CVSA Hazmat Safety Blitz Snags Nearly 1,200 Violations

A recent inspection campaign conducted between June 9-13, led by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, revealed significant compliance issues in the transportation of hazardous materials across the U.S. and Canada. Over the five days, 4,629 commercial vehicles were inspected, resulting in 1,169 violations. The most common violation was improper placarding of hazardous materials, with 51% of the violations warranting out-of-service orders. Inspectors uncovered a range of issues including leaking materials, unsecured cargo, inadequate emergency response information, and training certificate violations among drivers.

The campaign highlighted the need for stringent regulations regarding hazardous materials transportation, especially given that commercial motor vehicles handle about 55% of the 2.2 billion tons of hazardous materials moved annually in the United States. The inspections aimed to ensure that drivers and carriers adhere to the federal regulations set forth by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

From a transportation safety perspective, the findings emphasize the critical importance of proper training and compliance among those transporting hazardous materials. Effective placarding and securement are not only regulatory requirements but essential safety measures to prevent accidents that could have disastrous consequences for public safety and the environment. Enhanced training programs and stricter enforcement of regulations may be necessary to mitigate these risks and improve overall safety in this sector.