HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SHIPMENTS - 3845

If you ship hazardous materials, you are responsible for properly preparing shipping papers, marking and labeling containers, and providing placards as required.

Government regulations prescribe rigid controls for handling and transporting hazardous materials.  Whenever hazardous materials are included in a shipment, you must properly describe the hazardous goods on the shipping papers.  You must use the proper shipping name, hazard class, and identification number provided in the regulations.  Furthermore, you must sign the following certification on STD. 254:

This is to certify that the above-named articles are properly classified, described, packaged, marked, and labeled and are in proper condition for transportation, according to the applicable regulations of the Department of Transportation.

If you transport hazardous materials on State vehicles, you have the same responsibilities as shippers.  You also are required to:

1. Carry shipping papers in a designated manner.
2. Have your vehicle equipped with required emergency equipment.
3. Placard your vehicle as required.
4. Properly load your vehicle.

The California Highway Patrol provides guidance on shipments of hazardous materials.