Page 508 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

14.6 CHAPTER FOURTEEN
personnel enforce these regulations. Drivers of transport vehicles, as well as company
management personnel, can be found in nonconformance of regulations and can be
penalized or imprisoned.
DOT regulations include requirements for both the vehicle in which the materials are
transported and the driver transporting the materials. Vehicle requirements include vehicle
registration and assigning of registration numbers, the latter being conspicuously posted
on both sides of a vehicle.
The purpose of registration is to ensure that vehicles meet DOT guidelines and to pro-
vide contact with companies for monitoring by DOT. Vehicles transporting hazardous
materials must display appropriate warning placards (e.g., flammable, combustible, and
radioactive). These signs are posted only when a vehicle contains such materials; other-
wise placards must be covered or removed.
Regulations also require that a vehicle file be maintained. This file includes identifica-
tion numbers, maintenance records, and pre- and post-inspection records which indicate
that any deficiencies found were corrected. Proper shipping records must be available to
drivers while transporting materials. All materials must be shipped by DOT-approved
methods and in DOT-approved packaging. Vehicles transporting hazardous materials must
have adequate safety provisions such as fire extinguishers.
DOT also has strict regulations governing drivers of vehicles transporting hazardous
materials. Drivers must have a commercial driver’s license, a record of a physical
examination every 24 months, and certification of having passed a written examination
on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. They must also pass an employment
check, including past employers, and a motor vehicle records check for accident and
traffic violations.
Most waterproofing materials are governed by DOT hazardous, flammable, or dan-
gerous categories. This requires a thorough knowledge of applicable laws and required
record keeping. Waterproofing contractors should contact the Department of
Transportation to receive appropriate information relating to transportation of hazardous
materials.

STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES

In addition to federal regulations, most state and local governments have regulations and
enforcement policies unique to their specific area. For instance, state Department of
Transportation agencies may add to the federal requirements concerning transporting haz-
ardous systems and other building envelope components.
Local codes enforce hazardous waste collection and related storage sites. Most states
require registration for hazardous waste disposal. OSHA regulations are also enforced
locally by state and local governments, and local agencies should be contacted for specific
regional regulations.
Ignorance of the law is not an excuse for avoiding requirements affecting the use, instal-
lation, transportation, and disposal of hazardous, flammable, or dangerous materials.
Efforts must be made to be acquainted completely with these laws and regulations, in order
to avoid possible penalties and even imprisonment.