Am I required to provide HAZMAT Training?
The definition of HAZMAT is – Hazardous materials training.
According to 49 CFR 172.704, DOT hazardous materials training is required for personnel classified as “hazmat employees,” defined at 49 CFR 171.8 as employees who perform any job functions that affect the safe transportation of hazardous materials.
Specifically, dive center owners (employers) need to be aware of the following Code of Federal Regulation: 49.CFR.172.704(a).
-A hazmat employer, utilizing high-pressure cylinders shall ensure that each of its hazmat employees is tested by appropriate means
General Awareness Training
Function Specific Training
Safety Training
Emergency Response
Protection from Hazards
So based on the above, and knowing that High Pressure A cylinder is defined as a vessel containing greater than 29 (PSIG) /2 BAR.
In reality, many dive centers provide any employee with filling tanks a basic orientation of how to do so safely. But, what I’ve found out is that very few of them have any documentation proving training was conducted. In the unlikely event, there is a failure and a rupture, and an injury occurs; this is the time that you will be called on to provide proof that you comply with the above regulation. Unless you can satisfactorily able to do so, you can be fined thousands and thousands of dollars.
A simple Google search will provide lots of info on how to conduct and document this training, and unless you’re already doing so, you may want to make this a priority in 2020.
To learn more, consider taking the ITI Visual Inspection Procedures (VIP) course.