Who Should Take This Course?
Our online DOT HAZMAT Shipping Batteries – Function Specific course is designed for Hazmat employees who are involved in the process of shipping or packaging hazardous batteries.
The course includes training on: Battery types; Hazards associated with batteries; Hazard management; Lithium batteries; DOT, IATA, and IMDG shipping requirements; and Incident reporting.
This training complements and builds on DOT Hazmat General Awareness training. If you haven’t completed General Awareness training, you may want complete one of the following courses first. Package deals combining the General Awareness training and Shipping Batteries training are available.
- 4 Hour DOT Hazmat General Awareness Course
- 10 Hour Advanced DOT Hazmat General Awareness Course, which includes Function Specific training.
For information on DOT HAZMAT training requirements or the DOT HAZMAT courses we offer, visit our DOT HAZMAT Training page.
Course Outline
This DOT HAZMAT online course consists of 5 sections, completed through our Online Training System (OTS). Interactive quizzes help students retain the training material.
| Section | Title |
|---|---|
| Module 1 | |
| 1 |
Course Overview
|
| 2 |
Battery Types and General Hazards
Shipping and transporting batteries | Lithium batteries; wet batteries; non-spillable wet batteries; dry batteries | What makes a battery hazardous? | General battery hazards | Battery malfunctions | Short circuits | Dangerous evolutions of heat | Shipping requirements | Packaging | Exemptions | Packaging batteries of more than nine volts | Hazardous materials regulations | Batteries in the Hazmat Table.
|
| 3 |
Lithium Batteries
Definition, use and dangers | Packing and shipping | ICAO technical instructions | Lithium metal batteries | Lithium-ion batteries | Classification | Shipping descriptions | Cell vs. battery | Watt-hour (Wh) rating | State of charge (SOC) | Net battery weight | Packaging lithium batteries | Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries | Prohibition and restrictions | Common labels | Traveling with lithium batteries.
|
| 4 |
Requirements for Other Battery Types
Wet battery requirements | Dangerous evolution of heat | Non-spillable exceptions | Dry batteries and special provisions | Packaging requirements | Batteries containing sodium | Battery-powered vehicles and equipment | Batteries packaged with equipment.
|
| 5 |
Incident Reporting
Reportable battery incidents | How to report an incident | When to file a report | Notifying the National Response Center | Evidence preservation | Reporting discrepancies | Types of discrepancies | Incident statistics.
|
| Course Exam | |
Course Exam
- The final exam for this course includes 10 questions, which are randomly compiled from a large pool of possible questions.
- A score of 70% or higher is needed to pass the final exam. If a student doesn’t pass, the exam may be retaken as may times as needed in order to pass.
Course Format
Designed by Certified Outreach Trainers, this DOT HAZMAT Batteries course is provided 100% online and is available 24/7. Taken through our state-of-the-art Online Training System (OTS), you will benefit from high quality, interactive training. The course is fully narrated and self-paced, so you can save your progress and train at your convenience. We also include a downloadable / printable student manual as reference material and to assist with note taking. Students may take up to 6 months, if desired, to complete the course after enrollment. To ensure customer satisfaction, we offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee*.
Once the course is completed, you will immediately be able to download, save or print your Course Completion Certificate which is provided in PDF format. We’ll also mail you a PVC credit card style Wallet ID Card with optional photo, showing training course completion. The card will be mailed within 24 hours of course completion.
Accreditation
This DOT HAZMAT class was designed by Certified Outreach Trainers and meets function-specific requirements for 49 CFR 172.704(a)(2)(i).
DOT HAZMAT Certification
Upon course completion, your PDF Course Completion Certificate will be available to download, save or print. We’ll also mail you a PVC credit card style Wallet ID Card with optional photo, within 24 hours of training course completion.
Course Objectives
The objective of this DOT HAZMAT Function Specific course is to meet the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) training requirements for 49 CFR 172.704(a)(2)(i).
Per 49 CFR 172.704(a)(2)(i):
Function-specific Training. (i) Each hazmat employee must be provided function-specific training concerning the requirements of this subchapter, or exemptions or special permits issued under subchapter A of this chapter, that are specifically applicable to the functions the employee performs.
Learning Objectives
Once the course is completed, the student should be able to:
- Identify battery hazards;
- Appropriately package batteries;
- Understand shipping requirements for batteries;
- Respond to incidents with batteries.
Requirements
Per DOT Hazmat Training Requirements, a complete curriculum must include:
General Awareness Training (Basic or Advanced)
We offer two options for DOT Hazmat General Awareness training:
Function-specific and Modal-specific Training
Function-specific Training
Function-specific training is required hazardous materials training specific to the functions an employee actually performs. We offer the following function-specific course options, which may be taken separately or are already included within the DOT Hazmat: General Awareness/Function Specific (10 Hour) course (with the exception of the Shipping Batteries course.)
- DOT Hazmat: Function Specific – Shipping Batteries (This course is NOT included in DOT Hazmat General Awareness/Function Specific 10 Hour Course.)
* Additional function-specific training may be required to prepare you for the specific duties you perform on the job.
Modal-specific Training
Modal-specific training is specific to the mode of transportation that will be used to tranport hazardous materials. We offer four DOT Hazmat modal-specific courses:
Security Awareness Training
We offer a 100% Online DOT Hazmat Security Awareness training course. DOT Hazmat Security Awareness training is also included within our DOT Hazmat General Awareness/Function Specific (10 Hour) course and our DOT Hazmat Basic General Awareness (4 Hour) course.
Safety Awareness Training
We are working on Online courses to help workers meet this requirement. Coming soon!
In-depth Security Training (if applicable)
When an employer is required by 49 CFR 172.800(b) to have an in-depth Security plan, then in-depth Security training is also required. This site-specific training covers actions taken by employees according to the employer’s plan. We don’t currently offer in-depth security training.
Driver Training for Motor Vehicle Operators (if applicable)
Motor vehicle drivers who transport hazardous materials must have training on the safe transportation of hazardous materials by highway. A variety of driver safety courses may be needed. We do not currently offer driver training.
HAZMAT Employers are required to train new HAZMAT Employees within 90 days of employment or assuming new related job responsibilities. Direct supervision is required of the employee performing a hazardous material function until training is complete. DOT requirements specify HAZMAT employees need to be retrained and tested at least once every three years. However, the FAA, under 14 CFR, requires air carrier employees to be trained every two years. DOT and FAA require employers to maintain training records.
Hazmat Employer
Per the U.S. Department of Transportation, a Hazmat Employer is a person whose employee(s) perform the following functions:
- Transport hazardous materials (hazmat) in commerce;
- Cause hazmat to be transported or shipped in commerce; or
- Represent, mark, certify, sell, offer, recondition, test, repair, or modify packagings as qualified for use in the transportation of hazmat.
The term “hazmat employer” also includes any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an Indian tribe engaged in offering or transporting hazmat in commerce.
Hazmat Employee
Per the U.S. Department of Transportation, a Hazmat Employee is a person who is employed by a hazardous materials employer and directly affects hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation safety.
This would include an owner-operator of a motor vehicle which transports hazmat, and a person (including a self-employed person) who:
- Loads, unloads, or handles hazmat;
- Tests, reconditions, repairs, modifies, marks, or otherwise represents packagings as qualified for use in the transportation of hazmat;
- Prepares hazmat for transportation;
- Is responsible for safety of transporting hazmat; or
- Operates a vehicle used to transport hazmat.
Additional Training
Please note that this this HAZMAT Shipping course is not meant to replace company-specific or function-specific training provided by your employer on equipment use and procedures for your particular work environment. You must be trained by your employer on the hazards, equipment, engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices and emergency plans specific to your role and workplace. Employers need to evaluate employee needs for additional DOT hazardous material training and training in the use of personal protective equipment used on the job.
In ALL situations, employers are required to ensure their employees are adequately trained to do their job.
The HazMat Student Advantage
- Fully Narrated, High Quality Training
- 24/7, Easy to Use Online Interface
- Self-Paced with Saved Progress
- Includes Audio, Text & Photos
- Detailed Student Manual (PDF)
- Interactive Knowledge Checks
- Take Up to 12 Months to Complete
- Excellent Customer Support
- Mobile Device Friendly Course*
- 100% Money Back Guarantee*
- Course Certificate & ID Card
Course Options
The desired course option must be selected at enrollment.
Related DOT HAZMAT Training Online
- DOT HAZMAT General Awareness Training / Function Specific (10 Hrs)
- DOT HAZMAT General Awareness Training / Basic (4 Hrs)
- DOT HAZMAT Security Awareness
- DOT HAZMAT Hazard Classes & Divisions
- DOT HAZMAT Shipping Papers
- DOT HAZMAT Packaging
- DOT HAZMAT Marking
- DOT HAZMAT Labeling
- DOT HAZMAT Placarding
- DOT HAZMAT Shipping Batteries
- DOT HAZMAT Using the Hazmat Table
- DOT HAZMAT Highway Carrier Requirements
- DOT HAZMAT Air/IATA Carrier Requirements
- DOT HAZMAT Rail Carrier Requirements
- DOT HAZMAT Vessel Carrier Requirements
- DOT Reasonable Suspicion for Supervisors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this course and who should take it?
This online function-specific training is designed for hazmat employees involved in shipping or packaging hazardous batteries. It builds on DOT General Awareness training by focusing on battery hazards, classifications, and safe shipment practices.
What regulations does this course cover?
The course is designed to meet function-specific training requirements under 49 CFR 172.704(a)(2)(i) and includes DOT, IATA, and IMDG hazmat shipping requirements as they apply to batteries.
What topics are covered?
Training modules include battery types and general hazards, lithium battery definitions and shipping rules, requirements for other battery types (wet, dry, non-spillable, etc.), and incident reporting procedures.
How long does DOT HAZMAT Shipping Batteries Training take to complete?
This course is designed to take approximately one (1) hour to complete. Actual completion time may vary, as some students may finish more quickly while others may take longer.
This training is intended to be used as part of an overall hazardous materials training program and may be combined with other training completed throughout the year to help meet applicable hour requirements.
How is the course delivered and how long do I have to complete it?
The course is 100% online, fully narrated, and interactive through the Online Training System (OTS). You can access the training 24/7 and save your progress. Students have up to 12 months from enrollment to complete the course.
Is there an exam, and can I retake it?
Yes. The final exam consists of 10 randomized questions. A 70% or higher score is required to pass, and you may review sections and retake the exam as many times as needed to succeed.
What proof of completion do I receive?
Upon completion, you can immediately download, print, or save your PDF Course Completion Certificate. A PVC wallet-style ID card with optional photo is also mailed within 24 hours of course completion.
Does this course cover all DOT hazmat training I need?
This course covers the function-specific training required for shipping hazardous batteries. You may also need DOT general awareness training (4- or 10-hour options), security awareness training, and other function-specific or modal-specific training. Employers are responsible for ensuring that employees receive all required training, including additional company-specific or job-site instruction.
What are the advantages of this course with HazMat Student?
Benefits include fully narrated, interactive modules; mobile-friendly design; saved progress; a downloadable student manual; 24/7 self-paced access; a 100% Money-Back Guarantee; and fast certificate plus mailed wallet ID card.
Are there volume pricing or package options?
Yes, volume pricing quotes are available for multiple-student enrollments, and package deals (e.g., combining this course with DOT General Awareness options) are offered.
