Waynes World - May 2006

NTA PARTNERS WITH TRUCKING SCHOOL,
SAFETY SERIES INTRODUCED, AND...

SECURITY PLANS FOR HAZMAT TRANSPORTERS
By Wayne Schooling

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY PLANS
Since 911, more and more things in this world have changed. The transporting of hazardous materials is just one of the many areas that have seen a lot of changes in the transportation industry. As of September 25, 2003, every trucking company had to have a Security Plan in effect, yet just last month I had two companies call me out of sheer desperation. For those of you that are involved, this section states that each person who offers for transportation in commerce or transports in commerce must develop a security plan and the training of company personnel to implement the plan for hazardous materials that conforms to the requirements of this subpart. This violation of 49 CFR 172.800(b) can be quite expensive – how about a fine of $11,590 for the first time!

The purpose of developing and implementing a security plan is to identify and reduce security risks related to the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce. A new section (172.800) lists the seven types of hazardous materials and shipments that will require the development of a security plan. Note that these are the same thresholds that require a shipper or carrier to register annually with the DOT – with the exception of some select agents or toxins, which are listed in this new section.

Your security plan must include an assessment of the possible transportation security risks and, at a minimum, the following elements: 1) Personnel Security – measures to confirm information provided by job applicants hired; 2) Unauthorized Access – measures to prevent unauthorized access to vehicles like trucks, cargo tanks, etc; and 3) En Route Security – DOT feels that enroute security should primarily be the responsibility of the carrier.

The regulations also added new training requirements found in 49 CFR 172.704. Two types of training may be required: 1) Security Awareness Training – will be required of every hazmat person regardless of whether or not the company is required to file a security plan; and 2) In-Depth Security Training – will only be required for hazmat persons who work at a company that is required to develop a security plan. Training must have been done by March 24, 2006, so if you haven't got on this one yet, you'd better hop to it in a hurry.

As each business is different, there is no ready-made plan. However, I have managed to put together a sample Anti-Terrorism Security Plan for HazMat Transportation (22 pages) and a Guide to Developing an Effective Security Plan for Highway Transportation of Hazardous Materials (54 pages).

NTA'S PUBLIC SAFETY SERIES INTRODUCED
I know the following may seem a little serious, but since we are on the subject of security and 911, one must realize as crises and conflicts continue to grow in our world, the responsibility to protect and educate yourself, your drivers, and your family has risen to new heights. Just as some Americans were not prepared for Katrina, the only one that you can depend on is yourself.

In response to this ever-present reality of increased security measures, NTA has partnered with one of the world’s leading providers of intelligence, security and risk development, the Jane’s Company, in marketing our new Public Safety Series. The Jane’s company was founded in 1898 and has always been at the forefront of publishing and developing information that allows its readers the ability to make critical business decisions with assurance.

The NTA Public Safety Series has eleven sections with expanded knowledge on how to protect yourself and your family. Some of the topics covered in this series include how to recover from an emergency situation; the essential procedures on how to protect facilities against terrorism and violent crimes; the recognition of and response to dangerous situations in our schools; how to prepare your company for potential threats; and more.

The following guides are now available from the NTA: Chem-Bio Handbook; Citizens Safety Guide; Mass Casualty Guide for Emergency Responders; Mass Casualty Guide for Hospitals; Facility Security Guide; Workplace Security Guide; School Safety Guide; Safe School Planning Guide for all Hazards; Teachers Safety Guide; Crisis Communication Guide; and Unconventional Weapons Response Guide. These compact guides range anywhere from 220 pages to over 442 pages. Call NTA at (562) 279-0557 or (800) 805-0040 for volume pricing.

NTA PARTNERS WITH TRUCKING SCHOOL
The NTA is proud to announce its new transportation partner – United Truck Driving School, Inc. Serving Southern California, United Truck Driving School, Inc. (UTDS) has been successfully preparing students for a career as entry-level, professional truck and/or bus drivers for over 25 years. As one of Southern California’s only licensed and Nationally Accredited truck driving schools, UTDS stands head and shoulders above the rest. In as little as five weeks, you can be ready for a new and fulfilling career as a bus or truck driver. They have three convenient locations in Southern California: San Diego 800-764-2020, Santa Ana 877-391-3030 and Riverside 888-402-1924. Call them today and get started! You can always depend on NTA to provide you with dependable products and excellent services.

~If you have a question or concern, send it to me, Wayne Schooling, at NorthAmerican Transportation Association, 2533 N. Carson Street, Suite 346, Carson City, NV 89706-0147 or call 562-279-0557 or 800-805-0040 or send an e-mail to wayne@ntassoc.com. Until next month, “Drive Safe – Drive Smart!”