This page provides information to aid in complying with the requirements set forth in the DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations require training (and retraining) of all employees who perform work functions covered by the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Training is required for any employee who
Furthermore, any hazmat employee requires initial hazmat training, as well as recurrent training every three years.
The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has prepared training modules
that meet the requirements for General Awareness Training as prescribed in Title
49 CFR, Part 172, Subpart H.
The Hazardous Materials Transportation
Training Modules Version 5.1 CD-ROM contains an interactive training program for
individual instruction.
The CD-ROM may be purchased
DOT has also captured PowerPoint presentations from this self-paced
instructional product, which can be used along with the CD-ROM and the
Instructor and Student Manuals in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, as a basis for
traditional classroom-style instruction.
Presentation Masters, Student
Manuals, and Instructor Manuals are available below.
Training Requirements Under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
Take the online training package here (free, you only need to create an account
with DOT)
This new on-line training program introduces users to the HMR, and may be used to meet the requirements for general
awareness/familiarization training, or as the basis for developing function-specific training programs. Current U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
regulations require initial and recurrent training of all employees who perform work functions covered by the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR
Parts 171-180). Any employee whose work directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety is required to have training. The Office of
Hazardous Materials Safety has developed training modules that meet the requirements for general awareness training as prescribed in Title 49 CFR, Part 172,
Subpart H.
Topic areas covered include:
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Training Modules contain an interactive training program for individual instruction.
Note: This program is for
training purposes only and is not a substitute for the HMR. Although the modules included in this program will be updated periodically, the regulations may
change more frequently. To ensure that you are in compliance with current regulations, consult a current copy of the HMR and any subsequent final rules
published in the Federal Register.
Hazardous Materials Transportation Training Classes and Seminars
Instructions and Guidance on the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)`
A complete copy of the final rule published under Docket HM-200 can be obtained here.
Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant Program
materials that make it easier to understand and comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Some publications enhance general understanding of the regulations, while others focus on specific training niches. See our list of Hazmat transportation training publications below. We also offer training videos and interactive CD-ROMS that are designed to help the regulated community meet the training requirements set forth in the HMR.
How to Use the HMR - 28 page training document on 49 CFR Parts 100-18
Hazmat Transportation Requirements - Condenses information from our most popular publications into an easy to read, 8-page brochure that includes Training requirements, Preparing shipping papers, Using the hazardous materials table, Performance packaging codes, and marking, labeling, and placarding.
New UN Requirement for Lithium Battery Test Summaries (TS) - For safety reasons, lithium batteries must be subject to a series of design tests per sub-section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria.
Guide to Developing a Hazmat Training Program - This guide explains the training requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations, identifies those employees who must be trained, and provides a tool to help hazmat employers determine what type of training and training environment may be best for their employees.
Hazmat Transportation Training Requirements - This brochure describes the training requirements in 49 CFR §172.700-704, including security awareness and in-depth security training requirements for hazmat employers and employees. Frequently asked questions are answered and specific regulations are cited.
PHMSA no longer issues R-number Approvals and has transitioned to M-number Approvals that include expiration dates in an effort to accurately locate and verify manufacturing facilities prior to performing safety inspections.
External visual requalifiers of DOT-approved cylinders are required to undergo function-specific training as specified in 49 CFR § 172.704. This brochure summarizes function specific training required for cylinder requalifiers.
Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals for Bulk Shipments - PHMSA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide clarity on the differing agency labeling requirements to communicate the dangers of hazardous materials in "transportation" (DOT), and in the "workplace" (OSHA).
PHMSA Cautions Against Refilling DOT 39 Cylinders - PHMSA cautions the public to never refill DOT 39 cylinders, such as the 1lb. cylinders used for camping. While many types of propane cylinders are designed to be refilled, a DOT 39 cylinder of any size is strictly non-refillable.
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How to Safely Send Batteries and Battery Powered Devices by Mail - PHMSA and the U.S. Postal Service collaborated on a set of safety guidelines for those wanting to mail lithium batteries. Persons wishing to ship lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries should be aware that certain requirements must be met to ensure safety. Both agencies are responsible for enforcing the safety standards regarding the appropriate labeling and shipment of hazardous materials under PHMSA's Hazardous Materials Regulations for the safe transportation of lithium batteries in commerce.
DOT Chart 16: Markings, Labeling, and Placarding Guide - PHMSA has released the "DOT Chart 16 - Hazardous Materials Markings, Labeling and Placarding Guide" in print as well as searchable mobile applications for both iOS and Android platforms to assist shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders to quickly access information regarding hazardous materials markings, labels and placards.
Sampling and Testing Program for Unrefined Petroleum-Based Products - In new regulations adopted in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 100-180) on May 8, 2015 (80 FR 26643), PHMSA established requirements for shippers in all modes of transportation to develop and carry out a sampling and testing program for all unrefined petroleum-based products.
DOT-Approved Third Party Packaging Certification Agencies - This brochure describes PHMSA's Third Party Packaging Certification Program
Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle (CTMV) - Loading/Unloading Operations: Recommended Best Practices Guide - This document is intended to aid hazmat employers and others responsible for CTMV loading/unloading by offering recommended best practices to further enhance the safety of these operations.
Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle (CTMV) - Loading/Unloading Operations: Recommended Best Practices Pocket Guide - Before engaging in the process of loading and/or unloading a CTMV, PHMSA strongly advises you to consider the following questions.
Industry Alert for Fireworks Shippers, Distributors, and Carriers - This PHMSA Safety Alert describes how to transport consumer fireworks safely and in compliance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
Are You Renting a Van or Box Truck to Transport Fireworks? - This brochure describes how fireworks shippers and carriers comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
Are You Preparing Suspected Ebola - Contaminated Waste For Transportation? - This 11 x 17" poster provides general guidance on the proper packaging of suspected Ebola-contaminated waste.
Is Your Cylinder Safe To Fill? - This 11x17" poster provides cylinder safety guidance to show fillers how to inspect a cylinder for serviceability.
IMPORTANT: PHMSA is aware of concerns regarding newly adopted 10-year requirements for propane cylinder requalification. Please note that during the period that PHMSA reviews and acts on a petition for reconsideration, there will be no enforcement actions taken against those using either the 10- or 12-year volumetric expansion testing. Previous requalification guidance remains valid in the interim. Read the notice for more information.
Is Your Propane Cylinder Safe? - This Propane Cylinder Safety poster provides guidance on how to check manufacturing and requalification dates to see if the cylinder is safe for use. The 2-sided poster displays the information in both English and Spanish.
IMPORTANT: PHMSA is aware of concerns regarding newly adopted 10-year requirements for propane cylinder requalification. Please note that during the period that PHMSA reviews and acts on a petition for reconsideration, there will be no enforcement actions taken against those using either the 10- or 12-year volumetric expansion testing. Previous requalification guidance remains valid in the interim. Read the notice for more information.
Do You Know If You're Shipping Hazardous Materials? - This brochure is written to raise awareness of hazardous materials shipping requirements among small and entry-level hazardous materials shippers who may not be aware of the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Created in partnership with the Council on the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) and the Associated Mail and Parcel Carriers (AMPC), this brochure addresses a growing community of small shippers, which has burgeoned in size since the introduction of online auction websites.
Explosives Approvals - Regulatory Guidelines for Shipping and Transporting Fireworks - For fireworks manufacturers when applying for DOT special permits and approvals, and transporting them.
Fireworks Safety Guidance for Shipping Consumer Fireworks - For fireworks shippers, distributors, and carriers when preparing consumer fireworks for transport.
Guide to Performance Packaging Codes - This guide provides information associated with performance packaging as identified in 49 CFR, Part 178. It provides sample markings, codes, tests, approximate conversion factors, and definition of packing group associated with packaging used for hazardous materials shipments.
Radioactive Material (RAM) Regulation Review 2008 - This review provides guidance on the Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) contained in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) Parts 171-185, which govern the packaging and shipment of radioactive material. These materials have an excellent safety record when packaged, labeled, marked and transported in accordance with these regulations.
Security Requirements Brochure (English) - This brochure describes new security training and planning requirements and provides guidance in assessing security threats. It also lists suggested security measures, and provides contact information for other Federal agencies and industry organizations and associations to obtain further security planning information.
Security Requirements Brochure (Spanish) - This brochure describes new security training and planning requirements and provides guidance in assessing security threats. It also lists suggested security measures, and provides contact information for other Federal agencies and industry organizations and associations to obtain further security planning information.
Shipping Batteries Safely by Air: What You Need to Know - This guide describes the USDOT regulations for the classification criteria, packaging requirements, and hazard communication for the transportation of batteries shipped by aircraft under 49 CFR, Parts 100-185.
Transporting Agricultural Products Safely - A guide to the HM-226A rule
UN Cylinders: What You Should Know - This brochure describes the USDOT standards for the design, construction, and use of UN pressure receptacles, adopted into 49 CFR, Parts 171-180, effective September 11, 2006.
Wetlines Awareness for Emergency Responders - This brochure, developed in partnership with the National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc., the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, provides general awareness to emergency responders regarding wetlines. Wetlines are external piping located beneath a cargo tank designed to break off in the event of an accident.
What Are Materials Of Trade - When certain hazardous materials are transported in small quantities as part of a business, they are subject to less regulation because of the limited hazard they pose. These materials are known as Materials of Trade (MOTs). This brochure helps explain MOTs and your responsibilities when transporting these materials.
Transporting Infectious Substances Safely - This brochure describes the revised USDOT regulations for the classification criteria and packaging requirements for the transportation of infectious substances, adopted into 49 CFR, Parts 171-180, effective October 1, 2006.
Some of the materials are available here to download free and some are for sale. The free ones are highlighted in blue for you to download here.
OR For a fee, receive a CD copy ----------------------------------$100.00
Diskettes with a overhead transparencies and printed paper copy of instructor and student manuals - With this package, you are all set to send the student manual to the local printers for duplication and teach the course yourself from the overheads and instructors manual. The diskettes allow you to reprint a fresh copy whenever you need. $750.00
DOT CHART 11-- Hazardous Materials Marking, Labeling & Placarding Guide - Updated version of Chart 10. Displays the full-color labels and placards required by the Hazardous Materials Regulations, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations including new placard and labels. Place your order now! $1.00 each, (minimum order 10 copies) --------------------- $10.00
How to Use the HMR (Booklet) - Provides a hands-on approach to using the hazardous materials transportation regulations. Each ------------------------------------------------------ $10.00
*Training makes "Sense" and . . . It's the Law! - Describes the training requirements ( 172.700-704) for the hazmat employer and employees. Frequently asked questions are answered and regulations cited for 126F. NOTE: These are Adobe.pdf files (i.e., a file that allows you to view/print the document in its original format ). In order to view and print them, you must have Adobe Reader properly configured with your browser. You may download this software FREE from Adobe's Web site. For best viewing results, change Adobe Reader's view setting to "Fit Visible".
Other Free Hazardous Materials Transportation and Training Publications
Click on the picture of the brochure to open the PDF and print it!
Description 
Click to view/print (pdf size = 578kb)A GUIDE TO DEVELOPING A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRAINING PROGRAM
This guide explains the training requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations, identifies those employees who must be trained, and provides a tool to help hazmat employers determine what type of training and training environment may be best for their employees.
*Please click on the picture of the cover to view and print the document.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 172kb)DO YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE SHIPPING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?
This brochure is written to raise awareness of hazardous materials shipping requirements among small and entry-level hazardous materials shippers who may not be aware of the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Created in partnership with the Council on the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) and the Associated Mail and Parcel Carriers (AMPC), this brochure addresses a growing community of small shippers, which has burgeoned in size since the introduction of online auction websites.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 179kb)DOES YOUR HAZMAT TRAINING MEASURE UP?
This brochure describes the training requirements in 49 CFR, 172.700-704, including new security awareness and in-depth security training requirements for the hazmat employer and employees. Frequently asked questions are answered and regulations cited.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 335kb)ENHANCED SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
This brochure describes new security training and planning requirements and provides guidance in assessing security threats. It also lists suggested security measures, and provides contact information for other Federal agencies and industry organizations and associations to obtain further security planning information.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 4399kb)GUIDE FOR PREPARING HAZMAT INCIDENTS REPORTS
This 20-page workbook has updated instructions for properly completing and submitting Hazardous Materials Incident Reports (DOT Form F 5800.1).
Click to view/print (pdf size = 647kb)GUIDE FOR PREPARING SHIPPING PAPERS
This guide explains the shipping paper requirements in 49 CFR, 172.200-205, with emphasis on the basic description for hazardous materials. As a training aid, it explains the shipping paper requirements, provides examples of shipping paper entries and formats, and a general checklist to assist in identifying the most commonly required descriptions on shipping papers.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 402kb)GUIDE TO PERFORMANCE PACKAGING CODES
This guide provides information associated with performance packaging as identified in 49 CFR, Part 178. It provides sample markings, codes, tests, approximate conversion factors, and definition of packing group associated with packaging used for hazardous materials shipments.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 119kb)HAZMAT TRAINING MODULE 5.1 BROCHURE
This brochure describes the training modules developed by USDOT/PHMSA. In a CD-ROM format, the modules assist in meeting general awareness training requirements in the 49 CFR. The brochure also contains a fax/mail-in order form for the CD; or the CD can be ordered from our 'Publications for Sale' page.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 887kb)HOW TO HANDLE RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS PACKAGES BROCHURE
This revised booklet for cargo handlers explains how to recognize radioactive materials, prevent unnecessary exposure, and what to do in case of accidents involving radioactive materials. A question and answer section is provided for frequently asked questions.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 286kb)HOW TO USE THE HMR (ENGLISH)
This booklet provides a hands-on approach to using the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180.) (English)
Click to view/print (pdf size = 124kb)SAFETRAVEL QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
This pocket guide provides tips for traveling safely with portable electronics and their spare batteries.
For more information, please visit http://safetravel.dot.gov.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 378kb)SAFETY ALERT - ACETYLENE REQUALIFICATION (APRIL 2001)
This document addresses some of the new regulations for Acetylene Cylinder requalification. (April 2001)
Click to view/print (pdf size = 12156kb)SHIPPING BATTERIES SAFELY BY AIR; WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
This guide describes the USDOT regulations for the classification criteria, packaging requirements, and hazard communication for the transportation of batteries shipped by aircraft under 49 CFR, Parts 100-185.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 7kb)TRANSPORTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SAFELY
This brochure is geared to farmers who may transport hazardous materials in the course of their operations. It details exceptions for agricultural operations within the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), and provides easy-to-use information on how to visually represent safety hazards, and otherwise comply with applicable provisions of the HMR.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 1696kb)TRANSPORTING INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES SAFELY
This brochure describes the revised USDOT regulations for the classification criteria and packaging requirements for the transportation of infectious substances, adopted into 49 CFR, Parts 171-180, effective October 1, 2006.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 141kb)UN CYLINDERS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
This brochure describes the new USDOT standards for the design, construction, and use of UN pressure receptacles, adopted into 49 CFR, Parts 171-180, effective September 11, 2006.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 301kb)WETLINES AWARENESS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS
This brochure, developed in partnership with the National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc., the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, provides general awareness to emergency responders regarding wetlines. Wetlines are external piping located beneath a cargo tank designed to break off in the event of an accident.
Click to view/print (pdf size = 1120kb)WHAT ARE MATERIALS OF TRADE? BROCHURE
When certain hazardous materials are transported in small quantities as part of a business, they are subject to less regulation because of the limited hazard they pose. These materials are known as Materials of Trade (MOTs). This brochure helps explain MOTs and your responsibilities when transporting these materials.
