CVSA shares results of five-day hazmat inspection blitz

October 13, 2022

Ryan Witkowski

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An unannounced five-day hazmat inspection blitz by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance resulted in just under 30% of drivers being cited for violations.

According to the group, 6,204 vehicles carrying hazardous materials or dangerous goods were inspected June 13-17 in the U.S. and Canada. Of those inspected, the total number of violations was 1,774.

The following violations were uncovered by inspectors during the road blitz:

  • 408 shipping papers violations.
  • 269 nonbulk/small means of containment packaging violations.
  • 272 bulk packaging/large means of containment packaging violations.
  • 76 nonbulk/small means of containment labeling violations.
  • 159 bulk packaging/large means of containment placarding violations.
  • 79 other safety marks violations.
  • 168 loading and securement violations.
  • 43 hazardous materials/dangerous goods package integrity (leaking) violations.
  • 84 Transportation of Dangerous Goods Training Certificate violations (Canada only).

“Drivers who transport (hazardous materials/dangerous goods) are specially trained in emergency safety and applicable HM/DG federal regulations,” the agency said in a statement. “CVSA’s HM/DG Road Blitz spotlights the safety-compliant drivers, shippers and motor carriers that ensure HM/DG are always appropriately marked, placarded, packaged and secured while being transported on our roadways.

During the inspection blitz, drivers with hazardous materials-related out-of-service violations – or any other driver or vehicle out-of-service violations – were required to shut down until all of the out-of-service violations were addressed.

According to data from the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, the top five hazmat violations in the U.S. for the previous year were:

  • Package not secure in vehicle.
  • No copy of U.S. DOT hazardous materials registration number.
  • No or improper shipping papers (carrier.)
  • Shipping paper accessibility.
  • Vehicle not placarded as required.

CVSA says the road blitzes aim to “increase awareness of the HM/DG rules and regulations in place to keep the driver, the public and the environment safe.” LL

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