A hazardous material (Hazmat) is any item or agent (biological, chemical, radiological, and/or physical), which has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors.

Hazardous materials are defined and regulated in the United States primarily by laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Each has its own definition of a "hazardous material."

DOT defines a hazardous material as any item or chemical which, when being transported or moved in commerce, is a risk to public safety or the environment, and is regulated as such under its Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulations (49 CFR 100-199), which includes the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 171-180).

In this course you will learn how to identify and label the Hazardous Material and prepare their packages for different means of transportation maintaining the best security plan.

Note: This module assumes that the manufacturer or shipper has already identified the hazardous material.

Topics Covered

• Hazardous Materials Table
• Carrier Requirements - Rail Carrier
• Transportation Security Requirements