Knowing just how to choose hazmat training for employees can be a nerve wracking experience. You know the importance of selecting the right course, not only is training expensive but not training to proper standards for job function is a serious violation. 49 CFR 172.702 tells us that employers are ultimately responsible. Period. NOT the company from which you are purchasing training. Training companies may be able to offer suggestions but the ball is in your court. If you cause a hazardous material to be placed into transportation you are responsible for determining training sufficiency. Depth of training varies for each job function and obviously only the employer truly understands their employee’s job function. Look closely at training course descriptions and understand which apply to your employees.

Think about what your employees are doing when working with hazardous materials. How would you explain it to someone? Descriptions like “accepting”, “shipping”, “loading” and “packaging” are words that can clue you in. This should help you select the proper training course as most offer expansive descriptions as to who it best applies. Also, consider domestic and international type transport as some courses are specific to 49 CFR regulations while others are IATA driven. A driver transporting hazmat will likely require much different training than the employee packaging the hazardous material. Are your drivers utilizing an acceptance checklist and comparing paperwork against package markings? That may require a specific course on acceptance and handling of hazmat utilizing 49 CFR. Are your employees preparing a hazardous material for air transport internationally? Courses pointing to shipping via IATA DGR’s may be required. Do you transport a lot of one class of hazmat for example, Class 7 Radioactive Materials, Dry Ice or even Biological Substances? You may need coursework specific to these areas as an add-on to shipper specific or general awareness courses. In essence, it is key to understand your employees’ job functions to correctly determine training. Also, come to the realization that you may have to train certain employees using more than just one course. The cost of an extra class does not compare to what a mislabeled or improperly prepared package and insufficient training will cost you in the form of a violation.

Obviously, proper hazmat training is of the upmost importance and a highly critical aspect of training management. Any DOT Enforcement Notice violations summary will make that abundantly clear. Ask questions, make sure you are investing your training dollars the right way. Ask hazmat employees their thoughts on training, their suggestions are valuable and more than likely they will be honest about what they need. Ask training companies questions about their course offerings. Ask, ask, and ask because at the end of the day it is your responsibility. Train your hazmat employees to make them the most capable, confident and successful at their job.

That being said AQT Solutions offers a training management solution called ATMS (Advanced Training Management System). The system allows you to deliver your existing or outside purchased training, maintain those required records and certificates and automatically notify and send recurrent training.