Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...

shippers how to package safely. Similar rules tell
drivers how to load, transport, and unload. These
are containment rules.
To communicate the risk. The shipper uses a shipping
paper and package labels to warn dockworkers
and drivers of the risk and special handling needs.
Shipping orders, bills of lading, and manifests are
all examples of shipping papers.
There are nine different hazard classes. A material’s
hazard class reflects the risks associated with it. The
hazard classes are shown on pages 111 and 112.
Shippers write the proper shipping name and hazard
class or division code in the item description of the
shipping paper. Hazard class information will also
be shown on four-inch diamond shaped labels on the
containers of hazardous materials. If the diamond
label will not fit on the container, shippers will put
the label on a tag, or in some instances, reduce
the size. For example, compressed gas cylinders
that will not hold a label will have tags or decals.
Package markings may convey proper shipping
names, United Nations identification numbers,
and special handling information (e.g., loading
orientation arrows for liquids).
After a collision or hazardous materials leak, the
driver may be unable to speak when help arrives.
Fire fighters and police must know the hazards
involved in order to prevent more damage or
injury. The driver’s life, and the lives of others,
may depend on quickly finding the shipping papers
for hazardous cargo. For that reason, you must tab
shipping papers related to hazardous materials
or wastes, or keep them on top of other shipping
papers. You must also keep shipping papers in a
pouch on the driver’s door, or in clear view within
reach, or on the driver’s seat when out of the cab.
- 62 -
Drivers must use placards to warn others of their
hazardous cargo. Placards are signs placed on the
outside of a vehicle to show the hazard class(es)
of products on board. Each is turned upright on a
point, in a diamond shape. The person who does
the loading must place the placards on the front,
rear, and both sides of the vehicle. (See page 112.)
Not all vehicles transporting hazardous materials
or wastes need to have placards. The rules about
placards are given in Section 9 of this handbook.
To ensure safe drivers and equipment. The
rules require all drivers of placarded or marked
vehicles to have a commercial driver license with
the HazMat endorsement. You must learn how to
safely load and transport hazardous materials or
wastes (CVC §27903).
Drivers who need the HazMat endorsement must
learn the placarding rules. If you do not know if
your load requires placards, ask your employer or
shipper. Never drive a vehicle needing placards,
unless you have the HazMat endorsement on
your CDL. To do so is a crime. If stopped, you will
be cited and you will not be allowed to drive your
vehicle further. It will cost you time and money. A
failure to placard when needed will risk your life
and others if you have a collision. Emergency help
will not know of your hazardous cargo.
Hazardous materials/wastes drivers must also
know which products can be loaded together, and
which cannot. These rules are also in Section 9.
Before loading a vehicle with more than one type
of product, you must know if it is safe to load
them together.