Q. What are the requirements for transporting chemicals?

A. The transportation of chemicals is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) pursuant to the DOT’s hazardous materials (hazmat) regulations found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 49 CFR Parts 171 through 180. The hazmat requirements applicable to the transport of hazardous chemicals are numerous and somewhat complex. They require training for employees associated with hazmat transportation, including those responsible for pre-transportation packaging, loading, transporting, and unloading. The employer must make sure that every worker involved with transportation of hazmat is trained for their specific job function. Employees must receive initial training and additional training when new regulations are adopted, as well as periodic training. The hazmat regulations include specific requirements addressing packaging the hazmat, its labeling, marking, placards, compatibility with other materials being transported, shipping papers, as well as blocking/bracing and segregation of wastes for transport by highway.