Avoid the top hazmat violation — Emphasize cargo securement training

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 16-18, 2023. Are your drivers prepared?

The focus for this year’s CVSA Roadcheck will be on cargo securement. This is concerning because last year’s top hazmat violation was for packages not being secured in the vehicle. Couple that with the fact that hazmat drivers are typically held to a higher standard, and you have yourself a recipe for disaster.

It is a violation of Hazardous Materials Regulation 177.834 (a) when your hazmat cargo is not secured in the vehicle. In fact, the regulation states:

“Any package containing any hazardous material, not permanently attached to a motor vehicle, must be secured against shifting, including relative motion between packages, within the vehicle on which it is being transported, under conditions normally incident to transportation. Packages having valves or other fittings must be loaded in a manner to minimize the likelihood of damage during transportation.”

To avoid unnecessary cargo securement violations, you need to understand the cargo securement process and consider conducting mock inspections with your drivers.

Understanding the securement process

All general and hazmat cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured so that it does not:

• Leak or spill,
• Blow off the vehicle,
• Fall from the vehicle,
• Fall through the vehicle, or
• Shift upon or within the vehicle to such an extent that the vehicles stability or maneuverability is adversely affected.

A securement system is a method that uses one or a combination of the following elements:

1. The vehicle structure, such as bulkheads, walls, floors, posts, and anchor points.
2. Securing devices, such as chains, binders, straps, ropes, and synthetic webbing.
3. Blocking and bracing equipment, such as chocks and cradles.

Determining which securement system(s) you use will depend on the cargo you have. Cargo comes in many different shapes, sizes, and weights, so a variety of securement systems may be used to prevent movement. Ensure you use the appropriate methods for the type of cargo you are transporting.

Consider mock inspections

Consider conducting your next monthly safety meetings in the yard instead of the training room. Stage a tractor and trailer containing a hazmat shipment on the ready line and ask a driver to enter the tractor after conducting a pre-trip inspection. Determine if the driver can reach the hazardous materials shipping papers from a seat-belted position and if the correct placards are being displayed.

Key to remember: Conduct hazmat-specific training with your drivers so they will be prepared for their next roadside inspection.