CVSA inspection blitz sidelines trucks and buses for hazmat violations

Greenbelt, MD — Nearly 15% of trucks and buses inspected during a recent Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance safety outreach event were placed out of service for violations related to transporting hazardous materials and dangerous goods.

Inspectors examined vehicles, cargo tanks, and loading and securement specifics during its unannounced HM/DG Road Blitz over five days in June. CVSA conducted 3,929 inspections and says 576 of those vehicles were placed out of service.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration enforces the shipment of hazardous materials, defined as a “substance or material that is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce,” a CVSA press release states.

About 20% of the out-of-service violations were related to loading and securement, which the organization says could lead to movement of packages or materials that may result in leaking or spilling. “Leaking hazardous materials or dangerous goods pose a significant threat to human health and safety, property, and the environment,” CVSA says.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration supports the Road Blitz, along with PHMSA; Transport Canada; and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.