Page 42 - Draft 2023 2024 CDL Manual w Modernization Info
P. 42

SECTION 2: DRIVING SAFETY


         other bulk packaging display the identifica­
         tion number of their contents on placards or
         orange panels.
         Identification Numbers are a four digit code
         used by first responders to identify hazard­
         ous materials. An identification number may
         be used to identify more than one chemical
         on shipping papers. The identification number
         will be preceded by the letters "NA" or "UN."
         The US DOT Emergency Response Guidebook
         (ERG) lists the chemicals and the identification
         numbers assigned to them.
           Not all vehicles carrying hazardous materials
         need to have placards. The rules about placards
         are given in Section 9 of this manual. You can
         drive a vehicle that carries hazardous materi­
         als if it does not require placards. If it requires
         placards, you cannot drive it unless your driver
         license has the hazardous materials endorse­
         ment. See Figure 2.25.
           The rules require all drivers of placarded ve­
         hicles to learn how to safely load and transport
         hazardous products. They must have a commer­
         cial driver license with the hazardous materials
         endorsement. To get the required endorsement,
         you must pass a written test on material found
         in Section 9 of this manual. A tank endorsement
         is required for certain vehicles that transport
         liquids or gases. The liquid or gas does not have
         to be a hazardous material. A tank endorsement
         is only required if your vehicle needs a Class A
         or B CDL and your vehicle has a permanently
         mounted cargo tank of any capacity; or your
         vehicle is carrying a portable tank with a capac­
         ity of 1,000 gallons or more.
           Drivers who need the hazardous materials
         endorsement must learn the placard rules. If you
         do not know if your vehicle needs placards, ask
         your employer. Never drive a vehicle needing
         placards unless you have the hazardous mate­
         rials endorsement. To do so is a crime. When
         stopped, you will be cited and you will not be
         allowed to drive your truck. It will cost you time
         and money. A failure to placard when needed
         may risk your life and others if you have an ac­
         cident. Emergency help will not know of your
         hazardous cargo.
           Hazardous  materials  drivers  must  also
         know which products they can load together,
         and which they cannot. These rules are also
         in Section 9. Before loading a truck with more
         than one type of product, you must know if it is
         safe to load them together. If you do not know,
         ask your employer and consult the regulations.                    Figure 2.25




           TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE


           Subsections 2.2, 2.23 and 2.24
           • Common medicines for colds can make  • Coffee and a little fresh air will help a  • What is "sleep debt"?
            you sleepy. True or False?         drinker sober up. True or False?
                                                                                • What are the danger signals of drowsy
           • What should you do if you become sleepy  •  What is a hazardous materials placard?  driving?
            while driving?                   • Why are placards used?

          These questions may be on the test. If you can't answer them all, re-read subsections 2.22, 2.23, and 2.24



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