DOT Security Inspections Underway

Three months ago, DOT began training their in-field inspectors in the matter of security training. The latest regulation requires that companies dealing with hazardous materials comply with security training per CFR 172.704 security. Already DOT is finding preparedness to be weak. Under CFR 172.704(a)(1), "each hazmat employee shall be provided general awareness/familiarization training designed to provide familiarity with the requirements of this subchapter, and to enable the employee to recognize and identify hazardous materials." Furthermore, in 172.704(d), "A record of current training, inclusive of the preceding three years, shall be created and retained by each hazmat employer for as long as that employee is employed by that employer as a hazmat employee and for 90 days thereafter." It is the intent of this regulation for employers to test each employee and maintain written records of the testing. The regulation is thorough and compliance is required. A copy is available at: http://hazmat.dot.gov/regs/172.704.htm.