Hazardous Materials Regulations and Response

Vocabulary flashcards covering key U.S. hazardous materials laws, agencies, responder roles, packaging rules, and emergency planning terms to aid exam preparation.

Hazardous Material (Hazmat)

Any solid, liquid, gas, or energy that can harm people, property, or the environment if released.

PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration)

U.S. DOT agency that regulates the safe transport of hazardous materials under 49 CFR Parts 171–180.

Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA)

1975 law establishing national rules for classifying, packaging, labeling, and transporting hazardous materials.

Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act (HMTUSA)

1990 legislation that strengthened HMTA by aligning U.S. standards with international rules and expanding federal oversight.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

1976 EPA law governing hazardous waste from generation through disposal—often called “cradle to grave” management.

OSHA HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120)

Federal standard for hazardous waste operations and emergency response, specifying PPE, training, and safety procedures.

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012)

Rule requiring employers to inform and train workers on chemical hazards via labels, Safety Data Sheets, and hazard classes.

NFPA 1072

Standard that outlines training levels and duties for hazardous materials response personnel.

Awareness Level Responder

Person who can recognize hazmat, notify authorities, and isolate the area but takes no direct action.

Operations Level Responder

Responder who takes defensive actions (e.g., diking or remote shut-offs) without direct product contact.

Technician Level Responder

Responder who takes offensive actions directly on the release, using specialized PPE and equipment.

Specialist Level Responder

Individual with expert knowledge of specific hazardous substances who supports technician-level operations.

Incident Commander (IC)

Person responsible for overall strategy, resource management, and safety during a hazmat response.

49 CFR (Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations)

Primary U.S. DOT regulations for hazardous materials transportation, especially Parts 171–180.

Shipping Papers

Documents accompanying hazmat shipments listing proper shipping name, UN ID, hazard class, quantity, and emergency contact.

Marking

Required information placed on hazmat packages (e.g., proper shipping name, ID number, orientation arrows).

Labeling

Hazard class symbols affixed to individual packages indicating specific risks.

Placarding

Large diamond-shaped hazard signs on transport vehicles or containers showing the material’s hazard class.

Hazmat Training Requirements

DOT mandate that all hazmat employees receive general awareness, function-specific, safety, and security training.

Security Plan

Written procedures required for high-risk hazmat shipments to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or sabotage.

Packaging Standards

Design and testing requirements (e.g., UN specification) that hazmat containers must meet for safe transport.

Limited Quantity

Marking for small amounts of hazmat that qualify for reduced regulatory requirements due to lower risk.

ORM-D (Other Regulated Material-Domestic)

Former marking for low-risk consumer commodities; fully phased out in 2020.

Incident Reporting

Requirement that carriers promptly notify the National Response Center of certain hazmat spills, releases, or injuries.

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)

Law requiring facilities to report hazardous chemicals to aid state and local emergency planning.

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

Community group that develops hazmat response plans and informs the public about local chemical risks.