Hazardous Materials Safety Permit

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY PERMIT

Commercial drivers must apply for and maintain a hazardous materials safety permit (HMSP) in order to carry certain types of goods, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To learn more about hazardous chemicals and make sure they comprehend FMCSA standards in this way, drivers and motor carriers can refer to 49 CFR 385.403.

Types of materials that require a HMSP.

You must get an HMSP if you regularly carry any of these goods, according an FMCSA booklet released in September 2017:

• Explosives: This includes substances that weigh 25 pounds or more and are included in Divisions 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3. Additionally, it includes any quantity of explosives listed in Division 1.5 that needs a hazardous materials placard.
• Methane: Methane, which can include natural gas, chilled or compressed liquid, or other refrigerated or compressed liquefied gases, requires an HMSP if its methane content is above 85%. But only liquids in bulk containers with a weight capacity of 3,500 pounds or more are covered by this.
• Radioactive Materials: This category comprises Class 7 materials in a quantity that is restricted along highway routes.
• Hazard Zones A through D Toxic by Inhalation Materials, which drivers and motor carriers may read more about in 49 CFR 385.403 of FMCSA rules.

Applying for an HMSP: the steps.

If you're registering for an HMSP for the first time, you must do it using the FMCSA Unified Registration System (URS). Candidates must go the FMCSA website, locate the Registration tab, click the Start Here tab, then adhere to the on-screen instructions. Fill out Form MCS-150B, the Combined Motor Carrier Identification Report and HMSP application, which is accessible on the FMCSA website, if you're upgrading or renewing your HMSP. When submitting a Form MCS-90 for an HMSP application, update, or renewal, applicants must additionally include evidence of insurance.

With the exception of bulk hazmat transportation by vessel, the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) is the federal safety authority for the transportation of hazardous materials by air, rail, highway, and water. To reduce the hazards to life and property posed by the commercial transportation of hazardous chemicals, OHMS announces a nationwide safety program.

How to maintain good status with your HMSP.

The Hazardous Materials Safety Permit is issued by the FMCSA, which then continues to check carriers for compliance. To keep their permission, they have to adhere to following conditions:

• Rate their safety as satisfactory or better.
• Perform among the top 70% of carriers in the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) for vehicle, drivers, out of service rating, and hazardous materials.
• Check shipments containing Class 7 goods prior to the travel.
• Create a method of communication that enables the driver to get in touch with the motor carrier while delivering hazardous commodities.
• Establish a sufficient security system.
• Register with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and keep your registration current.
• For any drivers hauling explosive or radioactive products, make a documented route plan.