The Importance of General Awareness Training

The transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat) is critical in industries that deal with dangerous substances. Ensuring the safe handling, storage, and transport of these materials is vital not only for the safety of employees but also for public health, the environment, and property protection. One key element of hazmat safety is the training of employees who work with or near hazardous materials.

Under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically 49 CFR 172.700, General Awareness training is a foundational training requirement that helps employees understand the regulations and requirements related to hazardous materials. Let’s break down what General Awareness training is, who it applies to, and why it’s vital for compliance with the law.

What is General Awareness Training under 49 CFR 172.700?

General Awareness training, as outlined in 49 CFR 172.700, is designed to help employees understand the regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials. This training aims to help employees recognize and identify hazardous materials and their significance in the transportation chain. It’s the first step in a comprehensive training program required for all employees who handle hazardous materials in any capacity.

Key Aspects of General Awareness Training:

Recognition of Hazmat: Employees are trained to identify hazardous materials by label, placard, and shipping names. This enables them to recognize potential dangers and respond appropriately.
Understanding Regulations: Employees are introduced to the key requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) regulations, including how they apply to the transportation of hazardous materials. This includes a broad understanding of 49 CFR, especially Subpart H, which outlines the training requirements.
Hazard Communication: Employees learn how to read and understand labels, markings, and placards, as well as the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) associated with hazardous materials. This ensures they can communicate risks effectively.
Emergency Response Procedures: While more specific training is required for handling spills or emergencies, General Awareness training lays the foundation by familiarizing employees with basic emergency response procedures should the worst occur.

The training requirements under 49 CFR 172.700 apply to hazmat employees, a term crucial to understanding who is subject to the training. But who exactly qualifies as a hazmat employee? 49 CFR 171.8 defines a hazmat employee as any person employed by a company and directly involved in the transportation of hazardous materials. This includes not just those who physically handle the materials but also those involved in paperwork, shipping, receiving, labeling, or loading/unloading hazardous materials.

In essence, a hazmat employee is anyone whose job responsibilities include the following:

Handling hazardous materials during transport
Preparing hazardous materials for shipment
Labeling or marking containers
Operating vehicles transporting hazardous materials
Managing hazmat-related documents, such as shipping papers and manifests

Notably, a hazmat employee’s role isn’t limited to those in warehouse or transport positions. Employees in administrative, clerical, or management roles who influence the transport process or operators who fill and close packaging also fall under this definition. Essentially, anyone who impacts the safe transportation of hazardous materials needs General Awareness training.

Why is training so important? General Awareness training is not just a regulatory requirement but a safety-critical measure designed to mitigate risks. Here’s why it matters:

Regulatory Compliance: Non-compliance with training requirements, including General Awareness training, can lead to hefty fines, legal repercussions, and operational disruptions. The DOT mandates this training to ensure safe and compliant hazmat operations.
Workplace Safety: Employees who are knowledgeable about hazardous materials regulations and safety protocols are better prepared to prevent accidents and deal with them effectively if they occur. This reduces workplace injuries, fatalities, and damage to equipment or facilities.
Public Safety: If mishandled, hazardous materials transportation poses a significant risk to the general public. General Awareness training ensures that employees are aware of the broader risks associated with hazmat transportation, contributing to public safety.
Environmental Protection: Mismanagement of hazardous materials can lead to environmental disasters such as spills or leaks. Proper training ensures employees understand how to handle hazardous materials responsibly to avoid such incidents.

As a hazmat employer, you are responsible for ensuring that your hazmat employees receive appropriate training, including General Awareness training. This training must be documented and updated regularly. It’s crucial to:

Ensure all employees who handle hazardous materials are trained according to 49 CFR 172.700.
Maintain records of training to demonstrate compliance during DOT inspections or audits.
Provide refresher training every 3 years.

The goal of this training is to foster a culture of safety, compliance, and accountability within the workplace, reducing risk and helping to prevent costly accidents or violations.

When it comes to hazardous materials training, compliance is not optional—it’s essential. ICC The Compliance Center provides trusted, regulatory-compliant training programs that keep your team informed, your operations running smoothly, and your business protected from costly violations. With ICC as your partner in compliance, you can be confident that your employees are trained to the highest safety and regulatory standards. Contact ICC today to discuss your training needs and find the right solution for your team.