Manufacturer’s and Reconditioners of UN certified packagings are, at all times, subject to unscheduled inspections by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Recently, inspectors have stepped-up visits and therefore, it is best to be prepared if you are visited. There are 14 Checklist items that can help you to be prepared for a successful inspection. You can link to a more detailed item description HERE.

1. Make sure you, your staff and DOT inspectors wear face masks.
2. Ask the DOT inspectors for identification.
3. Ask why the Inspector is at your plant.
4. Keep Copies of all your required DOT records in one location. Inspectors are likely to ask for:
   hazmat employee training records, up-to-date annual design qualification test reports, closure instructions, and hazardous waste transportation manifests.
5. Customer information including customer invoices.
6. Make sure your employees can Answer basic training and/or operation-specific questions from the inspector.
7. Make sure you or a designated management employee accompanies the inspector during the plant tour.
8. Prepare in advance for an inspection. DOT inspectors are trained to look at the manufacturing process.
9. Create your own written record of what was observed during the inspection.
10. You may be asked to perform on-site testing.
11. Keep the exit briefing form.
12. Call Your lawyer if it appears a problem has been found.
13. Remedy the problem(s) identified by the inspector as soon as possible.
14. Respond to the exit briefing.

If prepared, the inspection should yield results that will confirm or improve your manufacturing and shipping process. For a more detailed item description of this Check-List, click HERE.

The Department of Transportation plays an active part in the United States Government’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). As a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, DOT helps support the Administration’s efforts to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus, and ensure continuation of critical infrastructure support and relief for the American people.

Check out the additional resources on how the Department is responding to COVID-19. The safety of our transportation networks is vital to maintaining economic durability and the free flow of essential supplies, food, fuel, and medical equipment. Response measures implemented by the Department to date have included stakeholder outreach and guidance, expanded federal assistance, and regulatory relief. This page will be updated on a regular basis as new information and resources become available.