CDL Practice Tests For Hazardous Materials Page 11

All manholes and valves must be closed before moving a tank of hazardous materials, no matter how small the amount in the tank or how short the distance. Manholes and valves must be closed to prevent leaks.

Flammable Liquids —

Turn off your engine before loading or unloading any flammable liquids. Only run the engine if needed to operate a pump. Ground a cargo tank correctly before filling it through an open filling hole. Ground the tank before opening the filling hole, and maintain the ground until after closing the filling hole.

Compressed Gas —

Keep liquid discharge valves on a compressed gas tank closed except when loading and unloading. Unless your engine runs a pump for product transfer, turn it off when loading or unloading. If you use the engine, turn it off after product transfer before unhooking the hose.

Unhook all loading/unloading connections before coupling, uncoupling or moving a chlorine cargo tank. Always chock trailers and semitrailers to prevent motion when uncoupled from the power unit.

Never park with Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 (Class A or B) explosives within 5 feet of the traveled part of the road. Except for short periods of time needed for vehicle operation necessities (e.g. fueling), do not park within 300 feet of:

• a bridge, tunnel or building;
• a place where people gather; or
• an open fire.

Never park with Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 (Class A or B) explosives within 5 feet of the traveled part of the road. Except for short periods of time needed for vehicle operation necessities (e.g. fueling), do not park within 300 feet of:

• a bridge, tunnel or building;
• a place where people gather; or
• an open fire.

You may leave your vehicle unattended in a safe haven, an approved place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with explosives. Local authorities usually make the designation of authorized safe havens.

When parking in a safe haven, the driver must make sure the owners of the property are aware where it is parked, what product is in the vehicle, and have a representative watch over the vehicle while the driver is away.

Parking Placarded Vehicle Not Transporting Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 Explosives —

You may park a placarded vehicle (not laden with explosives) within 5 feet of the travelled part of the road only if your work requires it. Do so only briefly. Someone must always watch the vehicle when parked on a public roadway or shoulder. Do not uncouple a trailer and leave it with hazardous material on a public street. Do not park within 300 feet of an open fire.

Attending Parked Vehicles —

The person watching a placarded vehicle must:

• Be in the vehicle awake, not in the sleeper berth, or within 100 feet of the vehicle and have it within clear view,
• Be aware of the hazards of the materials being transported,
• Know what to do in emergencies, and
• Be able to move the vehicle if needed.

No Flares —

You may break down and have to use stopped vehicle warning signals. Use reflective triangles or red electric lights. Never use burning signals, such as flares or fuses, around:

A tank used for Class 3 (flammable liquids) or Division 2.1 (flammable gas) whether loaded or empty.

A vehicle loaded with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (Class A or B) explosives.

Route Restrictions—

Some states and counties require permits to transport hazardous materials or waste. They may limit the routes you can use. Local rules about routes and permits change often. It is your job as driver to find out if you need permits or must use special routes. Make sure you have all needed papers before starting.