H15u—U.S. DG (HazMat) Certification Training, for Warehouse & Cargo Terminal Personnel (General Awareness+Function Specific)*
Subscriber price: $210.00, Non-subscriber price: $275.00
Estimated total study time: 16 hours 42 minutes
This course fulfills U.S. HMR (49 CFR 172.704.4) General Awareness and Function Specific certification training for personnel who accept and/or physically handle dangerous goods, including:
- Cargo terminal personnel
- Warehouse and distribution center personnel
- Supervisors of above personnel, and trailer load planners*
* This course does not address additional dangerous goods loading and documentation requirements for trailers and intermodal containers that will be transported aboard vessels.
Important: This course is for personnel who have been or will be separately trained in: workplace safety pursuant to OSHA rules (e.g., general safety when physically handling and storing cargo, including HazMat), and anti-terrorism security awareness pursuant to the TSA IAC and/or CBP C-TPAT training requirements.
This course provides and/or links to all study and reference materials needed to complete it. Access to a separate Dangerous Goods manual (e.g., ICAO Technical Instructions, IMDG Code, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations) is recommended but not required to complete this training.
DG Accidents Happen! Recognizing Possible Undeclared HazMat (w1u)
This introductory lesson provides examples of the death and destruction caused by illegal shipments of HazMat (which is globally referred to as "dangerous goods"), how to recognize possible HazMat from symptoms, and when to suspect a shipment may contain "hidden" (undeclared) HazMat.
(Estimated study time: 1 hour 2 minutes)
- Accidents Happen!
- Examples of HazMat Incidents and Accidents
- Making the Risks Seem Real! (Personal Safety Motivation)
- Physical "Hands-On" Experience
- Drawing on Related Personal Experiences—Symptoms
- Perils of Hidden (Undeclared) DG—A Triple Threat
- Specific Cargo Descriptions that Suggest Possible Undocumented Dangerous Goods (ICAO TI list)
- What to Do If YOU Discover or Suspect a Shipment?
- Reject or Stop the Shipment!
- Confirmation of Contents with Shipper; Responses and Actions to Take
- Go-To Person for Help in Determining Possible Hidden Dangerous Goods
U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations (w2u)
This lesson summarizes your training requirement and then introduces international dangerous goods regulations as authorized for use by and harmonized with the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations. We close this lesson with how the U.S. DOT enforces its HazMat regulations.
(Estimated study time: 56 minutes)
- Hazardous Material Employee Training Overview (U.S.)
- Dangerous Goods Security Provisions and Training; High Consequence DG
- U.S. HMR Security (Anti-Terrorist) Provisions
- Hazardous Materials for which a Security Plan is Required
- The HMR (49 CFR 171-177) Vis-à-Vis International DGRs
- U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) Enforcement
- General—HMR Enforcement a Multi-Level Responsibility
- Criminal Prosecution
- Civil Penalties
Classification of Dangerous Goods (w3)
This lesson addresses how to determine if an article or substance is classifiable as dangerous goods for shipment, how to obtain this information and shipment requirements from dangerous goods regulations, and the shipper's responsibility to make this determination and properly prepare the shipment. This lessons concludes with an introduction of hazard classification.
(Estimated study time: 58 minutes)
- Determining What Products and Materials are Classified as Dangerous Goods (Overview)
- Step 1 – Refer to the Dangerous Goods List
- Step 2 – Determining the UN Number and Hazard Class for Mixtures and Solutions
- Suspicious Your Product is Regulated, But Can't Find It in the Dangerous Goods List?
- DGL Information Available by UN Number Line Item (Overview)
- Shipper's Responsibility to Classify DG
- Introduction to Hazard Classes/Divisions
DG Packing Groups and Hazard Classes (w4)
This lesson introduces Packing Groups, and then addresses each Hazard Class and Division, and materials and articles, assigned thereto, with the package label that identifies each.
(Estimated study time: 1 hour 8 minutes)
- Classification by Degree of Danger (Packing Group)
- Dangerous Goods Hazard Classes
- Class 1 – Explosives
- Class 2 – Compressed Gas
- Class 3 – Flammable Liquids
- Class 4 – Flammable Solids
- Class 5 – Oxidizing Agents
- Class 6 – Toxic Liquids or Solids; Infectious Substances
- Class 7 – Radioactive Materials
- Class 8 – Corrosives
- Class 9 – Miscellaneous Articles and Substances
UN Number, Proper Shipping Name, Primary vs Subsidiary Hazards, Other Classification Categories (w5u)
This lesson addresses on the function of UN numbers, proper shipping names and the use of the Dangerous Goods List (HazMat Table in the U.S. HMR) to determine the applicable UN number for what is being shipped. Included is introductory coverage of primary vs. subsidiary hazard when applicable, samples of unknown materials shipped for testing. diagnostic specimens, Exceptions to Hazard class requirements, and Environmental Hazards (Marine Pollutants).
(Estimated study time: 52 minutes)
- UN Numbers and Proper Shipping Names
- Criteria for Most Dangerous Goods
- U.S. Hazardous Materials List
- Criteria When Specific, Generic and/or N.O.S. Descriptions Are Not Determinative
- Materials with Multiple or Unknown Hazards
- Primary vs. Subsidiary Hazard
- Samples Transported for Testing
- Diagnostic Specimens
- Exceptions to the Hazard Class Requirements
- U.S.-Only Exceptions to DG Packaging Requirements
- Environmental Hazards (Marine Pollutants)
- Hazardous Waste
- U.S. HMR Provisions for Hazardous Waste
Using the Hazadous Materials Table (Dangerous Goods List) (w6u)
This lesson goes into further depth with respect to information contained in the Dangerous Goods List ("DGL", or Hazardous Materials Table in the U.S. HMR), and sets out steps to use the DGL.
(Estimated study time: 57 minutes)
- Review of Format and Information in Dangerous Goods List(s)
- Example of Steps for Using the DGL
- General
- U.S. Hazardous Materials List for Reference
- Step 1: Is the Product or Material Dangerous Goods for Shipment Purposes?
- Step 1: Is the product DG (Hazardous Material)? (U.S.)
- Step 2: What Needed Information is Directly Stated in the DGL Line Item?
- Step 3: What Needed Information Referred to in DGL Must be Found Elsewhere?
Dangerous Goods Packaging & Hazard Communication (w7)
This lesson addresses packaging requirements for shipments of dangerous goods (HazMat), from the perspective of a person in the transportation system handling such packages. We note that the shipper is responsible for accomplishing specified packaging, though transportation personnel should be able to recognize problems that are obvious from observation of the exterior or packages.
We conclude with an overview of hazard communication through package labels.
(Estimated study time: 1 hour 0 minutes)
- Dangerous Goods Packaging Objectives
- DG Packaging Standards
- International Standards
- Packaging Requirements – National Variations
- U.S. HMR Packaging Requirements
- General
- Certification of DG Packaging in U.S.
- Package Certification by Manufacturer and Shipper
- Overview of Hazard Communication Requirements
Hazard Communication Labels on Dangerous Goods Packaging (w8)
This lesson is about labeling of packages containing dangerous goods, including basic requirements as well as exceptions and additional labels required for certain materials.
(Estimated study time: 1 hour 10 minutes)
- Hazard Communication Labels on Dangerous Goods Packaging
- General Requirements and Responsibility
- Types of Dangerous Goods Labels/Markings
- Types of Dangerous Goods Labels and Markings (U.S.)
- Hazard Class Labels
- U.S. Hazard Label Requirements
- Subsidiary Hazard Label
- Exceptions to Hazard Class Label Requirement
- Handling Labels
- Warning Labels for Environmental Pollutants and Hazardous Waste
Information That Must be "MARKed" on Each Dangerous Goods Package (w9u)
This lesson address the various items of information that the shipper must ensure are placed onto at least one side of each package containing dangerous goods. Personnel involved in handling DG shipments during the transportation process must also understand these requirements, and recognize and stop shipments observed to not be in compliance.
(Estimated study time: 1 hour 4 minutes)
- Information That Must Be "MARKed" on Each Dangerous Goods Package
- Information the Shipper Must Place on Each Dangerous Goods Package (U.S.)
- Proper Shipping Name
- Mixtures
- Marking
- Required Information Markings on Dangerous Goods Packaging—Basics
- Required Information Markings on Dangerous Goods Packaging—Basics (U.S.)
- U.S. OSHA Workplace Hazard Communication ("Right to Know")
- Proper Shipping Name
- Additional Marking Requirements for Particular Materials
- Additional Marking Requirements for Air Shipment Under IATA DGR
- Package Marking Durability, Legibility and Location on Package
- Affixing Labels and Markings
- National Competent Authority Marking Requirements
- U.S. DG Package Marking Variations
- Particular U.S. Packaging Variations
- Package Manufacturer's Marking
- Carrier Lot Labels; Other Labels and Marking
DG Shipments Subject to Exceptions in Requirements (w10)
This lesson addresses shipments which are subject to reduced and/or special documentation, packaging, marking and/or labeling requirements.
(Estimated study time: 1 hour 1 minute)
- DG Shipments Subject to Exceptions in Requirements
- "Limited Quantities"
- A Packaging Exception
- When Can the Limited Quantity Exception Be Used?
- The Distinctive Limited Quantity Label
- "Excepted Quantities"
- What Are Excepted Quantities?
- Relaxed Requirements for Excepted Quantities
- "Excepted Quantities" (U.S.)
- "De Minimus Quantities" (of Excepted Quantities)
- Sample and Specimen Materials
- Sample and Specimen Materials (U.S.)
- Overpack Containing Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods Information Required by Transport Carrier(s) (w11)
This lesson introduces the function and information of the dangerous goods "Shipper's Declaration", also referred to as the "transport document" in international dangerous goods regulations.
(Estimated study time: 52 minutes)
- Shipper's Declaration ("Transport Document") Alternatives
- Full Shipper's Declaration is Not Required for Certain DG Shipments
- Summary of Needed Carrier Information
Limited and Excepted Quantities, Negative Declaration and Container Packing Certificates (CPCs) (w12u)
This lesson continues with more detail concerning the shipper's declaration, when and how to inform the carrier when what is being shipped in not subject to dangerous goods regulations, and the requirement for a a Container Packing Certificate (CPC) for a shipper-packed container or vehicle that will be shipped aboard a vessel.
(Estimated study time: 57 minutes)
- DG Shipper's Declaration Information – Table Format
- Shipper's Declaration for "Limited Quantities"
- Transportation Document (Waybill, Bill of Lading Air Waybill) for "Excepted Quantities"
- Negative Declaration for Shipments Not Containing Dangerous Goods
- Container/Vehicle Packing Certificate (CPC)
- Container/Vehicle Packing Certificate (U.S.)
Overview of Loading DG Into Transport Conveyances (W13u)
This lesson addresses general transportation safety concerns, load planning basics, cargo condition and inspection, with special concerns for safe handling of dangerous goods, including cargo compatibility and segregation on/within a vehicle. A link to a step-by-step guide to safe loading of any vehicle is provided.
(Estimated study time: 47 minutes)
- General Transportation Safety Concerns
- Load Planning Constraints
- Physical Load Weight Limits
- Physical Load Size Limits
- Loads are Three Dimensional; Maximum Load Dimensions
- Regulatory Cargo Load Limits
- Legal Highway Weight Limits—Load + Tare Weight + Vehicle Weight
- Maximum Permissible Load Size
- Transportation Carrier Imposed Cargo Size and Weight Limits; Oversize and Heavy Lift Charges
- Cargo Acceptance: Cargo Condition and Inspection
- Cargo Acceptance Criteria
- Determining Adequacy of Cargo Preparation and/or Packaging
- Cargo Compatibility—General
- Step-by-Step Concerns in Loading Any Conveyance
Conveyance Placarding; DG Included Within Cargo Consolidations (W14u)
This lesson addresses truck, container and other conveyance placarding, including when required. It also addresses issues relating to includion of DG in cargo consolidations.
(Estimated study time: 56 minutes)
- Placarding of "Cargo Transport Units" (Trucks, Trailers, Containers, Rail Cars)
- Overview of Placards
- General Placarding Requirements
- U.S. Placarding Requirements & National Variations
- U.S. General Rule on Placarding; Placarding Tables
- U.S. Exceptions (National Variations) to the International Placarding Rule
- Placarding of Freight Containers
- U.S. Placarding Rules for Road and Rail Less Strict than for Vessel
- Canadian Reciprocity on Placarding – Ends At Point of CTU Unloading
- SUMMARY of U.S. Placarding Requirements and Exceptions
- Marking of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs)
- Required Placard Locations
- DG Placarding & Marking Responsibility
- Responsibility to Provide and Affix Placards to Trucks (U.S.)
- Inclusion of Dangerous Goods in Cargo Consolidations
Emergency Response Info, Incidents and Accidents; DG Pre-Acceptance Dilligence (W15u)
This lesson addresses how to provide and obtain emergency response information. It also addresses dangerous goods "Incidents" and "Accidents", what they are, how to respond, and when they must be reported. Finally, it stresses how and why diligence must be exercised before accepting DG from a shipper or delivering carrier.
(Estimated study time: 52 minutes)
- Emergency Response Information
- Incidents and Accidents
- Dangerous Goods Incidents and Accidents Defined
- Preparation For and Response To DG Incidents
- Reporting Dangerous Goods Incidents
- Reporting Dangerous Goods Incidents (U.S.)
- Diligence Before Accepting DG Is Very Important
Dangerous Goods Pre-Acceptance Document Checks (w16u)
This lesson addresses specific items of information a driver or terminal/warehouse receiving clerk should check and perhaps challenge before accepting (signing for) a shipment of dangerous goods, or a shipment which has indications it might contain undeclared ("hidden") DG. This serves as a review of previously addressed documents and packaging requirements, but this time with with a hands-on, shipment-by-shipment, operational check-list approach.
(Estimated study time: 1 hour 12 minutes)
- DG Document Inspection & Check List
- Summary of Checks to Make BEFORE You Accept a Dangerous Goods Shipment
- Checking the Incoming Transportation Document
- Scrutinizing Shipper's Declaration and Certification
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (Optional)
- Container/Vehicle Packing Certificate (CPC) (When Required)
Dangerous Goods Pre-Acceptance Package Inspection (w17u)
This lesson addresses criteria and steps for inspection of packages containing dangerous goods before acceptance, including exercises in which the student must compare the information on the shipper's declaration and determine if the document(s) and package(s) are correct and in conformity with one another. We continue with our operational hands-on checklist approach.
(Estimated study time: 59 minutes)
- Physical Package Inspection & Check List
- Before Accepting ANY Shipment
- Before Accepting Package(s) Containing Dangerous Goods
- Examples: Comparing the Shipper's Declaration with DG Packages
- Status of your Training