What does 49 CFR 177.835 (Class 1 (explosive) materials) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 177.835 requires specific safety measures when loading, unloading, and transporting Class 1 (explosive) materials, including stopping the engine, protecting the load from moisture and sparks, and segregating the materials from other cargo. The rule also prohibits transferring explosive materials en route except in emergencies and requires attendance and surveillance of stored materials.

The rule says

"No Class 1 (explosive) materials may be loaded into or on or be unloaded from any motor vehicle with the engine running, except that the engine of a multipurpose bulk truck ... and the engine of a cargo tank motor vehicle transporting a single bulk hazardous material for blasting may be used for the operation of the pumping equipment of the vehicle during loading or unloading." (49 CFR 177.835(a))

"Every motor vehicle transporting Class 1 (explosive) materials must either have a closed body or have the body thereof covered with a tarpaulin, and in either event care must be taken to protect the load from moisture and sparks..." (49 CFR 177.835)

"No Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (explosive) material shall be transferred from one container to another, or from one motor vehicle to another vehicle, or from another vehicle to a motor vehicle, on any public highway, street, or road, except in case of emergency." (49 CFR 177.835(j))

In plain English

This includes stopping the engine during loading and unloading, using closed bodies or tarpaulins to protect the load, and keeping the materials separate from other cargo. In case of an emergency, transferring explosive materials en route is allowed, but it requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety. Additionally, stored materials must be attended and surveilled to prevent accidents.

What to do

• Ensure that the engine is stopped during loading and unloading of Class 1 (explosive) materials, except for multipurpose bulk trucks and cargo tank motor vehicles transporting single bulk hazardous materials for blasting.
• Use closed bodies or tarpaulins to protect the load from moisture and sparks.
• Segregate Class 1 (explosive) materials from other cargo to prevent damage or accidents.
• Develop and implement emergency procedures for transferring explosive materials en route, including the use of red electric lanterns, red emergency reflectors, or red flags.
• Ensure that stored Class 1 (explosive) materials are attended and surveilled in accordance with 49 CFR 397.5.