CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Bulk Tanks and Other ContainersMedium
A portable tank is being used to transport a hazardous material. Which of the following is a marking that must be permanently affixed to the tank and visible for inspection?
- AThe consignee's address.
- BThe name of the hazardous material being transported.
- CThe UN packaging symbol for the material.
- DThe last inspection date of the tank.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The last inspection date of the tank.
Portable tanks must have permanent markings indicating their specification, ownership, capacity, and the dates of their most recent inspections and tests, as per 49 CFR 178.274.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The consignee's address is on shipping papers, not permanently marked on the tank.
- B. The name of the hazardous material is on shipping papers and placards/labels, not permanently on the tank.
- C. UN packaging symbols are for non-bulk packaging, not bulk portable tanks.
Portable Tank Permanent Markings
Portable tanks used for hazardous materials must have specific permanent markings, including specification, capacity, and inspection/test dates, to ensure compliance and safety.
- Required by 49 CFR 178.274.
- Includes owner's name, serial number, and capacity.
- Crucially includes date of last periodic inspection and test.
Memory trick: A portable tank's permanent marks are like its ID card: who owns it, what it is, and when it was last checked.