hazmat/smoking

I've hauled hazmat and smoked in the trk.But certain things I wouldn't even attempt it.I think technically with any placarded vehicle you're not suppose to smoke.When you call for hazmat briefing,they'll tell you.

 

Dot can fine you big time for it too. Melton tells us that anyway. Basically must be more than 25 feet away.

 

No smoking. When loading hazardous materials, keep away from fires. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke near your vehicle. Never smoke within 25 feet of:

• Explosives.
• Oxidizers.
• Flammables.

 

My ex-husband went from regular OTR with the occasional hazmat load to hauling gas for Dupree...so he bought one of those E-cigs with the flavored juice because theres no smoking (obviously) in or around the trucks. He then talked my brother into one, and big brother talked me into one and none of us have smoked an "analog" since. A year for the ex, about a year for my brother and about 5 months for me. Totally worth the initial investment! Specially if you are working for a company thats gonna be specific about when/where you can smoke.

 

I can completely understand not allowing haz-mat tankers to smoke in the cab BUT maybe its overreacting. While I'm not too familiar with truck mechanics it seems to me there would be enough sparking from the electronics on the truck (even microscopic) to ignite any fumes or vapor coming from the cargo area. Any insight would be much appreciated.

 

If it's that much of an issue are the trucks also equipped with air shutoff to prevent engine run-away??

 

Parking next to someone in a truck stop that is smoking seems to be ok.

 

No smoking according to the NY CDL book.