Hazmat Safety
Steps fleets can take to preserve security on the highways.
PATRICIA SMITH
SENIOR EDITOR
With the shock of the September 11 attacks reverberating throughout the national transportation system, the Department of Transportation is warning hazardous material haulers that they must take steps to preserve security on the highways.
Days after the disasters, government investigators learned that some of the suspected terrorists had obtained Commercial Drivers Licenses with hazmat endorsements — prompting concern that trucks would be used to deliver weapons of mass destruction.
DOT Secretary Norman Mineta has proposed legislation that would strengthen hazmat security and safety, including expanded authority to inspect packages in transit, higher penalties for hazmat violations, and more training for hazmat transportation workers.
DOT is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to review all Commercial Driver's Licenses that have hazmat endorsements.
At the same time, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration officials plan to visit more than 50,000 hazmat haulers over the next few months, urging them to implement stricter security measures.
Out of some 80,000 hazmat haulers in the country, the agency is focusing on those that carry the most dangerous cargoes: bulk explosives, anhydrous ammonia, petroleum products and poisonous gases. However, officials, safety experts and insurance companies are urging all truck operators to take a second look at security.
Following are some suggestions from FMCSA and other sources.
Verify citizenship of all employees. If someone isn't a U.S. citizen, make sure he or she has all necessary immigration papers and work permits. You can get guidelines and information from the nearest office of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service or through the INS website, www.ins.doj.gov.
DOT has asked all hazmat carriers to review employee lists, looking for anyone who can be linked to countries with known terrorist ties.
Those countries include Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Uruguay, Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo, Tunisia, Albania, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Chechnya, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, Pakistan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Philippines, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Mauritania.
Caution: The fact that someone is from one of these countries doesn't mean that he or she is a terrorist or in any way connected with terrorism. Anti-discrimination laws still protect immigrants.
Do thorough background checks. Federal safety regulations give motor carriers 30 days to investigate a driver's employment record and driving history going back three years. Safety experts and insurance companies recommend that you at least pull the MVR and verify past employment before putting a driver on the road.
FMCSA recommends more thorough background checks for suspicious individuals such as those with gaps in employment, frequent job changes, or several previous addresses.
Consider criminal background checks for all drivers and other employees who will have access to very sensitive materials like explosives, poison gasses, biological agents. Criminal checks are also a good way to guard against cargo theft and negligent hiring suits.
In some counties and states the process is relatively simple — you just fill out a form and pay a fee. But drivers are often more transient than other workers and, unfortunately, there is no good nationwide database of criminal convictions.
There are several Internet sites, such as AmeriUSA and 1st Criminal Record Searches, that will search counties, states and federal districts you specify. Fees vary but are typically levied per search.
There are also companies that offer complete background packages for truck drivers and other transportation workers (see accompanying story.)
Interview in person. A good interviewer can quickly uncover inconsistencies or claims that don't gel with the norm. Meeting the prospective new employee face-to-face can give you valuable clues about a person's character and temperament — things that are important for any driver or employee who regularly interacts with your customers.
Experienced safety supervisors say an extensive road test is an excellent way to evaluate an applicant's attitude as well as his or her driving skills.
Secure terminals and storage areas. All facilities where hazardous materials and large amounts of fuel are stored should have 24-hour security, including fences and locked gates, as well as security systems such as alarms, cameras, or guards.
Consider similar measures for areas where trucks are parked and for employee parking lots. The grounds around all company facilities should be well-lit.
Limit access. This is especially important for areas where sensitive cargo is stored, but should be considered for all facilities.
Picture identification cards or badges are likely to become the norm — especially for hazmat operations. Establish sign-in procedures. Consider surveillance systems at gates or entrances to secure areas.
All visitors should be be required to sign in and identified with passes or badges. They should be escorted to and from their destination within the facility.
Test systems and procedures. Do periodic or spot checks of security systems, personnel and vehicles to make sure the program is working.
Screen suppliers and shippers. Find out as much as you can about construction contractors, security services, temporary workers and other vendors that service your facility. Look for suppliers whose hiring practices are as strict as yours.
Be equally careful about shippers. Do credit and reference checks before you accept shipments, especially hazmat shipments.
Train drivers. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings. Make sure they know who to contact if they see suspicious activity at terminals or loading docks. Abandoned vehicles near bridges, tunnels or other critical highway segments should be reported to local law enforcement.
Consider equipping every driver with some sort of in-cab communications capability such as cell phones or satellite messaging systems.
The U.S. Army Military Traffic Command recently issued a reminder that "loose lips sink ships." Drivers should only discuss cargo, routes, and security measures with people who need to know.
Avoid dangerous areas. Whenever possible, avoid high population centers, tunnels and bridges when hauling hazardous materials. Use satellite systems to track vehicles hauling hazardous materials, fuel, and other sensitive cargo.
Lock vehicles. Make it a rule that drivers must lock cab and trailer doors whenever they're away from the vehicle.
If they're carrying hazmat, make sure they're aware of federal regulations regarding attendance and surveillance of motor vehicles (49 Part 397.5).
Consider extra security devices such as tamper-proof fifth-wheel locks and electronic engine controls that require a code as well as a key to start the vehicle.
Keep employees informed. Establish emergency procedures for all areas of the operation and post them prominently. Train all workers.
Network. Participate in the safety and security activities of your state trucking association. Most offer training and periodic seminars to keep members up-to-date on the latest techniques and equipment. They're also a good way to share information that might help spot potential problems.
Work with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies to determine who should be contacted in various situations. Many also offer security training.
Bring operations and sales into the security loop. Delays at border crossings and ports are likely to become routine. Security checks at terminals and loading docks will mean even more time needed to deliver freight. That doesn't mean just-in-time is a thing of the past. It does mean that security will have to be included in scheduling if the freight is going to get there on time.
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