Have you been asked to attend a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) hazmat training? If you’ve never been through this type of program, you may be unfamiliar with the learning objectives and subjects covered.
You’ll find the DOT hazmat training requirements in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). You can expect your instruction team to cover the following topics during your next DOT hazmat course:
- General awareness training
- Function-specific training
- Safety training
- Security awareness training
By addressing these areas, a DOT hazmat training can prepare you to perform hazmat employee functions. By the end of your sessions, you will feel more empowered to do your job, as well as increasingly confident in the decisions you make related to hazardous and dangerous materials.
Who Needs DOT Hazmat Training?
Your employer should let you know if you fall under the category of a worker who requires regular DOT hazmat training. However, if you are about to go into a new role, are being promoted, or have accepted a position that you think serves a “hazmat employee” function, you may be unsure if you actually need DOT hazmat training.
To clear things up, here’s a breakdown of who needs this training:
- Employees involved in shipping: This includes individuals who classify hazardous materials, package, mark and label hazardous materials, prepare shipping papers and sign shipping manifests.
- Employees involved in transportation: This includes individuals who load and unload hazardous materials, transport hazardous materials and handle hazardous materials during transportation.
- Employees involved in packaging: This includes individuals who manufacture, test or repair hazardous materials packaging.
- Employees involved in handling: This includes anyone who handles hazardous materials in warehouses, loading docks or other facilities.
- Employees in supervisory roles: Individuals who supervise hazmat employees also require training.
In essence, anyone whose job functions directly affect the safety of hazardous materials transportation will probably require DOT hazmat employee training every three years.
How Will You Benefit From DOT Hazmat Training?
Although DOT hazmat training is mandatory, it can still be valuable to you personally and professionally. Completing a DOT hazmat training course can increase your:
- Confidence: When you upskill your professional capabilities, you gain a strong sense of self-assurance that can carry over into decision-making at work.
- Security: Knowing the safest ways to approach hazardous and dangerous materials can protect you in tough situations.
- Expertise: Learning about updated hazmat methods and guidelines will improve your knowledge, positioning you as more of an expert in your field. Holding a current DOT hazmat training certification is a wonderful qualification to add to your résumé.
What to Expect From DOT Hazmat Training
When you enroll in DOT hazmat training at Hazmat School, you always get lessons built around the latest requirements and led by experienced professionals. Our reputation was founded on creating engaging, pertinent lessons at the lowest possible prices, and we look forward to helping you stay up to date on modern hazmat topics, tools and solutions.
Take your hazmat skills to the next level. Register for DOT hazmat training today and receive a 20% discount for government employees!
Manages Hazmat School’s E-Learning courses and blog. Kirstie has extensive experience in the online training and education industry. Kirstie has worked with courses that offer a variety of safety and environmental certifications that satisfy OSHA, EPA and DOT requirements.
