The HazMat transportation regulations of the PHMSA/USDOT at 49 CFR 171.15 require each person in physical possession of a hazardous material when in transportation (includes loading, unloading, and temporary storage) to immediately notify the National Response Center by phone or on-line in the event of certain incidents that occur during transportation.  The purpose of this article is to explain the specific information that must be included with an Immediate Notice of a specified HazMat Incident to the NRC.

Pursuant to 49 CFR 171.15(a), each Immediate Notice must include the following information:

• Name of reporter;
• Name and address of person represented by reporter;
• Phone number where reporter can be contacted;
• Date, time, and location of incident;
• The extent of injury, if any;
• Class or division, proper shipping name, and quantity of hazardous materials involved, if such information is available; and
• Type of incident and nature of hazardous material involvement and whether a continuing danger to life exists at the scene.

Refer to these other sources for additional information about HazMat Incident reporting:

• Who is responsible for submitting the HazMat Incident Report or Notification?
• What type of HazMat Incident requires submittal of the Incident Report (DOT Form F 5800.1)?
• What type of HazMat Incident requires an Immediate Notification to the NRC?
• From the PHMSA: Guide for Preparing Hazardous Material Incident Reports.

Any involvement with the transportation of a hazardous material requires training.  All HazMat Employees must receive initial (within 90 days) and full refresher training at least once every three years.  Contact me to discuss your HazMat Employee training requirements.