Multimodal Training Seminars offer something for most HazMat Employers and HazMat Employees. Whether you are new to HazMat transportation or a seasoned professional, breakout sessions are presented to increase your knowledge for the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials.

Each seminar begins with a General Session that provides a brief introduction and an overview of the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Program (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). The remainder of the two-day seminar consists of concurrent breakout sessions.

Sessions are organized and scheduled into three different tracks:

1. Hazmat Basics
2. Safety and Compliance
3. Hazmat Essentials

You can follow a specific track or attend only those sessions that best meet your needs. Each session is offered twice to help you maximize your seminar experience.

Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, and the hosting State’s HazMat Enforcement will join PHMSA to provide you with answers to your HazMat transportation questions.

Who should attend?

Though suitable for those new to the transportation of hazardous materials, it is my opinion that the two-day seminar is best suited for experienced professionals in the transportation of HazMat.

What does it cost?

Nothing.  There is no cost for this two-day multimodal HazMat transportation seminar.  It is sponsored by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Is prior registration required?

Yes, please register yourself and any others you wish to attend with you.  PHMSA encourages you to pre-register for the seminars and workshops as seating is limited and to ensure you receive a certificate of attendance.  Information about the venues for the workshops and to register can be found here:  Registration page for PHMSA HazMat Transportation Two-Day Seminars in 2014.

What information is covered at the two-day seminar?

Each seminar begins with a General Session that provides a brief introduction and an overview of the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Program (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). The remainder of the two-day seminar consists of concurrent breakout sessions.

Will attendance at this PHMSA two day seminar fulfill my HazMat Employee training requirements (initial and/or triennial)?

Likely not, since the two-day seminar does not include a test, which is a requirement of HazMat Employee training per 49 CFR 172.702(d).  Also, the requirement to provide Function Specific Training at 49 CFR 172.704(a)(2) may be a challenge, though perhaps not quite as difficult as at the one-day PHMSA workshops since the two-day seminars  will have opportunities to select from the different tracks.  However, a HazMat Employer may use a this seminar as the basis for his/her HazMat Employee training and may meet the regulatory requirements by providing any additional Function Specific Training that may be necessary and by administering a test (either written or verbal).  The final requirement is to document the completion of the training per the requirements of 49 CFR 172.704(d).

Where and when are the seminars being held?

Currently there are three scheduled dates through the end of August 2014.  Other dates may be added for the remainder of 2014.  Check back to the PHMSA website (Seminars, Workshops, and Meetings) for up-to-date information.

These PHMSA two-day multimodal seminars are a great learning opportunity for all experience and knowledge-levels of HazMat Employees.  If a two-day seminar is not right for you, then consider attending one of the PHMSA one-day workshops.  I will strive to attend one of these seminars in 2014, and I hope you do as well.  You will likely come away with an improved knowledge of the HMR including the requirement to provide training for all of your HazMat Employees.  That’s where I come in.  Contact me for your mandatory HazMat Employee training and your Hazardous Waste Personnel (RCRA) training as well.