Security Awareness Training for Hazmat

Terrorist attacks in the recent past have shown disastrous results when hazardous materials (or hazmat) are used as deadly weapons: the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City and the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. With 800,000 hazardous material shipments traveling through the United States daily, hazmat employees must learn security awareness to ensure public safety. So in March 2003, security awareness training was added as one of the training requirements for hazmat employees.

Hazmat Employees

• Anyone who handles or is involved in the shipping of hazardous materials is considered a hazmat employee and must complete the required Department of Transportation (DOT) hazmat training that includes security awareness training as one of the components. These employees include: drivers; loaders; unloaders; handlers; shipment preparers; packaging testers, repairers, modifiers and markers; and safety personnel.

Hazmat Training

• Security awareness training is a part of the requirement for hazmat employee training. The other required training modules cover general hazmat awareness, function-specific training, and hazmat safety. Certain individuals, depending on their job function and duties may also need driver training or further security training.

  It is the employer's responsibility to see that hazmat employees are trained according to DOT regulations and within 90 days of hire or change in duties. Hazmat training must include training in all sections--including security awareness--testing and certification. Employees must complete refresher hazmat training and certification every three years. The employer is also responsible for keeping all hazmat employee records.

Security Awareness

• Dangerous accidents are always a risk when working with and transporting hazardous materials, but in the hands of a person intent on causing harm, can cause death and injury to many. The security awareness portion of hazmat training teaches employees to recognize possible security risks, threats and their prevention. A security risk refers to factors that could lead to a harmful scenario. Threat awareness focuses on recognizing those who might cause such a scenario. Finally, the prevention portion of the course teaches techniques to reduce the risk and stop the threat.

Content and Format

• Training and testing materials for the security awareness portion of hazmat training must cover awareness of risks, threats and prevention. As long as the training includes these components, the training and testing content and format are flexible. The employer may provide this training, seek an outside trainer, or the employee may be self-trained. The training materials may be classroom, practical, online, or computer-based. There is no requirement that the employee pass the test, but the employer must certify that the hazmat employee has completed training and testing.

Training Materials

• Since employers are responsible for training employees on hazmat safety, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's publication, "What You Should Know: A Guide to Developing a Hazardous Materials Training Program," outlines specifics on how to set up a training program for employees. It covers all hazmat training, including security awareness training. Steps include designating a training coordinator, implementing a plan and developing the curriculum, among others. Training materials and entire modules can be found at the PHMSA's website. An entire security awareness training module including the test can be downloaded for free online at the PHMSA's digipak.