CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Hazardous Materials RegulationsMedium
A driver is transporting a shipment of Division 5.1 (Oxidizer) and Division 3 (Flammable Liquid) materials. Which of the following statements about segregation is TRUE?
- AThese materials can be loaded together in the same cargo space without segregation.
- BThese materials must be loaded in separate cargo compartments or by using a physical barrier.
- CThese materials must be segregated from each other by a minimum distance of 10 feet.
- DThese materials are incompatible and must not be loaded on the same transport vehicle.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. These materials are incompatible and must not be loaded on the same transport vehicle.
Oxidizers (Class 5.1) and Flammable Liquids (Class 3) are highly reactive with each other and are considered incompatible. According to the segregation requirements in 49 CFR 177.848, these two classes must not be loaded, transported, or stored together on the same transport vehicle.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. These materials are incompatible and cannot be loaded together.
- B. Separate compartments or barriers are insufficient for materials that are forbidden for co-transport.
- C. Distance segregation is not sufficient for highly incompatible materials like these; they are forbidden together.
Segregation of Incompatible HazMats
Certain hazardous materials are incompatible and, due to their dangerous reactions, are forbidden from being loaded or transported together on the same vehicle. This is determined by segregation tables in 49 CFR 177.848.
- Prevents dangerous reactions (e.g., fire, explosion, toxic gas).
- Segregation table in 49 CFR 177.848 specifies forbidden combinations.
- Forbidden materials cannot be on the same transport vehicle.
Memory trick: Keep the bad chemistry separated, or don't mix at all!