DOT HazMat Training

What Does DOT Stand For? 

DOT stands for the Department of Transportation. It is a federal Cabinet department of the U.S. government responsible for helping maintain and develop the nation's transportation systems and infrastructure. Among its various responsibilities, the DOT regulates the transportation of hazardous materials to ensure safety and compliance with federal laws.

What Is DOT HazMat Training? 

DOT HazMat Training refers to the training required by the Department of Transportation for individuals who handle, prepare, transport, or are otherwise responsible for the safety and security of hazardous materials during transportation. 

This training is designed to ensure that hazardous materials are transported safely and in compliance with all federal regulations. It covers various topics, including: 

• The classification of hazardous materials 
• Packaging requirements 
• Emergency response information 
• The proper use of shipping papers 

The good news is you can receive your HazMat certification online. 

Who Needs HazMat Training? 

According to regulations, anyone involved in the shipping, handling, and transporting of hazardous materials must receive appropriate HazMat DOT training classes. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Shippers 
• Carriers 
• Freight forwarders 
• Packing and unpacking personnel 

It also includes anyone who manufactures, tests, reconditions, repairs, modifies, marks, or otherwise represents containers as qualified for use in the transport of hazardous materials. 

OSHAcampus® has all the online safety training courses you need to meet your compliance requirements and get to work fast!

How Often Is DOT HazMat Training Required? 

DOT regulations require that DOT Hazardous Materials Training be completed by employees within 90 days of employment or a change in job function and must be repeated at least once every three years. The training must also be updated whenever there is a change in the regulations, or a new type of hazardous material is being handled.

Who is Classified as a DOT HazMat Employee?

One of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) top priorities is to make traveling safe—which includes employees who handle and travel with hazardous materials, also called HazMat employees. And the DOT classifies you as a HazMat employee if: 

• You’re employed by a HazMat employer
• You directly affect the safety of hazardous materials transportation in the course of your employment, which includes: 
  • Loading, unloading, or handling hazardous materials
  • Preparing hazardous materials for transportation
  • Operating a vehicle to transport hazardous materials
  • Being responsible for the safety of hazardous material transportation
  • Manufacturing, testing, reconditioning, repairing, modifying, marking, or otherwise representing containers, drums, or packagings, as qualified for use in the transportation of hazardous materials

DOT Training Regulations and Compliance

Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has regulations in place to ensure you are properly trained to do your job as a HazMat worker. In fact, according to 49 CFR, USDOT has several different HazMat training requirements:

• General Awareness: This introductory DOT training provides you with an overview of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and hazard communication standards so that you can recognize and identify hazardous materials. 
• Function-Specific: These DOT HazMat training courses teach you the regulations specific to your job.
• Safety: This DOT training covers emergency response information, procedures for avoiding accidents, and the measures your employer has taken to protect you from exposure.
• Security Awareness: This DOT training helps make you aware of security risks associated with HazMat transport, teaches you how to enhance security, and reviews how to recognize and respond to possible security threats.
• In-Depth Security: This more advanced DOT training teaches you about your employer's specific security plan.
• Modal-Specific: These DOT HazMat training courses are required by Parts 174-177 to teach you the regulations that apply to a specific mode of transportation (rail, aircraft, vessel, or public highway). 

Explore our online DOT HazMat training courses to find the right one to meet your DOT compliance needs.