CHMM Shipping and Transporting Hazmat 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which regulation governs the transport of hazardous materials by rail in the United States?
- 49 CFR Parts 171–180, enforced by FRA for rail (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service)
- 40 CFR Part 263 (Hazardous Waste Transporter Standards)
- 29 CFR 1910.120 (HAZWOPER)
Correct answer: 49 CFR Parts 171–180, enforced by FRA for rail
The Hazardous Materials Regulations in 49 CFR Parts 171–180 apply to all modes including rail, with FRA providing enforcement oversight for the rail mode.
Question 2: A 'forbidden' hazardous material listed in the Hazardous Materials Table means:
- The material may not be transported in commerce under any circumstances (Correct answer)
- The material requires a special permit to transport
- The material is restricted to ground transport only
- The material must be escorted by law enforcement
Correct answer: The material may not be transported in commerce under any circumstances
Materials marked 'Forbidden' in the HMT are absolutely prohibited from transportation in commerce and no special permit can authorize their shipment.
Question 3: For a Class 1 explosive shipment, which document must the carrier have before accepting the shipment?
- Explosives Compatibility Grouping document and the shipping paper (Correct answer)
- Only the SDS
- A FMCSA operating authority certificate
- An EPA Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
Correct answer: Explosives Compatibility Grouping document and the shipping paper
Carriers transporting Class 1 explosives must verify compatibility groupings and have proper shipping papers before accepting the shipment per 49 CFR 177.835.
Question 4: A radioactive material's transport index (TI) is used to:
- Control radiation exposure by limiting the number of packages that can be co-loaded (Correct answer)
- Calculate the shipper's liability under CERCLA
- Determine the flash point of the material
- Identify the specific isotope in the package
Correct answer: Control radiation exposure by limiting the number of packages that can be co-loaded
The Transport Index (TI) is a number assigned to radioactive packages that controls the maximum radiation level at 1 meter and limits co-loading to protect workers and the public.
Question 5: Under 49 CFR, when must a HAZMAT placard be replaced or re-displayed after it is damaged or becomes illegible?
- Before the vehicle is moved again (Correct answer)
- Within 24 hours of the damage
- At the next scheduled maintenance
- Only when directed by a DOT inspector
Correct answer: Before the vehicle is moved again
Damaged or illegible placards must be replaced before the vehicle continues in transportation to maintain required hazard communication.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'Portable Tank' (T-code) used in hazmat transportation?
- A bulk packaging designed to be filled, transported, emptied, and refilled, not permanently attached to a vehicle (Correct answer)
- A fixed tank mounted permanently on a tank truck chassis
- A DOT Specification 406 cargo tank
- A non-bulk container under 450 liters
Correct answer: A bulk packaging designed to be filled, transported, emptied, and refilled, not permanently attached to a vehicle
Portable tanks (identified by T-codes in the HMT) are bulk packagings designed to be filled, transported, emptied, and reused, and are not permanently attached to any transport vehicle.
Question 7: The CHMM candidate should know that the National Response Center (NRC) must be notified of a hazmat release when:
- The quantity released equals or exceeds the CERCLA reportable quantity for that substance (Correct answer)
- Any amount of a regulated material is spilled regardless of quantity
- A spill occurs only in a navigable waterway
- A state agency has already been notified
Correct answer: The quantity released equals or exceeds the CERCLA reportable quantity for that substance
CERCLA Section 103 and EPCRA Section 304 require NRC notification when a hazardous substance release meets or exceeds its reportable quantity (RQ).
CHMM Shipping and Transporting Hazmat 5
Which regulation governs the transport of hazardous materials by rail in the United States?