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On March 25, 2003, the United States Department of Transportation's (US
DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) promulgated final
rule HM-232, entitled the Hazardous Materials: Security Requirements for
Offerors and Transporters of Hazardous Materials. Specifically, the US
DOT established new requirements to enhance the security of hazardous
materials transported in commerce.
Altom Transport is in compliance with HM-232. A security plan
was established to protect the security of every shipment of petroleum
& chemical products during transportation in commerce, as defined by the
U.S. Department of Transportation. The manual and employee training will
be updated, as the federal law requires.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS DRIVER ANTI-TERRORISM TIPS
When the National Threat Level is raised to Code Orange, the following
steps should be taken:
On the Road:
- Be alert when driving. Look for vehicles following you, especially
if there are 3 or more people in the car. If you believe you are being
followed, call your dispatcher or 911 immediately.
- When leaving your facility, be aware of any possible surveillance
of your facility or your truck.
- Don't discuss your cargo, destination, or trip specifics with people
you don't know or on open channels.
- When stopped at a traffic light or in traffic, be aware of anyone
approaching your vehicle.
- Make sure you have communication devices to contact your dispatcher
and emergency officials. Carry a back-up if possible.
Stopping at Facilities:
- Leave your truck in a secure parking lot or truck stop if possible;
if not, be certain someone can watch your vehicle.
- Never leave your vehicle running with the keys in it; shut off the
engine and lock the doors.
- If possible, don't stop in unsafe or high-crime areas.
- Use seals or other methods to prevent and identify tampering.
- Don't preload hazardous materials shipments without adequate security.
Protecting Your Vehicle:
- Use an engine kill switch.
- Use tractor and trailer brake locking devices.
- Check your electronic tracking system regularly and notify your dispatcher
when it's not working or tampering may have occurred.
- If you drop a trailer, use a fifth wheel lock whenever possible.
- Perform a quick walk-around to check your vehicle for foreign objects
after all stops.
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