HAZARDOUS


THE top 50 MOST COMMON

materials
QUESTIONS
Lose the fear of the unknown. Study the most common CDL hazardous
materials questions so you'll know what to expect on the big test day.

wh a t 

o w
Kn expect
to

DRIVING-TESTS. ORG
 Please do not try to take these

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our “cheat sheets” to be used: As quick references for you to browse to help

you study for your written knowledge test.

DRIVING-TESTS. ORG
1. Who is responsible for finding out what 4. You are transporting hazardous materials.
permits or special routes are needed to haul When you are not behind the wheel, the
hazardous materials? shipping papers must be on the driver’s seat
The driver. or

At any time, states or counties can impose new in the pouch on the driver’s door.
rules on the permits you must have or new Your shipping papers for hazardous materials
restrictions on the routes you may take. As the must be visible and accessible to emergency
driver, you must keep up with these changes personnel at all times, including when you are
and work with the carrier to obtain any needed out of the vehicle. Therefore, whenever you are
permits. away from your vehicle, they must be left in a
pouch on the driver's side door or on the
2. Who is responsible for packaging, driver's seat, within easy reach in case of an
labeling, and preparing the hazardous emergency.
material shipping papers for a common
carrier? 5. You are going to be hauling hazardous
materials over a route you do not know well.
The shipper.
When should you check the route and get
The shipping paper describes the hazardous the permits needed for this trip?
material and its quantity, among other things.
The shipper must fill out the shipping paper Before starting the trip.
because the shipper packages the material. Before you start your trip, become familiar with
Only the shipper knows exactly what's inside the route. Make sure that state and county laws
the package. Except in an emergency, no one and regulations allow you to use that route. If
else should open the package to see what's the route is densely populated, consider using
inside until the package is delivered to the an alternative route. Obtain any needed permits
receiver. ahead of time.

3. There are three lists that drivers, shippers, 6. When shippers package hazardous
and carriers use to find out if a material is a materials, they must certify that this was
regulated product. One of these lists is the done according to regulations. The only
List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable exception is when
Quantities. the shipper is a private carrier, carrying its
There are three lists used to identify hazardous own product.
materials, all created by the US Department of There are only a couple of situations in which a
Transportation: (1) the Hazardous Materials carrier does not have to certify that the
Table (49 CFR 172.101); (2) Appendix A to that hazardous material has been packaged
section, known as the List of Hazardous according to regulations: (1) The shipper is a
Substances and Reportable Quantities; and (3) private carrier transporting its own private
Appendix B to that section, known as the List of product; or (2) the package is provided by the
Marine Pollutants. Before transporting a carrier (such as a cargo tank, which is
hazardous material, you should check all three permanently attached to the vehicle).
lists because some materials will be found on
more than one list.

The top 50 most common HAZARDOUS materials QUESTIONS 1

7. Foodstuffs for animal or human consumption 10. If there is an "RQ" before or after the
must not be loaded in the same cargo space item description on the shipping paper, it
with means that
poisons. the carrier must report a significant spill of this
Federal regulation 49 CFR 184.680 stipulates material.
that you cannot place Division 6.1 materials There are a few ways to highlight a hazardous
(poisons) in the same cargo space as foodstuffs material on the shipping papers. One way is to
intended for animal or human consumption. The enter "RQ" (reportable quantity) in the HM
risk of contaminating the foodstuffs is column. Any spill of a hazardous material that is
unacceptable. Also, federal regulation 49 CFR at least equal to the reportable quantity for such
177.848 stipulates that certain hazardous a material must be reported to the National
materials, such as poisons, cannot be placed in Response Center.
the same cargo space as other hazardous
materials because of the risk of cross- 11. Who is responsible for safely transporting
contamination or a dangerous chemical a hazardous material shipment without
reaction. An excerpt of these rules may be delay and keeping the shipping papers in
found in the "Do Not Load" table in the official the right place?
state CDL manual.
The driver.
8. The regulations require that hazardous Once the hazardous material is on the road, the
materials employees be trained and tested driver has control of and responsibility for
at least once every _________ years. transporting the hazardous materials in a timely
three manner and keeping the shipping papers where
they need to be.
Federal, state, and county regulations on the
handling of hazardous materials can change at 12. A properly prepared uniform hazardous
any time, and HazMat workers need to keep up waste manifest
with those changes. Federal regulation 49 CFR
172.704 requires every HazMat employee to be must be signed by each carrier transporting
retrained every three years. This includes the shipment.
training in his or her employer's security plan. If A hazardous waste manifest acts as a record of
the employer changes the security plan, it must everyone who has been involved in its
train the employee about the changes within 90 shipment. Each copy must have all needed
days. signatures and dates, including those of the
person to whom you delivered the waste.
9. If the word “Forbidden” appears in the
Hazard class column of an entry in the 13. With most hazardous materials, you may
hazardous materials table, briefly park within 5 feet of the road if your
a common carrier must never transport the work requires it. The materials that are the
material. exception and do not allow parking this
If a material is listed as "Forbidden" in column 3
close to the road are
of the Hazardous Materials Table, you must not Divisions 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 (explosives).
transport any amount of that material. An If you are carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3
example is silver fulminate (dry), an extremely materials (explosives), you must not park within
sensitive explosive. (It's so sensitive that a five feet of the traveled roadway. If you can't get
sufficiently large quantity will explode under its that far away, call emergency services.
own weight.)

The top 50 most common HAZARDOUS materials QUESTIONS 2

14. You have a vehicle without racks to hold 18. You do not have a Hazardous Materials
cylinders of compressed gas. You may load endorsement on your commercial driver's
such cylinders only if they are license. When can you legally haul
loaded upright or lying down flat and braced. hazardous material?
If you do not have racks for the cylinders, you Only when it is a non-placarded material.
must load them so they can't be thrown about You must have a hazardous materials
your vehicle. Load them so they'll brace each endorsement on your CDL to drive a vehicle
other, by positioning them upright or flat and that is placarded for hazardous materials.
braced. However, not all packages of hazardous
materials require placarding your vehicle. For
15. A vehicle contains 500 pounds each of example, relatively small quantities of
Division 1.1 explosives and Division 1.2 consumer-grade chemicals such as drain
explosives. You must have openers and bleaches may be exempt. Federal
regulation 49 CFR 172.500 exempts certain
"Explosives" placards.
amounts and types of hazardous materials from
The Placard Tables (which you'll find in your placarding, but states may impose more
official state CDL manual) describe which stringent requirements. Check with your state's
materials must be placarded and what the transportation department.
placards must say. Explosives are in Placard
Table 1, so your vehicle must have placards that 19. You are behind the wheel of a truck
say "Explosives" followed by the division carrying a shipment of hazardous material.
number (1.1, 1.2, or 1.3). The shipping papers must be in a pouch on
the driver’s door or
16. A hazard class name or ID number may
not be used to describe in clear view within your reach.
a non-hazardous material. Your shipping papers for hazardous materials
must be visible and accessible to emergency
To avoid confusing anyone (such as emergency personnel at all times. When you're inside your
services) who might need to read the shipping vehicle, keep the shipping papers in a pouch on
papers, you should never use hazardous the driver's side door or somewhere else where
material names or identification numbers to they can be in clear view and within immediate
denote non-hazardous materials. reach. Whenever you need to leave your
vehicle, leave the shipping papers in that pouch
17. Identification numbers are preceded by or on the driver's seat, in clear view.
the letters "UN" or "NA." The letters "NA" are
associated with proper shipping names that 20. NO ONE may smoke within 25 feet of
are used where? any vehicle that contains explosives,
Within the United States and to and from oxidizers, or
Canada. flammable materials.
A hazardous material identification number that You should not risk smoking in close proximity
starts with the letters "NA" is intended for to any class of hazardous material. However,
shipment to, from, or through the United States there are specific rules for the following classes:
or Canada (not Mexico). For shipment to, from, No smoking within 25 feet of classes 3 and 2.1
or through any other countries, the (flammable materials and gases). No smoking or
identification number must start with the letters holding a lighted smoking object such as a
"UN." cigar or pipe within 25 feet of classes 1, 3, 4, or
4.2 (explosives, flammable liquids or solids, or
spontaneously combustible materials).

The top 50 most common HAZARDOUS materials QUESTIONS 3

21. A truck carrying explosives has collided with 24. You are hauling hazardous materials,
another vehicle. You should not pull them apart and you find that one of your tires is leaking.
until You must
you have placed the explosives at least 200 stop at the nearest safe place and fix it.
feet away from the vehicles and occupied Don't risk an accident from a flat tire, especially
buildings. when carrying hazardous materials. If you have
If your vehicle is carrying explosives and a leaking or flat tire, don't drive except to the
collides with another vehicle, warn others of the nearest safe place to fix it. Note: The rules on
danger. Keep bystanders away. Do not allow parking placarded vehicles apply even if you
smoking or open fire near the vehicle. If there is park to fix or replace a tire. For example, if
a fire, warn everyone of the danger of you're carrying explosives, you can't park (to fix
explosion. Remove all the explosives before a tire or for any other reason) within 300 feet of
separating the two vehicles. Place the any place where people gather.
explosives at least 200 feet from the vehicles
and any occupied buildings. 25. When fueling a placarded vehicle,
someone must always be
22. The transport index of a radioactive at the nozzle, controlling the fuel flow.
material Under federal regulation 49 CFR 397.15,
indicates the degree of control needed during whenever a motor vehicle carrying hazardous
transportation. materials is being refueled, its engine must be
A package of radioactive materials is not fully turned off and someone must be at the nozzle,
radiation proof. Some radiation can pass right controlling fuel flow.
through the package, possibly contaminating its
immediate environment. The transport index of 26. Which signals may be used to warn of a
a package of radioactive material describes the stopped vehicle that contains explosives?
highest level of radiation that is expected at a Reflective triangles.
distance of one meter (about 39.37 inches) from
the surface of the package. With this Ideally, you should not risk exposing any type of
information, the package can be kept safely far hazardous material to flame, but especially
enough away from other packages, Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (explosives), Division 2.1
photographic film, live animals, or people (flammable gases), or Division 3 (flammable
(including yourself). liquids). These can be so volatile that they
should not be exposed to any heat source, not
23. When hauling hazardous materials, you even a cargo heater. Set out warning triangles
must check any dual tires as explained in the section "Communicating
Your Presence" in the state's official CDL
at the start of each trip and each time you manual.
stop.
If you have a placarded trailer with dual tires, 27. If you are in an accident involving
you should check the tires at the start of each hazardous materials, you should
trip and each time that you stop for any reason, keep all people far away and upwind of the
whether to rest or to refuel. Use a tire pressure accident.
gauge to get an accurate reading.
If you have an accident while carrying
hazardous materials, you must follow your
employer's instructions. However, keep
bystanders well away and upwind of the
accident for their own safety.

The top 50 most common HAZARDOUS materials QUESTIONS 4

28. You are hauling hazardous materials, 32. Which of the following must drivers have
and a railroad crossing is ahead of you. in their possession while transporting
When you stop for the crossing, you must Division 1.1 or 1.2 explosives?
stop _________ the nearest rail. The written route plan.
between 15 and 50 feet from To transport explosives, you must usually follow
If your vehicle is placarded, you must stop a route plan prepared by the carrier. One
between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail at exception is if you pick up the explosives at a
a railroad crossing. After you have done this, location other than your employer. In that case,
proceed only when you are sure no train is you should create and follow your own route
coming and you can clear the tracks without plan.
stopping. Do not shift gears while crossing the
tracks. 33. The total transport index of all
radioactive material packages in a single
29. The power unit of a placarded vehicle vehicle must not exceed
must have a fire extinguisher with a UL 50.
rating of _________ B:C or more.
Some radiation can pass out of the package,
10 possibly contaminating its immediate
It is especially important to make sure that you environment. The transport index of a package
have the correct fire extinguisher for the type of of radioactive material describes the highest
cargo that you're carrying. In a placarded level of radiation that is expected at a distance
vehicle, you must have at least one 10 UL B:C of one meter (about 39.37 inches) from the
fire extinguisher. surface of the package. A transport index that is
no higher than 50 is believed to pose negligible
30. The intent of hazardous materials risk.
regulations is to ensure safety, to contain the
material, and 34. If an "X" or an "RQ" is in the HM column
of a shipping paper entry, then
to communicate the risk.
the shipment is regulated by hazardous
The hazardous materials regulations are materials regulations.
designed to help ensure the safety of shippers,
carriers, drivers, and the general public. One On a shipping paper that lists both hazardous
way they do this is by requiring that packages and nonhazardous materials, the hazardous
of hazardous materials and the vehicles that materials must stand out for the reader. There
transport them be clearly marked and are three ways to do this: List the hazardous
accompanied by appropriate shipping papers. materials first; highlight them in a contrasting
This lets emergency personnel and the public color; or place an "X" or an "RQ" before their
know the risks involved. names. ("RQ" means that the hazardous
material is being shipped in a reportable
31. A vehicle placarded for hazardous quantity.)
materials must have placards on _________
sides. 35. An "X" in the HM column of a shipping
paper entry means that
four
the entry is for a hazardous material.
You placard your vehicle to warn everyone
around you that you are transporting hazardous There are a few ways to highlight a hazardous
materials. Therefore, you must have placards on material on the shipping papers. One way is to
all four sides of your vehicle. enter an "X" in the shipping paper's HM column.

The top 50 most common HAZARDOUS materials QUESTIONS 5

36. You may not park a vehicle carrying . arriers must give each driver who
40 C

explosives within _________ feet of an open transports Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials
fire. a copy of FMCSR Part 397.
300 Each carrier must give drivers who transport

When driving with a load of Division 1.1, 1.2, or explosives a copy of 49 CFR 397,
1.3 hazardous materials, which are explosives, "Transportation of Hazardous Materials; Driving

you must park at least 300 feet away from any and Parking Rules." It contains regulations
bridge, tunnel, or structure. You must maintain regarding the routing of hazardous materials,
the same distance from any gathering place or including considerations when choosing a
open fire. suitable route.

37. If your vehicle is placarded, you must 41. You should stop before crossing a
stop _________ feet before the nearest rail railroad grade if your vehicle is carrying
at a railroad crossing. _________ of chlorine.
15 to 50 any amount
If your vehicle is placarded, you must stop If you are carrying any amount of chlorine gas,
between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail at you must stop at every railroad crossing and be
a railroad crossing. After you have done this, extra cautious about proceeding across. A
proceed once you are sure that no train is chlorine spill from a collision with a train could
approaching, and do not shift while you are on be highly dangerous. Chlorine gas is poisonous.
the tracks. (If you're transporting chlorine in cargo tanks,

you must have a gas mask with you in the cab.)

38. If hazardous material is spilling from Chlorine is also a strong oxidizing agent. It can

your vehicle, do not move your vehicle react with flammable materials and start fires.
The resulting fires can spread corrosive or toxic
any more than safety requires. gases.
You don't want to leave a trail of hazardous
materials behind you as you drive. The carrier 42. When there is a hazardous materials
will have to pay for the cleanup of any emergency, what should you do?
contaminated areas, which can be very Keep people away and warn them of danger.
expensive. Minimize the extent of the Prevent smoking and keep open flames away.
contamination. Move your vehicle only enough
to ensure the safety of the general public. Then If there is an emergency involving the
park your vehicle. Your vehicle and its cargo are hazardous materials you're transporting, follow
still your responsibility, so stay with your vehicle all instructions that your employer gave you.
and send someone else to get help. Keep bystanders away, preferably upwind,

while warning them of the danger. Try to keep

39. Whenever your vehicle is placarded, do open flames away and don't let anyone smoke
not drive near open fires unless you near the hazardous materials. Take a copy of
your shipping papers with you to provide to first
can safely pass the fire without stopping. responders who arrive at the scene.
Never risk exposing any kind of hazardous
material to fire. If your vehicle is placarded,
don't drive near any open fire unless you are
sure that you can drive right past it without
stopping.

The top 50 most common HAZARDOUS materials QUESTIONS 6

43. When transporting chlorine in cargo 47. To find out if a shipment includes
tanks, what must you have? hazardous materials, you should
An approved gas mask, an emergency kit for look at the shipping papers.
controlling leaks in fittings on the dome cover
If you need to know whether a shipment
plate.
contains hazardous materials, just check the
Chlorine gas is both toxic and oxidizing. It can shipping papers, which should have hazardous
react with flammable materials and start fires, materials clearly marked. (In the event of an
which can spread corrosive or toxic gases. accident, first responders will also check the
Federal regulation 49 CFR 177.840 requires shipping papers to find out what materials
every driver hauling chlorine to have available a they're dealing with.)
gas mask rated for protection against chlorine
gas, and a repair kit to repair leaks in fittings on 48. Who is responsible for checking to be
the dome cover plate of the vehicle. sure the shipper correctly named, labeled,
and marked a hazardous materials
44. Division 1.1 or 1.2 explosives must not be shipment?
transported in a combination vehicle if the
The carrier.
vehicle includes
The carrier accepts responsibility for
a placarded cargo tank.
transporting the shipment. Before transport, the
Division 1.1 or 1.2 materials (explosives) must not carrier must check that the shipper has
be transported in a combination vehicle if there correctly labeled and packaged the hazardous
is a placarded cargo tank in the combination. materials. The carrier should refuse to accept
(The placarded cargo tank might hold any package that is incorrectly labeled or
flammable gases or liquids, for example.) packaged.

45. A shipping paper for hazardous 49. When handling packages of explosives,
materials must include you must
Page numbers if the shipping paper has more never use hooks or other metal tools.
than one page. A proper shipping description
Explosives should never be exposed to electric
for each hazardous material and a shipper's
sparks. Metal tools can generate or conduct
certification stating that they prepared the
electric sparks. Use nonmetallic tools.
shipment according to the regulations.
The shipping papers must describe all the 50. You have loaded a hazardous material
materials and certify that the shipper has into a cargo tank. What must you do before
packaged them properly. The shipping papers
you move the vehicle?
must have page numbers so that the reader can
tell whether any pages are missing. Close all manholes and valves. Be sure they
are free of leaks.
46. You find an overheated tire during an en- B efore you start to drive a vehicle with a cargo
route inspection. If you are hauling tank containing hazardous materials, make sure
hazardous materials, you must that the manholes and valves are closed and
leak-free. It is illegal to move a cargo tank
remove the tire and place it a safe distance
containing any amount of hazardous materials
from the vehicle.
for any distance if any valves or covers are
An overheated tire is more prone to blowing open.
out. Remove it and place it at a safe distance
from the vehicle. Don't drive until you find out
what caused the tire to overheat.

T h e to p 5 0 m o s t c o m m o n H A Z A R D O U S m at e r i a l s Q U E S T I O N S 7