Read, print or share the latest Idealease Safety Bulletin "The Heat is ON" 

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THE HEAT IS ON

These conditions are created when our body is unable to regulate our heat production at a safe level. Be aware and ensure all employees know the signs and symptoms for these conditions:

1. Fatigue, weakness, fainting

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Headache

4. Dizziness

5. Muscle cramps

6. Irritability

7. Sweating (absence or presence)

8. Paleness

These conditions can be further escalated by the physical condition of your employees. Employees at a greater risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke are those with: Heart disease, Skin diseases, Extensive burns, Endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism, diabetes, etc.), High blood pressure, Overweight, Depression, Insomnia and Fever. Over the counter drugs can also contribute to a greater risk for these conditions.

ALL HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES ARE PREVENTABLE!

Review last week's bulletin for more heat safety tips and info! 

Top 3 Hazmat Violations in 2021

According to the FMCSA's Analysis & Information (A&I) online data, the top three hazardous materials regulations violations so far this year are as follows:

• Package not secure in vehicle (177.834(a))
• No copy of US DOT Hazardous Materials Registration Number (107.620(b))
• Shipping paper accessibility (177.817(e))

“Package not secure in vehicle” has been at the top of the list for the past four years (that’s as far as the data goes back).

DRIVER FOCUS

Drivers are on the road and responsible for the hazmat load at the time of inspection. The top three violation areas — package securement, USDOT hazmat registration, and shipping papers — are all areas where drivers may need to be reminded of their responsibilities.

• Package securement. While on the road, packages containing hazmat and not permanently attached to the vehicle must be braced and secured to minimize shifting within the vehicle during normal transportation conditions. Additionally, drivers need to be aware of segregation requirements. Certain hazmat cannot be transported with other types of hazmat and this information is laid out in the segregation table in 177.848. Be sure your drivers know about the segregation requirements, where to find the table, and how to use the information.
• No copy of USDOT Hazardous Materials Registration Number. If you’re required to obtain the hazardous material registration, you’re required to keep copies of the registration statement and the certificate of registration at your principal place of business every year. Motor carriers must also ensure drivers carry a copy of your current certificate of registration, or another document bearing your current year’s registration number identified as the “U.S. DOT Hazmat Reg. No.” Every vehicle you use for the transportation of hazardous material that meets the registration criteria must have this proof of registration on board. It could be that drivers have this documentation on board, but just aren’t aware of it. Or it could be that the documentation truly isn’t on board the vehicle. Since certificates for 2021-2022 were just issued, be sure to place a new copy of the documentation in your vehicles and let drivers know what to provide to enforcement when asked.
• Shipping papers. While transporting hazmat by highway, shipping papers have very specific requirements because they need to be accessible to authorities in the event of an incident or accident. If the hazmat shipping paper is carried with any other papers, it is clearly distinguished either with a tab or by appearing first. The shipping papers must be within the immediate reach of the driver when restrained by the seat belt and readily visible to anyone entering the driver’s compartment, or in a pouch or holder mounted on the inside of the driver’s side door. If the driver is not in the vehicle, the shipping paper must be either in the door pouch, the door holder, or the driver’s seat. Additionally, shipping papers must have emergency response information on or in association with the shipping paper.

Remember, this data can help you identify areas for improvement. Giving drivers short and simple reminders about their responsibilities can help prevent these common violations.

FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR) Goes Live

After years of delays, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) entry-level driver training (ELDT) rule is headed to the finish line with the opening of the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Schools, motor carriers, and other entities planning on providing ELDT are now able to register with FMCSA.

Registration is a three-step process:

1.           Access - Entities will need have a login.gov account to access the TPR. If an entity doesn’t have an account, one will need to be created. Once logged in, the user will be sent to the TPR registration site.

2.           Registration - Information that will be required during the registration process includes: Provider name, facility name, contact information; Type of provider (for-hire/not-for-hire, in-house/not-in-house); Type of training provided; Average training hours and cost; and Third-party affiliations, certifications, or accreditations. Training providers will also be required to certify they meet specific standards related to curricula, facilities, instructors, vehicles, and state licensing (if applicable).

3.           Additional locations - Once FMCSA has approved an entity’s request, providers with more than one location will need to register each of these locations.

The TPR may be accessed at: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Provider < About ELDT and the TPR

As of February 7, 2022, compliance with all aspects of the ELDT rule is required. The ELDT rule establishes minimum training standards for drivers: Applying for their initial CDL; Upgrading their current CDL; or Obtaining a passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time. An entry-level driver must prior to taking the CDL skills test, successfully complete a prescribed program of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction provided by a school or other entity listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). With the implementation of this rule, the process of obtaining a CDL, upgrading a CDL, or obtaining certain endorsements will become more complex.

CVSA Announces Dates for Brake Safety Week - August 22nd-28th! 

This Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) enforcement campaign is a part of the larger Brake Safety Awareness Month, which takes place in August. 

During CVSA's annual enforcement event, roadside inspectors will: Focus on the brake systems and components as they conduct North American Standard Inspections; and Compile data on brake hoses/tubing, the emphasis this year. The association will issue a report on its findings later this year. The event is also an opportunity for motor carriers to educate drivers and maintenance service providers on the importance of brake safety.

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.