DOT HAZMAT Training Requirements

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires training for all HAZMAT employees who perform any function subject to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). This would include employees who:

• load, unload, or handle hazardous materials, such as hazardous waste or hazardous substances
• prepare hazardous materials for transportation
• transport hazardous materials by motor vehicle
• place HAZMAT labels and markings on hazardous materials packages and containers
• complete HAZMAT shipping papers
• test, recondition, repair, modify, mark, or otherwise represents packaging as qualified for use in the transport of hazardous materials
• is responsible for the safety of hazardous materials transportation

All HAZMAT employees require initial and recurring training to help increase safety awareness and to help reduce HAZMAT incidents. The training must include:

• General awareness / familiarization training
• Function-specific training
• Safety training
• Security awareness training
• In-depth security training
• Modal-specific training
• Testing

HAZMAT employers must ensure that new employees, or those whose job function has changed, complete training within 90 days of hire or the function change. The employee can perform job functions prior to the completion of training only under the supervision of a trained, knowledgeable HAZMAT employee. After the initial training, recurring training must be completed at least once every three years.

For additional information on DOT training requirements for hazardous materials, see our DOT HAZMAT Training Infographic or the DOT regulations 49 CFR, Part 172, Subpart H.  Also, see the DOT PHMSA Hazardous Materials Transportation Training Requirements presentation.

ENROLL NOW or go back to our DOT HAZMAT Training Online Courses. For questions, please contact HazMat Student.