How Often Is DOT Hazmat Training Required for Drivers?

Truck drivers sometimes transport hazardous materials, which requires additional training to ensure safety. Taking refresher courses is necessary to comply with regulations set by the Department of Transportation.

So, how often is DOT hazmat training required? At FMCA Filings, we can help truckers and motor carriers apply for a DOT number and prepare for hazmat training. Here, we explain the ideal training frequency for truckers transporting sensitive or hazardous cargo.

Who Needs Hazardous Materials Training?

After completing your DOT registration, you may wonder if you or your staff also require hazmat training. Only those who perform tasks that involve the hauling of hazardous materials must abide by regulations set by the USDOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). These include:

• Workers who handle hazmat directly
• Workers who research information to classify the materials
• Workers who sign shipping documents or manifests for dangerous materials
• Workers who oversee or manage those who require hazmat training

Some workers may also have to abide by regulations from the EPA and OSHA.

What To Know About the Hazardous Materials Training Frequency

How often is DOT hazmat training required? When a worker assumes a role under the HMR, they will need to undergo training within their first 90 days of employment. Every three years, they must repeat the entire course, which may include the following topics:

• Driver training
• General awareness training
• Safety training
• Security training
• Job-specific training

Is the Training Frequency for All Hazmat Workers the Same?

The once-every-three-years training requirement typically applies to businesses that ship hazardous materials by rail or highway. Hazmat workers who ship materials by vessel, such as a cargo ship, must also follow the same training timeline. 

Hazmat shippers that haul materials by air are different. These professionals comply with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, which require re-training every two years. 

How To Ensure DOT Hazmat Training Compliance

Taking the course every three years isn't enough to ensure DOT compliance. The worker must also take a test after the course to satisfy HMR requirements. Even if you, as the employer, hire a third party who doesn't offer testing to train your staff on hazardous materials, you still have to ensure they're tested and certified. 

The tests are not standardized. They can be written, performance-based, verbal, or a combination of all three.

Authorities will check the certification validity of those who complete the training, so it's vital to maintain accurate records of hazmat employees. Details within the records should include the employee's name, training materials studied, the contact information of the trainer, and certification of the training and testing. 

Retain these records for three years starting from their last training date. If a hazmat employee leaves your business, you can keep their records for 90 days. 

The Importance of Continued Hazmat Training

How often is DOT hazmat training required, and why is it necessary? Taking the hazardous materials course every three years is essential because it helps deepen your understanding of hazmat regulations.

Your initial training provides a foundation on which to build. It allows you to learn new information, such as updated regulations, practical compliance strategies, and exceptions that can help your trucking business flourish. 

Suppose the DOT implements a regulatory change regarding hazmat workers. In that case, taking a refresher course would be necessary to ensure compliance with the DOT. The change may require a mandatory re-training before truckers can get back on the road, so the continued education may occur before the three-year mark. 

What Happens if You Don't Receive Hazmat Training?

Failing to undergo hazmat training or re-training can cause serious problems for your trucking business. If you or your staff violate hazmat regulations, you could face penalties of up to $77,114 per infraction. If the violation causes the injury, illness, or death of a person or destroys property, the penalty for the business can increase to $179,933.

Turn to FMCA Filings for Help Preparing for Hazmat Training

How often is DOT hazmat training required? If you operate a DOT-regulated vehicle to haul hazardous items, you need a refresher course every three years. 

If you have other questions or concerns regarding DOT safety regulations and hazmat training, reach out to FMCA Filings. As one of the nation's top filing services for the transportation industry, we offer a broad range of resources and information for truckers, motor carriers, brokers, and other professionals within the sector. We also have experienced representatives ready to provide additional support and guidance. 

Contact FMCA Filings today through our virtual chat to discuss your needs.