicle may roll over.<br />
Bulkheads<br />
Some liquid tanks are divided into several smaller<br />
tanks by bulkheads. Bulkheads are liquid-tight<br />
separators between compartments inside the tank.<br />
When loading and unloading the smaller tanks,<br />
the driver must pay special attention to weight<br />
distribution. Do not put too much weight on the<br />
front or rear <strong>of</strong> the vehicle.<br />
Baffled tanks<br />
Some tanks have compartments in them that have<br />
holes. If the compartment walls have holes in them,<br />
they are called baffles. Baffles let the liquid flow<br />
through and help control the forward and backward<br />
liquid surge. However, side to side surge can still<br />
occur which can cause a rollover. Drive slowly and<br />
be careful in taking curves or making sharp turns<br />
with a partially or fully loaded tanker.
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