List:
I received this notice as a forward from Bob Brissetti and thought it
might be of interest to others that transport fuels, etc. going to the
races. I hadn't thought about this being a problem, but it could be.
Tom, Redding CA - #216 D/GCC
Hi Lee,
I originally intended to post this on the Standard 1320 group but
thought I'd run it by you first to see if there was any interest by you
and/or the group. Maybe this is so common most racers don't think twice
about the possible outcome of an accident or run-in with the CHP. But
the last few years has seen a sharp increase by both the CHP and the
Department of Transportation (DOT) in adherence to the various rules &
regulations of transporting hazardous materials.
I've attached a photo of your usual racing trailer. (Identity of team
is not important; just using this photo for illustrative purposes)
There are three Flammable 55 gallon drums in a trailer that the
California Highway Patrol would go ballistic over in a second. I'm only
bringing this up for one reason: Safety, for you and the public. And
maybe to avoid thousands of dollars in fines, license suspensions &
possible jail time. With over 32 years in trucking I'm familiar with
the requirements of shipping/transporting hazardous material. After the
9-11 attack on our nation the CHP has stepped up their inspections and
prosecutions.
First - This trailer did not have hazardous material placards. If my
estimate is correct those three Flammable drums weigh roughly 1,500 lbs.
Well over the reportable quantity requirement of 1,000 lbs. At the
very least it should of had Flammable placards on all four sides of the
trailer. I can't see any other labeled material though I'm sure the CHP
would like to know the contents of the red & yellow containers lining
the side of the trailer. Once they have you for one violation then its
a search through the whole vehicle.
Second - Since there were no placards on the trailer the driver of the
vehicle pulling this trailer most likely didn't have a HazMat
endorsement on his license authorizing him to haul reportable quantities
of hazardous material. Not sure if the non-commercial transport of
reportable quantities of HazMat requires a Commercial License, too. Of
course, both apply to truckers.
Third - The drums were not properly secured in the trailer. I know,
they were wedged in there but the CHP and DOT wants them to be - at the
very least - 'tied to the wall' with rope or a strap. Load locks are
permissible under certain load conditions. The blue flammable drum
directly in front of the spare motor is a big no-no. Any sudden stop
might slam that motor into the drum possibly causing a dangerous
situation ... this is how the CHP sees it and will fine accordingly.
Fourth - Whenever possible, flammable liquids are not to be loaded near
the rear of any trailer in case of a rear end accident.
Five - When a trucker hauls HazMat materials proper papers identifying
the material are required. Here are the basic requirements:
Proper Shipping Name of the Material
Hazard Class
Identification Number
Packing Group (PG) of the Material, if applicable
Total Quantity
Emergency Telephone Number
Emergency Response Information These papers must be kept either in the
pocket of the door or within easy reach while operating the vehicle.
I'm not sure how this would apply in this situation of hauling racing
fuel in a non-commercial situation. But the thing to keep in mind is
the amount of hazard material being transported. Then again I'm sure
the DA could view the racing as a commercial event ....
Generally speaking if you have over 1,000 lbs. of hazardous material
the trailer/vehicle needs to be properly placarded (HazMat triangle
signs on all four sides). The various chemicals, amounts and
combinations determine which placards need to be used. Some material
can't be transported in the same vehicle. License endorsements are
necessary to haul this material. Some chemicals, such as any labeled
Dangerous When Wet, require a placard depending on ANY amount present.
Why? The Fire Department wants to know if you have material on board
that will become dangerous if it becomes wet in case of an accident.
For the most part the HazMat signs are there to inform the various
responding Emergency agencies how to approach the vehicle in case of an
accident and/or eventual fire. The Fire Department wants to know what
type of chemicals are present so they can apply the proper techniques to
put out any fires, etc. Safety First.
Before I retired from trucking last April a fellow driver was cited by
the CHP for what we thought was a petty violation. He had 10 plastic
pails containing Oxidizer compounds and two 55 gallon Flammable drums.
The trailer didn't have any wall tie downs so he secured the material in
the trailer the best he could. To shorten an already LONG story ....
after the trial both the shipping company, our trucking company and the
driver were fined thousands of dollars ... not counting attorney fees.
Lee, if you don't think its appropriate for the Group then I don't post
it. (Obviously ..ha!) But I think some racers might not be
knowledgeable about the serious situations facing them on the road
should they experience a simple flat tire ... and the officer stopping
for assistance becomes nosey. Heaven forbid an accident situation with
leaking fluids. I look at it from a Safety aspect. Some simple yet
effective proper procedures can be adopted which can prevent a lot of
trouble down the road.
Robert Briggs
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