Publications
The Outreach and Training Branch develops 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 that are designed to help the regulated community meet the training requirements set forth in the HMR.
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Lithium Battery Test Summaries (TS) For safety reasons, lithium batteries must be subjected to a series of design tests per sub-section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. This updated publication assists manufacturers and distributors with understanding and implementing the lithium battery test summary requirement effective January 1, 2022. |
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The Facts on Small Arms-Related Hazmat This brochure was prepared to increase awareness on safely shipping small arms-related hazardous materials. |
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Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers This compliance resource was prepared to assist shippers to safely package lithium cells and batteries for transport by all modes according to the latest (May 11, 2020; HM-215O) regulatory requirements. |
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This guide summarizes federal hazmat transportation law, including regulatory authorities, scope, and enforcement procedures |
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DOT Chart 17: Markings, Labeling, and Placarding Guide PHMSA has released the DOT Chart 17 - Hazardous Materials Markings, Labeling and Placarding Guide to assist shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders to quickly access information regarding hazardous materials markings, labels and placards. Note: the DOT Chart-17 has been updated to remove the ORM-D marking and transitional phase-out dates for other marks, labels, and placards. The Chart has also been updated with editorial changes for clarity and to reflect the most current HMR citations and notes. |
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DOT Tabla 17- La Guía sobre marcas, etiquetas, y rombos DOT Tabla 17 - La Guía sobre marcas, etiquetas, y rombos para comunicación de materiales peligrosos, está disponible en español. La guía ayuda cargadores, transportistas y industrias interesadas en rápido acceso de información sobre marcas, etiquetas, y rombos que son requeridos por los reglamentos de materiales peligrosos (HMR). DOT Chart 17 - Hazardous Materials Markings, Labeling and Placarding Guide is now available in Spanish. This updated guide assists Spanish-speaking shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders by providing quick access to information concerning hazardous materials markings, labels, and placards, as described in the HMR. |
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7 Useful Tips Quick e-Resource Guide To Help You Ship Hazardous Materials Safely in Commerce. |
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ORM-D Phase-out ends December 31, 2020 PHMSA ORM-D marking phase out ends December 31, 2020. |
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Registration Process Brochure 2021 This brochure discusses PHMSA's Hazmat registration program, explaining who must register, when and how to register, registration cost, and other important information. |
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Transporting Infectious Substances Safely This brochure describes the USDOT regulations for the classification criteria and packaging requirements for the transportation of infectious substances. |
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28 page training document on 49 CFR Parts 100-18 |
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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. |
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Hazmat Transportation Requirements (Spanish version) Un folleto fácil de leer, que condensa la información de nuestras publicaciones más populares en solo ocho páginas. La información in este folleto incluye: requerimientos de capacitación, preparación de documentación de embarque, usando la Tabla de Materiales Peligrosos (HMT), y códigos de empaque de rendimiento. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. DOT Chart 16: Markings, Labeling, and Placarding Guide (Spanish) |
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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. |
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DOT-Approved Third Party Packaging Certification Agencies This brochure describes PHMSA's Third Party Packaging Certification Program |
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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. |
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Before engaging in the process of loading and/or unloading a CTMV, PHMSA strongly advises you to consider the following questions. |
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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). |
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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). |
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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. |
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Is Your Cylinder Safe To Fill? This 11x17" poster provides cylinder safety guidance to show fillers how to inspect a cylinder for serviceability. IMPORTANT: On October 30, 2020, PHMSA published a final rule authorizing 12-year initial and subsequent requalification periods for volumetric expansion testing and a 12-year initial requalification period for proof pressure testing. Please read the rulemaking for more information. |
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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: On October 30, 2020, PHMSA published a final rule authorizing 12-year initial and subsequent requalification periods for volumetric expansion testing and a 12-year initial requalification period for proof pressure testing. Please read the rulemaking for more information. |
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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. |
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Explosives Approvals - Regulatory Guidelines for Shipping and Transporting Fireworks For fireworks manufacturers when applying for DOT special permits and approvals, and transporting them. |
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Fireworks Safety Guidance for Shipping Consumer Fireworks For fireworks shippers, distributors, and carriers when preparing consumer fireworks for transport. |
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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. |
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How To Handle Radioactive Materials Packages Brochure |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Transporting Agricultural Products Safely A guide to the HM-226A rule |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Liquefied Compressed Gases Compliance assistance Guide This brochure explains the requirements for the operator of either DOT specification (i.e., MC 330 or MC331) or non-DOT specification (authorized under § 173.315(k)) used in liquefied compressed gas (LCG) service, and procedures for unloading LCG from cargo tanks. |
Last updated: Wednesday, May 18, 2022