DOT Hazmat Carrier Requirements: Rail

Transportation of hazardous materials poses an increased risk to the public and the environment of exposure to hazardous substances in case of an accidental spill or release. Therefore, personnel involved in the carriage of hazardous materials via rail should understand the associated risks and be knowledgeable of the specific regulatory and training requirements specified by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180).

This 3-Hour DOT Hazmat Carrier Requirements: Rail Training course is designed for hazmat employers and hazmat employees engaged in transportation of hazardous materials by rail, including rail carriers, rail shippers, and rail tank car owners.

This DOT Hazmat Carrier Requirements: Rail Training course will provide comprehensive knowledge of the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT), requirements for shipping papers and other documents for the transportation of dangerous cargo, specifications for segregation and storage of hazmat, placarding and positioning requirements for rail cars and tank cars, recommendations for safe transportation of key trains as outlined by the Association of American Railroads (AAR), security requirements for transporting hazmat by railway, and reporting requirements in case of incidents involving hazardous materials.

The DOT Hazmat transportation training requirements are outlined in Subpart H of Part 172 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

All hazmat employers are required to train their hazmat employees who perform any task or function that falls within the preview of the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

• Broaden the knowledge of individuals who have completed our 4-hour DOT Hazmat Transportation: General Awareness Training course.
• Employees of companies involved in the commercial transportation of hazardous materials;
• Shippers who offer hazardous materials for rail transport within states and between states;
• Personnel responsible for the safety of hazardous materials cargo when transported by rail;
• Rail car drivers, assistants, security officers, and other employees involved in inspecting and checking of rails cars and tank cars carrying hazardous materials;
• Individuals who package, mark, label, load, and unload hazmat cargo for shipment by rail;
• Personnel responsible for placarding rail cars and tank cars;
• Public security personnel, emergency response personnel, safety officers, other employees who need to understand DOT’s Hazmat Regulations to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials consignments via rail; and
• Compliance officers who certify that all applicable requirements of the HMR are being met.

The DOT Hazmat Carrier Requirements: Rail course is in compliance with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) found in 49 CFR Part 174 (Carriage by Rail).

For more in-depth training of the U.S. DOT’s hazmat regulations, enroll for our 10-Hour DOT Hazmat Transportation: Advanced General Awareness Training course which provides general and function specific guidance hazmat transportation.

Yes. As recommended by the DOT, hazmat employees must receive recurrent training at least once every three years. Furthermore, all employees whose job function directly affects the safe transportation of hazardous materials must receive training within 90 days after employment or a change in job function.

In addition, according to 49 CFR 172.702(b), the online safety training certification of the DOT Hazmat Carrier Requirements: Rail Training course must also be updated whenever the DOT issues a new regulation or revises any existing regulations. No employee can perform any activities under the new or revised DOT regulations unless they have been given the necessary training that incorporates the new and/or revised federal rules and regulations.