Ask X3What does 49 CFR 397.1 (Application of the rules in this part) require?
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Short answer
49 CFR 397.1 requires motor carriers transporting hazardous materials to know and obey the rules in this part, and applies to each officer or employee performing supervisory duties and each person operating a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials. The rules apply to motor carriers and their employees, as well as to each person who operates or is in charge of a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials.
The rule says
"The rules in this part apply to each motor carrier engaged in the transportation of hazardous materials by a motor vehicle which must be marked or placarded in accordance with 177.823 of this title and to (1) Each officer or employee of the motor carrier who performs supervisory duties related to the transportation of hazardous materials; and (2) Each person who operates or who is in charge of a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials." (49 CFR 397.1(a))
"Each person designated in paragraph (a) of this section must know and obey the rules in this part." (49 CFR 397.1(b))
In plain English
This rule means that anyone involved in transporting hazardous materials - from the motor carrier to the individual driver - must be aware of and follow the regulations outlined in this part. This includes not just the transportation itself, but also the supervision and handling of hazardous materials. The goal is to ensure safe and compliant transportation of hazardous materials, and to prevent accidents or incidents that could put people and the environment at risk.
What to do
- Ensure all employees and officers involved in hazardous materials transportation are trained on the rules in this part
- Review and comply with the marking and placarding requirements in 177.823
- Verify that each person operating or in charge of a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials knows and obeys the rules in this part
- Develop and implement procedures to ensure compliance with the rules in this part, including supervision and handling of hazardous materials