Do I need hazmat training?

For United States purposes, all hazmat employees (§171.8, 49 CFR) who perform any of the following must be properly trained in the safe transportation of hazmat:

• Loads, unloads or handles hazardous materials,
• manufactures, tests, reconditions, repairs, modifies, marks, or otherwise represents containers, drums, or packagings as qualified for use in the transportation of hazardous materials,
• prepares hazardous materials for transportation,
• is responsible for safety of transporting hazardous materials, or
• operates a vehicle to transport hazardous materials.

The hazmat employer is responsible for providing this training, or may use a third-party trainer for this purpose. The U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) does not offer any exemptions from hazmat training. Individuals who are self-employed and ship hazmat must be properly trained.

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Hazmat training requirements

All hazmat employees must be trained in the following areas dealing with hazardous materials (§172.704(a) 49 CFR, IATA 1.5.2 and 1.6):

• General Awareness training: provides familiarity with the requirements and allows employees to recognize dangerous goods in the workplace,
• Function-specific training: detailed job-specific training,
• Safety training: includes emergency response and measures to be taken in case of an emergency at your workplace, and
• Security training: security risks associated with hazardous materials transportation and enhancement of transportation safety.

Learn more about hazmat training regulations