DOT Adds Newly Trained Field Inspectors Nationwide

Of 1,200 applicants, the DOT recently graduated 12 new hazardous materials investigators from their new training academy at the Transportation Safety Institute in Oklahoma City. The hazmat investigator recruits were put through an initial training curriculum which included regulatory interpretation, enforcement and legal proceedings and policies, report and investigation writing, interview and evidence gathering techniques, photography and general safety training. In the months ahead, the recruits will also be receiving training on the manufacture, testing and requalification of hazardous materials packaging, materials classification, and accident investigation with root cause analysis. Located remotely in their respective regions, the new recruits reside from Florida to Minnesota, California to Maine. Therefore, now is the time to review your hazards materials packaging purchases, procedures, training and documentation (especially employee HazMat and Security Training and packaging Closure Instructions). If a DOT inspector does come to your door, be ready to comply with their requests and demonstrate that you are a compliant shipper.