Page 41 - 2021-2022 Commercial Drivers Manual

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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