Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV
Hazard classes, labels and lists
Questions and answers
-
How many hazard classes are there?
9
HazMat is sorted into 9 different hazard classes.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
What does a material’s hazard class tell you?
The risks associated with the material
A hazard class reflects the risks that come with the material.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
Which of these counts as a shipping paper?
A shipping order, bill of lading, or manifest
Shipping orders, bills of lading, and manifests are all shipping papers. They describe the HazMat being transported.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
To which hazard class do explosives such as dynamite belong?
Class 1
Explosives are Class 1. Dynamite is the example given for Division 1.1.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
Which division covers flammable gases such as propane?
Division 2.1
Class 2 is gases. Division 2.1 is flammable gases, with propane as the example.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
What kind of material is Division 2.3?
Poisonous or toxic gases
Division 2.3 is poisonous or toxic gas. Division 2.2 is non-flammable gas.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
Helium is the example given for which division?
Division 2.2, non-flammable gases
Helium is listed as a non-flammable gas, Division 2.2.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
Gasoline belongs to which hazard class?
Class 3, flammable liquids
Class 3 is flammable liquids, and gasoline is the example.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
What is Division 4.3?
Dangerous when wet
Class 4 has three divisions. 4.1 is flammable solids, 4.2 is spontaneously combustible, and 4.3 is dangerous when wet.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
Which class contains oxidizers and organic peroxides?
Class 5
Division 5.1 is oxidizers and Division 5.2 is organic peroxides.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
Which two kinds of material make up Class 6?
Poisons (toxic material) and infectious substances
Division 6.1 is poison and Division 6.2 is infectious substances.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
Which class do radioactive materials such as uranium belong to?
Class 7
Radioactive material is Class 7.
Section 9 · Classes of Hazardous Materials ↗ -
Battery fluid is an example of which hazard class?
Class 8, corrosives
Corrosives are Class 8, and battery fluid is one of the examples.
Section 9 · Classes of Hazardous Materials ↗ -
What is Class 9?
Miscellaneous HazMat
Class 9 is the miscellaneous class. Combustible liquids and ORM-D have no class number.
Section 9 · Classes of Hazardous Materials ↗ -
What does ORM-D stand for?
Other Regulated Material-Domestic
ORM-D means Other Regulated Material-Domestic. It has no class number.
Section 9 · Classes of Hazardous Materials ↗ -
Besides the 9 major hazard classes, which additional categories does the handbook name?
Consumer commodities and combustible liquids
There are 9 major classes plus extra categories for consumer commodities and combustible liquids.
Section 9 · Classes of Hazardous Materials ↗ -
Why do the rules care so much about where HazMat shipping papers are kept?
After a crash you may be unable to tell responders what you are carrying
You may be injured and unable to speak. Firefighters and police can reduce damage and injury if they quickly learn what is on board.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
What must shippers include on shipping papers in addition to a correct description of the HazMat?
An emergency response telephone number
Shippers must describe the HazMat correctly and include an emergency response telephone number.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
You step out of the truck at a stop. Where may you leave the HazMat shipping papers?
On the driver’s seat or in the pouch on the driver’s door
When you are out of the vehicle, the papers stay on the driver’s seat or in the driver’s door pouch.
Section 9 · 9.3.1 – Definitions ↗ -
What shape are the hazard warning labels that shippers put on most HazMat packages?
Diamond-shaped
Most HazMat packages carry diamond-shaped hazard warning labels.
Section 9 · 9.3.2 – Package Labels ↗ -
A diamond label will not fit on a package. What may the shipper do?
Put the label on a tag securely attached to the package
The label may go on a tag that is securely attached to the package.
Section 9 · 9.3.2 – Package Labels ↗ -
How are compressed gas cylinders that cannot hold a label identified?
With tags or decals
Cylinders that will not hold a label have tags or decals instead.
Section 9 · 9.3.2 – Package Labels ↗ -
What do placards identify?
The hazard class of the cargo
Placards are signs on the outside of a vehicle and on bulk packages that show the hazard class of the cargo.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What is the minimum number of identical placards on a placarded vehicle?
4
A placarded vehicle needs at least 4 identical placards.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Where on the vehicle do the placards go?
On the front, the rear, and both sides
Placards go on the front, rear, and both sides so they can be read from all 4 directions.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What is the minimum size of a placard?
9.84 inches (250 mm) square
Placards are at least 9.84 inches square and are set on point in a diamond shape.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Where may a cargo tank display the ID number of its contents?
On placards, orange panels, or white square-on-point displays
Cargo tanks and other bulk packaging show the ID number on placards, orange panels, or white square-on-point displays the same size as placards.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What is a HazMat ID number?
A 4-digit code used by first responders to identify HazMat
ID numbers are 4-digit codes that first responders use to identify the material.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Does each ID number identify exactly one chemical?
No, one ID number may identify more than 1 chemical
A single ID number may be used for more than one chemical.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Which book lists chemicals together with the ID numbers assigned to them?
The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
The U.S. DOT Emergency Response Guidebook lists the chemicals and their ID numbers.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
How many main lists do shippers, carriers, and drivers check to identify HazMat?
3
There are 3 main lists. Some materials are on all of them and others on only one, so check each.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Which of these is NOT one of the 3 lists you check before transporting a material?
The Radioactive Separation Table
The 3 lists are the Hazardous Materials Table, the List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities, and the List of Marine Pollutants.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
How many different symbols may appear in Column 1 of the Hazardous Materials Table?
6
Column 1 can show 6 different symbols: plus, A, W, D, I, and G.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
In Column 1 of the Hazardous Materials Table, what does the symbol (G) mean?
The entry is a generic shipping name and needs a technical name on the shipping paper
G marks a generic shipping name. A technical name, the specific chemical that makes the product hazardous, must go with it on the shipping paper.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What is a technical name?
The specific chemical that makes the product hazardous
A technical name names the specific chemical that makes the product hazardous.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
In Column 1 of the Hazardous Materials Table, what does the symbol (A) mean?
It is subject to HMR only when shipped by air, unless it is a hazardous substance or waste
A means the rules apply only when the material is offered or intended for air transport, unless it is a hazardous substance or hazardous waste.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
In Column 1 of the Hazardous Materials Table, what does the symbol (W) mean?
It is subject to HMR only when shipped by water, with some exceptions
W means the rules apply only for transport by water, unless the material is a hazardous substance, waste, or marine pollutant.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
In Column 1 of the Hazardous Materials Table, what does the symbol (D) mean?
The shipping name fits domestic transportation but may not be proper internationally
D marks a proper shipping name suited to domestic transportation that may not be proper for international transportation.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
In Column 1 of the Hazardous Materials Table, what does the symbol (I) mean?
The shipping name is used to describe materials in international transportation
I marks a name used for international transportation. A different name may be used when only domestic transportation is involved.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
In Column 1 of the Hazardous Materials Table, what does the plus symbol (+) show?
The shipping name, hazard class, and packing group to use, even if the material does not meet the class definition
The plus sign fixes the proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group, even when the material does not meet the hazard class definition.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Column 2 of the Hazardous Materials Table shows some names in italics. What does that mean?
Names in italics are not proper shipping names
Proper shipping names are in regular type. Names in italics are not proper shipping names.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
How are the entries in Column 2 of the Hazardous Materials Table arranged?
In alphabetical order
Entries are alphabetical so you can find the right one quickly.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Column 3 of the Hazardous Materials Table shows "Forbidden" for a material. What should you do?
Never transport it
Column 3 shows the hazard class or division, or the entry Forbidden. A Forbidden material is never transported.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Which column of the Hazardous Materials Table lists the ID number for each proper shipping name?
Column 4
Column 4 holds the ID numbers.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What do the letters "NA" before an ID number tell you?
The shipping name is used only within the U.S. and to and from Canada
NA goes with proper shipping names used only within the United States and to and from Canada.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What do the letters "ID" before an identification number relate to?
Shipping names recognized in international technical instructions for transportation by air
ID goes with proper shipping names recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization technical instructions for air transport.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Where must the ID number of a HazMat appear?
On the shipping paper and on the package
The ID number is part of the shipping description on the paper and also appears on the package. It also appears on cargo tanks and other bulk packaging.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What does Column 5 of the Hazardous Materials Table show?
The packing group, in Roman numerals
Column 5 shows the packing group assigned to the material, written in Roman numerals.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What does Column 6 of the Hazardous Materials Table show?
The hazard warning labels shippers must put on packages
Column 6 lists the required labels. Some products need more than 1 label because more than one hazard is present.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Why do some products require more than 1 label?
Multiple hazards are present
A product with several hazards needs a label for each.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
In Column 7 of the Hazardous Materials Table, what do the numbers 1 through 6 mean?
The material is a POISON INHALATION HAZARD
The numbers 1 to 6 in the special provisions column mark a poison inhalation hazard, which has special rules for papers, marking, and placards.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
There is an entry in Column 7 (special provisions) for your material. What must you do?
Refer to the CFR for the specific information
When Column 7 has an entry, look up the specific information in the federal regulations.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What does Column 8 of the Hazardous Materials Table cover?
The section numbers for the packaging requirements of each HazMat
Column 8 is a 3-part column giving the section numbers for packaging requirements.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Which columns of the Hazardous Materials Table do not apply to transportation by highway?
Columns 9 and 10
Columns 9 and 10 are not used for highway transportation.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Which agencies want to know about spills of hazardous substances?
DOT and EPA
DOT and EPA want to hear about spills of the substances named in the List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
When does a shipper put the letters "RQ" on the shipping paper and the package?
When a listed substance is shipped in a reportable quantity or more in 1 package
RQ is shown when the material is carried in a reportable quantity or greater in one package.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
A material marked RQ spills in a reportable quantity. Who must report it?
You or your employer
Any spill of these materials in a reportable quantity must be reported by you or your employer.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Where may the letters "RQ" appear in relation to the basic description on a shipping paper?
Before or after the basic description
RQ may be written before or after the basic description.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
The words INHALATION HAZARD appear on a package. Which placards do the rules require?
POISON INHALATION HAZARD or POISON GAS, in addition to any other required placards
These placards are used as appropriate, on top of other placards needed for the hazard class, even for small amounts.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What is Appendix B to the Hazardous Materials Table?
A list of chemicals that are toxic to marine life
Appendix B is the List of Marine Pollutants, chemicals that are toxic to marine life.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
For highway transportation, the List of Marine Pollutants is used only for chemicals in a container of what capacity, without a placard or label?
119 gallons or more
On the highway the list matters only for containers of 119 gallons or more that have no placard or label specified by HMR.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What does the MARINE POLLUTANT marking look like?
A white triangle with a fish and an "X" through the fish
The marking is a white triangle showing a fish with an X through it. It is a marking, not a placard.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
You carry a bulk package of a marine pollutant. Besides the package, where must the MARINE POLLUTANT marking be shown?
On the outside of the vehicle
The marking goes on any bulk package of a marine pollutant and on the outside of the vehicle.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What must the shipping paper show for a marine pollutant?
The notation MARINE POLLUTANT near the description of the material
A notation is made on the shipping papers near the description of the material.
Section 9 · 9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗
Questions and answers by topic
- Licenses, endorsements and tests105
- Disqualifications and state rules110
- Vehicle inspection80
- Basic control and shifting gears47
- Seeing and communicating46
- Controlling your speed62
- Managing space40
- Seeing hazards49
- Distracted and Aggressive Driving71
- Night, Fog, Winter and Hot Weather124
- Railroad Crossings and Mountain Driving65
- Emergencies, ABS and Skids102
- Accident Procedures and Fires49
- Alcohol, Drugs and Illness41
- Hazardous Materials Rules for All Drivers42
- Transporting Cargo Safely79
- Bus Inspection, Loading and Hazardous Materials74
- Driving a Bus: Stops, Crossings and Prohibited Practices56
- Air Brake Parts: Compressor, Tanks and Foundation Brakes52
- Warnings, Spring Brakes, ABS and Dual Systems59
- Inspecting Air Brake Systems61
- Using Air Brakes51
- Driving Combination Vehicles Safely50
- Combination Vehicle Air Brakes and ABS59
- Coupling and Uncoupling63
- Inspecting a Combination Vehicle24
- Pulling Double and Triple Trailers16
- Coupling, Inspecting and Brake Checks for Doubles34
- Tank Vehicles62
- HazMat basics and who does what48
- Shipping papers and package markings49
- Placards and placard tables40
- Loading and unloading HazMat58
- Bulk packaging and tanks30
- HazMat driving and parking rules72
- HazMat emergencies and reporting60
- Danger zones and mirrors34
- Loading and unloading students47
- Emergency exit and evacuation34
- Railroad-highway crossings40
- Student management, ABS and special situations47