In trucking, "attending the vehicle" means that the person in charge of the vehicle is on the vehicle, awake and not in the sleeper berth. Or, if the person is not on the vehicle, he or she must be within 100 feet of the vehicle and must have an unobstructed field of view. That is, the person has to be able to see the whole vehicle without other things being in the way. (As stated above, however, a person attending a vehicle hauling hazardous materials must be within 25, rather than 100 feet.)
Who qualifies as a "qualified representative of the motor carrier"? Someone who has been told by the carrier to attend the vehicle. Someone aware of the nature of the hazardous materials in the vehicle. Someone instructed in what to do in case of emergencies. And someone authorized and able to move the vehicle if it needs to be moved.
As a driver, you have to have all those qualifications too. Ask yourself when you haul something, anything, are you aware of any dangers it might pose? What should you do in case of an emergency? Know what you'd do ahead of time. It's a good policy to follow with any cargo, but it becomes absolutely necessary when you're hauling a classified hazardous substance.
Fueling Precautions
When you fuel up while carrying hazardous materials, be sure the engine is not operating. Also, make sure someone is in control of the fueling process at the point where the fuel tank is filled.
Smoking
Smoking of cigarettes, cigars or pipes is very dangerous around certain types of hazardous materials. The MCSR says that no one may smoke within 25 feet of a vehicle containing explosives, oxidizing materials, or flammable materials, or within 25 feet of an empty tanker which was used to transport flammable liquids or gases.
The Pre-Trip Inspection
In addition to your normal, by-the-numbers pre-trip inspection, you should check additional things if you are hauling hazardous materials. If you operate a cargo tank, check for defects in welds, piping, valves and gaskets. Don't drive a tanker containing flammable liquid (any quantity) until all manholes are closed and secured and all valves and unloading lines are closed and leak-free. Be sure all closures are securely closed before you head off. Check carefully for leaks and report any leaks to your supervisor immediately.
Special Tire Precautions
The MCSR gives strict regulations regarding tire safety on vehicles hauling hazardous materials. That's not too surprising since faulty, underinflated or overheated tires can cause tire fires and other accidents. One of the things listed in Section 397 is more frequent examinations of tires.
Routes
Generally speaking, drivers of hazardous materials must avoid highly populated areas in planning their routes. They must also avoid tunnels, narrow streets, alleys, and places where crowds are assembled. If a carrier is hauling Class A or Class B explosives, the carrier has to prepare a written route plan before operating the vehicle. The route must avoid the things listed above (populated areas, tunnels, etc.). Be prepared because if you begin your trip someplace other than your terminal, you may be the one to plan the route. Be sure you plan it in compliance with Section 397 of the MCSR.
Parking
If you are hauling Class A or Class B explosives you may only park in specified locations. For example, you may not generally park on or within five feet of the traveled portion of a street or highway, on private property, near an open fire, or within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, building or place where people work or get together for other reasons.
Other Recommended Precautions to Take
- Don't smoke around any kind of hazardous materials.
- Handle packages carefully:
a. Don't drop them, jar them, or bump them.
b. Protect them from moisture.
c. Protect them from extreme heat.
d. Be very careful not to damage them with bailing hooks, forklifts or other loading equipment.
e. Heed warning signs, such as "This Side Up."
f. Load them so that anyone entering the trailer can see their labels immediately and be aware of the nature of the cargo.
