Dangerous goods training law

All hazmat employees must be trained in the following areas dealing with dangerous goods, as required in IATA DGR 1.5.2 and 1.6, and DOT 49 CFR §172.704(a):
  • General awareness training - provides familiarity with the regulatory requirements and allows employees to recognize dangerous goods in the workplace environment,
  • Function-specific training - detailed job-specific training in preparing, handling or transporting shipments of dangerous goods,
  • Safety training - includes emergency response and measures to be taken in case of an emergency or hazmat spill, and
  • Security training - security risks associated with dangerous goods transport and the enhancement of transportation safety.

Initial training basics for dangerous goods

Employers and employees involved with dangerous goods in the United States must adhere to the training requirements as described in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart H, governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. For all modes and job functions, the following regulations apply (DOT 49 CFR §172.702):
  • It is the employer's responsibility to ensure their employees receive training,
  • The employee may not perform their duties unless they are under direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgable hazmat employee, until they have received training,
  • Employees must be trained within 90 days of hire or change in job function(s),
  • The employer may provide training or use an outside source, and
  • The training must include a test.
IATA DGR regulatory guidelines for transporting dangerous goods by aircraft also require training to be provided or verified upon the employment of personnel identified in Table 1.5 A of IATA's minimum requirements for training.

Recurrent training information

Regulatory law for recurrent dangerous goods training requires all hazmat employees to receive mandatory recurrent training within a specified time period. The following table summarizes recurrent training requirements:
Mode of Transportation Recurrent Training Period
IATA - Air
(IATA DGR 1.5.0.3)		 Within 24 months (two years), unless a competent authority has defined a shorter period.
DOT 49 CFR - Ground *
(US DOT 49 CFR §172.704(c)(2))		 Within three years.
IMDG Code - Vessel
(No reference available)		 Since the IMDG Code does not reference a time period, the recurrent training period of three years from 49 CFR, Subpart H applies within the United States. Please consult with your local competent authority for all other countries.
Infectious Within 24 months.
* Recurrent training is also required whenever changes to the regulations have been made pertaining to the hazardous materials that you transport or regarding your job function.

Training record retention

A record of current training, including the last three years, must be kept and maintained for each hazmat employee while they remain an employee, and for a period of 90 days after the employee leaves(DOT 49 CFR §172.704(d)).

The following information must be kept in the record:

  • Hazmat employee's name,
  • Most recent training completion date,
  • Description, copy or location of training materials used to meet the requirements from paragraph §172.704(a),
  • Name and address of the person providing the training, and
  • Certification that the hazmat employee has been trained and tested.