DOT Hazmat – Security Awareness
In the wrong hands, hazardous materials can pose a significant security threat. Terrorist incidents involving hazardous materials have occurred in many different locations around the world and in some cases, have inflicted major damage and mass casualties. All hazmat employees must receive security awareness training to help them identify and handle security threats. This training is critical because hazmat employees are our first line of defense in preventing terrorists from accessing and using hazardous materials as weapons.
Hazmat employees must be aware of the hazardous materials stored, handled, or transported by their company; make sure hazmats are stored securely; plan deliveries carefully to minimize opportunities for theft, hijacking, or sabotage; inspect all hazmat shipments upon arrival, refuse suspicious or damaged containers, and report evidence of tampering or theft; and never share hazmat or security procedures on a mobile device, in public, or over an unsecured network.
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Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Provide the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) definition for “hazardous material”
- Identify which employees should be knowledgeable about the HMR
- Describe how terrorists can be identified
- Explain why internal threats are especially dangerous, including threats to information security
- Identify the types of hazardous materials terrorists are interested in obtaining
- List facility and in-transit security measures that can be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous material shipments
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | HMR Safety and Security Plans, 49 CFR § 172 Subpart I |
Key Questions
What is included in the “personnel security” that is required by a Security Plan?
This includes screening of job applicants who might gain access to subject hazardous materials, requiring employees to wear photo ID badges, and requiring visitors to be escorted on site.
What kinds of things are addressed in “route security”?
This includes selecting a safe transportation mode and travel route, including incidental storage locations, and minimizing stops while subject hazardous materials are in transit.
What are some of the topics included in required training on a company’s Security Plan?
This training must cover company security objectives and procedures, how to recognize and respond to security threats, employee responsibilities, and organizational security structure.
How can I confirm that a hazmat carrier has an adequate Security Plan?
Ask carriers to provide information on their security measures. You can also verify their security training program and their hiring and review process, including background checks.
Why is it important to work with other similar businesses, local law enforcement, and public safety agencies?
These entities can exchange information about threats, trends, and successful and unsuccessful security programs. Law enforcement and safety officials can review your facility and security program.
Sample Video Transcript
Security Plans must include measures to prevent unauthorized access to subject hazardous materials and their transport vehicles (e.g. trucks, rail cars, etc.). These should include one or more of the following: • Establish partnerships with local law enforcement, emergency responders, and other public safety agencies to facilitate the exchange of information about threats, trends, and successful and unsuccessful security programs. • Request a review of the facility and security program by local law enforcement and fire safety officials, as applicable. • Restrict the availability of information about the facility and the materials being handled, and encourage authorities with this knowledge to limit its disclosure to a need-to-know basis.
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