The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates training for individuals involved in the preparation, handling, and transport of hazardous materials (hazmat). This requirement is intended to promote safety in the shipping of hazardous materials.

Who Needs DOT Hazmat Training?
Anyone who performs tasks that are regulated by the U.S. DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) must receive training. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Shipper Employees: Those who classify, package, mark, label, handle, load, or prepare hazardous materials documentation for shipment.
2. Carrier Employees: Individuals who transport or physically handle hazardous materials, including loading or unloading.

Types of Required DOT Hazmat Training:

1. General Awareness/Familiarization Training: Provides an understanding of the regulations and the requirements applicable to the functions the employee performs.
2. Function-Specific Training: Detailed instruction related to the specific job function an employee performs. For example, someone involved in packaging hazmat might learn about the types of containers that are acceptable for various materials, while someone preparing shipping papers would learn about the proper ways to document and communicate hazards.
3. Safety Training: Covers risks associated with the hazardous materials to prevent accidents and protect employees from hazards associated with the materials they handle. This includes emergency response information and methods and procedures for avoiding accidents.
4. Security Awareness Training: Provides an understanding of the security risks associated with hazardous material transportation and methods to enhance transportation security. This also covers how to recognize and respond to possible security threats.
5. In-depth Security Training (when applicable): For employees of companies required to have a security plan in place. This training provides a detailed understanding of the company's security plan and its implementation.

Frequency of Training:

1. Initial Training: Employees must be trained within 90 days of being hired or changing job functions.
2. Recurrent Training: Every three years after the initial training.
3. Update Training: Whenever there's a change in job duties or a change in the regulations that affects the employee's responsibilities.

Proof of Training:
Employers must keep Driver's records of training, including a description, the date, and the details of the training. This must be kept for as long as the employee is employed in that position and for 90 days thereafter.

Remember: While DOT establishes the minimum training requirements, employers should also be diligent about ensuring their employees understand the materials and can apply the information in their daily tasks.

Lastly, it's essential to stay updated with the DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations, as requirements mi

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