Introduction
This paper will attempt to help the reader have a better understanding of the regulations when transporting hazardous chemicals. The regulation that will be reviewed is the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1975. This paper will also discuss the different classifications of Hazardous Materials to properly label hazardous materials for shipping and what papers need to accompany the hazardous materials while in transport. The conclusion will discuss whether this regulation is good or bad government and the author’s personal feelings.
The methodology used to gain information on the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1975 was the following:
1. Government websites
a. US Department of Transportation (www.dot.gov)
b. Illinois Department of Transportation (www.dot.state.il.us)
c. United States Postal Service (www.usps.com)
d. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat)
e. United Parcel Service (www.ups.com)
f. Federal Express (www.fedex.com)
g. Wikipedia.org
2. Books
a. Code of Federal Regulations, Transportation (49)
Excellent opening
Classifications of Hazardous Materials
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has the ability to regulate hazardous materials that are in transport, including the discretion to determine which materials shall be classified as "hazardous". These materials are placed in one of nine categories, based on their chemical and physical properties. Based on the classification of the mat ...