Tanker training.

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by seabring, Dec 9, 2011.

  1. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    The department that is responsible for enforcement is the Research and Special Programs Administration DOT. You just about need a law branch in your compony to file and follow all the requirements. They can delegate other agencies if they meet their requirements and they do this under the authority of the Federal hazardous material transportation law. The investigators must meet the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5121 and they are specialist for this type of work. So you can not just get inspected by any agency, they must know what they will be looking at.

    Here's where it gets real nasty. These laws are set up by the Federal hazardous material transportation law and are much more stringent than what most people are used to and it also means the violations have more bite. They can, just like anyone else, issue a warning letter but it's up to the investigator and how much out of compliance the company is. I would think if they came into your company and asked for the training program you might get a warning if the paperwork is not there. But if they go out and test some of your drivers and they fail with the basic questions you're getting shut down.

    I would suggest that either you or your company go get a copy of 49 U.S.C. CFR parts 100 to 177 and go over the parts that cover transportation on the highway. You can find it at truck stops or a community college that has a hazmat course. This book is also where all the requirements come from for placards to proper shipping papers. Anything to do with hazardous materials and waste is covered here. The bad part is it's written by the federal government and can be difficult to follow sometimes. The manual will show an other requirement in the paragraph your reading and you'll be held to that requirement also. So if the paragraph refers to another paragraph be sure to read the other paragraph too.

    So the carrier would be the ones that would suffer here but it can effect you by the company being shutdown. I'm sure that the department that is doing the inspecting will be looking at the company only most of the time. They know that a driver has gone through some training already. What I have heard happening is they will shut the company down and inform the company they must hold the training in accordance with the regulations. While that is going on the investigators will most likely have the large fine to impose when the company is ready to be reinspected. They may even shut the company down for a period of time. It all depends on how much your company is out of compliance. I hope all tis helps.
     
    chalupa Thanks this.
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  3. chalupa

    chalupa Road Train Member

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    Absolutely does....... however frankly as an L/O I'm only trying to cover my butt and I don't see my butt hanging out anywhere. This issue would definitely be his.

    I haven't seen anything that remotely looks like training, team work etc since I left the pvt fleet world in '07.

    Tks.....
     
  4. sleeve62

    sleeve62 Light Load Member

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    On the TWIC , yes, it was required by my carrier , and the $130.00 price tag was applicable if you opted to keep the credential independent of the CDL. If one chose to make it an endorsement the price would have been under $100.00. My CDL expires in 2 years and the TWIC would have expired with it, had I made it integral. Our Ohio CDL/HAZMAT is valid for four years. Upon renewal the HAZMAT test and letter from TSA are again prerequisites for maintaining the endorsement. I was surprised to find last time around that A number of my fingers no longer provide prints legible for ID. Worn away ! That sodium hydroxide id A great cleaning agent , LOL !.....Sleeve:biggrin_2559:
     
  5. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    It all falls on whoever owns the trucks. You say you're hauling gasoline? I was lucky and only pulled for a major that knew all the rules and followed them. I can not grasp a company not following what's required of them when the fines are so high.
     
  6. sleeve62

    sleeve62 Light Load Member

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    There is A concept , the "spirit" vis a vis the "letter" of the law . Also " de minimus non curat lex , the law does not concern itself with trifles . "Audi altarem partem" was A basic in Roman law , precluding anyone from being convicted of A crime until their side of the story may be heard. The quality of justice is tempered with mercy. My few encounters with FMCSA have been positive , A learning process more than punitive. Clearly , not to be taken lightly HAZMAT is an enormous responsibility, as is operating A CMV on the Nations highways. As is the case with " enforcement " at all levels , if you are honest , cooperative , sincere and displaying basic professionalism you are treated in kind. Sure there are exceptions and horror stories , I have mine too , but thus far not with Feds. It would seem that FMSCA is in the behavior modification , education business, and brings out the " big guns " when it's message is not being received . They certainly can get one's attention.
     
    andre Thanks this.
  7. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Big difference in company inspections and single units.
     
  8. Pecancross

    Pecancross Bobtail Member

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    Take test at DVM, called tankers exAm. It is mostly common sense and should pose little problems passing. Hazmat is not required for some tanker jobs, salt water haulers, water, and types of food grade. All other require a dot exam. Which will require study. This is starting point for hazmat haulers. Haz woper cert., and TWIC, plus gov. Security clearances are others that could be required.
     
  9. EHB

    EHB Medium Load Member

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    HAZMAT is fine but not knowing what can happen if do not know what you are hauling or what some one else is hauling is much worse.:biggrin_25513:

    One stupid mistake can kill you or some one else very quickly.
    If it is made by humans in any form, then it is a Hazard.
    Not known what to do in an emergency can kill you or some else.:biggrin_25524:

    Specialized training courses would be very important but you do not know what is in all trailers or tankers.
    Placards may have fell off or
    wrong one left on or
    were not put on at all.:biggrin_2556:

    One stupid mistake can kill you or some one else very quickly.
    If it is made by humans in any form then it is a Hazard.:biggrin_25513:
    Not known what to do in an emergency can kill you or some else.:biggrin_25521:

    Any over turned tanker and truck is to be considered a Hazard and should not be approached with out breathing equipment on.

    In this clip Policeman Killed Instantly By An Ammonia Gas Tank leak.
    He responded to a emergency and died trying to help, because he did not know the possible danger of a over turned tank.:biggrin_25515:

    The fire men stayed back and Stayed Alive until they had their breathing equipment on.:biggrin_2558:

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzObhHet9QM&feature=related[/ame]
     
    pathfinder1361 Thanks this.
  10. andre

    andre Medium Load Member

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    That's a horrible video. What was that tanker doing on that dirt road out there? Even farming communities have paved roads for the plants...
     
  11. cowboy_tech

    cowboy_tech Road Train Member

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    That was anhydrous ammonia and is used by farmers. They pull the tanks behind pickups and tractors. It's a poisonous gas that is placarded as a non flammable gas.

    Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
     
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