Tech Bulletin: Do You Need a Department of Transportation Hazmat Security Plan?

by | Jan 8, 2020 | Tech Bulletins

Shippers, receivers or carriers of certain types and quantities materials are required to have a Department of Transportation (DOT) security plan to protect shipments from security risks, such as theft or sabotage. Security plan requirements are spelled out in 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart I.

A DOT security plan is required if you transport or offer in transport any quantity of the following hazardous materials:

  • A Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosive material
  • A material poisonous by inhalation, as defined in 49 CFR 171.8
  • Organic Peroxide, Type B, liquid or solid, temperature-controlled
  • A select agent or toxin regulated by the CDC 42 CFR part 73 or USDA9CFR part 121
  • IAEA Code of Conduct Category 1 and 2 radioactive material

In addition, a security plan is required when shipping the following materials in quantities that must be placarded:

  • A Division 1.4, 1.5, or 1.6 explosive material
  • Desensitized explosives meeting the definition of Division 4.1 or Class 3
  • A Division 4.3 dangerous when wet material
  • Uranium hexafluoride

Finally, a security plan is required when shipping large bulk quantities of the following materials:

  • A Division 2.1 flammable gas
  • A Division 2.2 compressed gas with a subsidiary hazard of 5.1, oxidizer
  • A Class 3, PG I or II, flammable liquid
  • A Division 4.2, PG I or II, spontaneously combustible material
  • A Division 5.1, PG I or II, oxidizer
  • A Division 6.1 poisonous material
  • Class 8, PG I, corrosive material

Anyone who directly affects hazmat transportation safety is required to have hazardous materials (hazmat) training. That is, if they:

  • Handle hazardous material
  • Load or unload hazmat
  • Prepare hazmat for transportation. Pre-transportation functions as defined in 49 CFR 171.1(b) include:
    • Determining the hazard class of a hazardous material
    • Selecting packaging
    • Filling packaging, including bulk packaging
    • Securing a closure on a package or container
    • Labeling a package
    • Preparing shipping papers
    • Providing and maintaining emergency response info
    • Selecting, providing, or affixing placards.
  •  Are responsible for the safety of transporting hazmat.
  • Operate a vehicle used to transport hazmat. OR
  • Design, manufacture, fabricate, inspect, mark, maintain, recondition, repair, or test a package, container or packaging component qualified for transporting hazmat.

NOTE: Hazmat employees must be retrained every three years, whenever their job function changes, or if regulations that impact them change. New employees must be trained within 90 days of employment.

(References 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H, 49 CFR 171.1(b), 49 CFR 171.8)

Get Trained at Safex

In 2020, Safex will offer DOT General Training on

February 6 and August 25.