CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Loading and Unloading Hazardous MaterialsMedium
A driver is transporting a bulk quantity of Class 2.2 (Non-Flammable, Non-Poisonous Gas) in a cargo tank. Which of the following is a mandatory attendance requirement during the unloading process?
- AAttendance is only required for flammable or poisonous gases, not for Class 2.2.
- BThe driver must be within 100 feet of the cargo tank and check on it every 15 minutes.
- CA qualified person must be present and remain within 25 feet of the cargo tank, in clear view.
- DThe driver may leave the vehicle unattended for up to 30 minutes if it is in a secure facility.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A qualified person must be present and remain within 25 feet of the cargo tank, in clear view.
Regardless of the specific hazard class, all cargo tanks containing hazardous materials (including Class 2.2) require continuous attendance during loading and unloading. A qualified person must remain within 25 feet of the cargo tank and have an unobstructed view of it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect. Attendance is a general requirement for all hazardous materials in cargo tanks, not just flammable or poisonous ones, to ensure safety and respond to leaks or malfunctions.
- B. This distance and interval are not generally compliant for direct attendance of cargo tanks with hazardous materials.
- D. Leaving a cargo tank unattended for 30 minutes during unloading, even in a secure facility, is generally prohibited for hazardous materials.
Cargo Tank HazMat Attendance
Loading or unloading of any hazardous material from a cargo tank requires continuous attendance by a qualified person who must remain within 25 feet and in clear view of the tank.
- Applies to all hazard classes in cargo tanks.
- Ensures immediate response to any incident.
- Prevents unauthorized access or tampering.
Memory trick: Cargo tanks: 'Always watch', 'always near', 'no breaks'.