Frequently Asked Questions

Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods FAQs and Answers

Question: Who is required to receive dangerous goods/hazardous materials training?

Answer:

Anyone who has responsibilities for the preparation for transport of hazardous materials/dangerous goods in your place of business is required by law to be trained.

Hazmat Employee functions include:

  • A hazardous materials/dangerous goods manager
  • Regulatory affairs coordinators
  • Production supervisors
  • Cargo handlers
  • Shipping clerks and supervisors
  • Purchasing agents
  • Drivers
  • Packaging personnel
  • Stowage/segregation planners
  • Anyone who designs, tests, marks manufacturers, reconditions, repairs packages or has a direct involvement in the safety of transporting hazardous material/dangerous goods and meets the definition of a hazmat employee in 49 CFR §171.8.

Question: What is the frequency of training?

Answer:

Initial training must be completed within 90 days of hazmat employment or change in job function. Hazmat employees must be directly supervised by a trained and knowledgeable employee until they have completed the required training.

Hazmat training received from a previous employer or other source may be used to meet the training requirements – provided that a current record of training is obtained from the previous employer or other source.

Hazmat employees must complete recurrent training within 24 months (ICAO/IATA), AFMAN 24-204i, and 36 months for 49 CFR and the IMDG Code. If new regulations are introduced or changed that relates to a function performed by a hazmat employee, the employee must be trained on the new/revised requirements. This training must be completed before the employee performs the function and before the 3-year recurrent training is required.

Question: What is the difference between “General Awareness” and “Function Specific” training?

Answer:

General awareness /familiarization training must provide familiarity with the requirements of the hazardous materials regulations (HMR) and enable the hazmat employees to recognize and identify hazardous materials using the hazard communication standards. Function specific training is specific to the function the employee performs and meets the requirements of Sub-chapter C or special permits issued under Sub-chapter A of 49 CFR.