Hazmat Question

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by bwalk, Apr 3, 2010.

Page 1 of 3
  1. bwalk

    bwalk Bobtail Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2010
    Messages:
    4
    Thanks Received:
    1
    0
    Hello everyone,

    I'm a newbie here, and not a trucker so pardon my ignorance. I have a serious question. My employer utilizes the services of a vendor who transports a hazmat chemical across state lines. PA-NJ. This chemical is necessary to perform the service. The vendor stores the chemical in their original, labeled containers (usually 2 to 3 plastic gallon jugs), but they are in the back of his pickup truck which has no hazmat signage on it. Is this legal?

    Without naming the chemical, all I can say is that the danger in handling it is extreme, as skin saturation with the chemical in areas of only 25 square inches may be fatal. High concentrations of this chemical will also quickly destroy the corneas of the eyes and decalcify bones.

    Any feedback would help. Thanks.
     
    bwalk, Apr 3, 2010
    #1
  2. redsoxfan4ever

    redsoxfan4ever Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2009
    Messages:
    61
    Thanks Received:
    11
    Location:
    webster,mass
    0
    depending on what it is...you need to check the hazmat table to find out if it needs to be placarded...the hazmat table will give you all the info you need
     
    redsoxfan4ever, Apr 3, 2010
    #2
  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 28, 2009
    Messages:
    10,687
    Thanks Received:
    12,271
    Location:
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Sounds like some nasty stuff. In a 53' trailer, you can haul a minimal amount of Haz without using placards,( I believe it's 1000 lbs). Or, it used to be that. I'll admit, I don't have a Haz endorsement, so I am not current on the regs. But consider all vehicles have gas tanks and are pretty much safe until they crash and then possibly blow.
     
    Allow Me., Apr 3, 2010
    #3
  4. redsoxfan4ever

    redsoxfan4ever Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2009
    Messages:
    61
    Thanks Received:
    11
    Location:
    webster,mass
    0
    you are close..its 1001 lbs...but some stuff has to be placarded no matter how much it is...best to check the regulations..
     
    redsoxfan4ever, Apr 3, 2010
    #4
    Freebird135 Thanks this.
  5. statikuz

    statikuz Medium Load Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2009
    Messages:
    401
    Thanks Received:
    140
    Location:
    Reno Nevada
    0
    If it's explosive, poison gas / inhalation hazard, dangerous when wet, or radioactive, it has to be placarded in any amount. Everything else has to be 1001 lbs. or more like redsox said.

    Sounds like the chemical you describe is hydrofluoric acid - which is Class 8 Corrosive.

    I'm not an expert on the packing groups and exceptions and whatnot though.

    [​IMG]

    :)
     
    statikuz, Apr 3, 2010
    #5
    heyns57 Thanks this.
  6. bwalk

    bwalk Bobtail Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2010
    Messages:
    4
    Thanks Received:
    1
    0
    Good guess! It is HF. Thanks for the info!
     
    bwalk, Apr 3, 2010
    #6
  7. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2005
    Messages:
    6,257
    Thanks Received:
    4,365
    Location:
    Vegas/Jersey
    0
    You need to check the references. It could even be hazardous substance which is different than hazardous materials. You never want to guess.
     
    GasHauler, Apr 3, 2010
    #7
  8. statikuz

    statikuz Medium Load Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2009
    Messages:
    401
    Thanks Received:
    140
    Location:
    Reno Nevada
    0
    According to the LOHSARQ (like that? :)) the RQ of HF is 100 lbs. Density of HF is around 10 lbs. per gallon so it doesn't look like a few jugs of it is a RQ.
     
    statikuz, Apr 3, 2010
    #8
  9. misterG

    misterG Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2009
    Messages:
    2,884
    Thanks Received:
    8,981
    Location:
    ask my dispatcher
    0
    Well statikuz, if this driver is hauling (unless I'm incorrect, and I have been before) 2-3, (1) gallon containers that would be about 20-30 lbs.
    However if they are 2-3 gallon's per container that another problem right there.
    Than your talking about 20-30 lbs per container.
    IMO, some clarification might be needed on this matter as to how many containers and the actual size of the container.
     
    misterG, Apr 3, 2010
    #9
  10. dr5169

    dr5169 Medium Load Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2008
    Messages:
    324
    Thanks Received:
    97
    Location:
    chicago,il
    0
    Thanks for this info....i knew there was some stuff that had to be placarded no matter what...your post cleared it up...
     
    dr5169, Apr 3, 2010
    #10
Page 1 of 3