HAZMAT Initial & Refresher Training

Attachment 25 describes hazardous material initial and refresher training, as required by paragraph 1.3. Training requirements are based on each of the four functional groups: handlers, packers, inspectors, and preparers.

All personnel must take basic hazardous materials training at the first level; trainers can provide more detailed training to supplement based on specific job responsibilities.

For handlers, packers, and inspectors- referred to as non-certifying officials- they must be trained on the requirements outlined in A25.2. Preparers are considered certifying officials and must be trained according to the requirements of A25.3.

Handler training must cover basic hazardous material familiarization, awareness, and communication requirements, including:

• hazard classification, marking,
• labeling, placarding,
• documentation, compatibility,
• safety (including emergency response information), handling, and
• job (function) specific requirements

Packers must closely work with preparer (such as a certifier) and must not close or seal a container until the preparer has validated the packaging. Training requirements include all of the handler's requirements with emphasis on hazardous materials packaging requirements.

Inspectors must be trained on handler's requirements, along with commercial or military hazardous materials documents, shipping papers, and appropriate packaging specifications.

Preparers (certifying officials), as defined in paragraph 1.2.4, are authorized to complete the Shipper's Declaration For Dangerous Goods certification (1.2.7). Preparers are personnel whose primary duty is preparing and certifying all types of hazardous material shipments on a daily basis. See A25.3.1 for initial and refresher training requirements.

Technical specialists may sign the Shipper's Declaration For Dangerous Goods form as a certifying official, but only on items for which they are qualified to maintain and prepare for shipment. A25.3.2 provides additional information.

Every employee that is associated with the packaging and transportation of hazardous materials must take security awareness training, in accordance with 49 CFR 172.704.

All personnel involved in the process of shipping hazardous materials must receive initial training, followed by refresher training in 24 month intervals.

Specific details on training frequency are covered in A25.5, along with extensions.

All hazardous materials personnel must be tested, and training records must be maintained. As a minimum, training records must include:

• Name of trainee
• Date of training
• A description, copy, and location of training materials used
• Name and address of the person providing the training
• Certification statement of training completion and testing

Certification under combat conditions is described in A25.7.

For non-DOD personnel that prepare hazardous materials shipments, they must do so according to this manual. However, the DOD does not require such personnel to complete the training recourses specified in this attachment.

But, all employees with the responsibility of preparing hazardous materials for shipment must meet the requirements of Title 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H Training. Training on IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations or ICAO Technical Instructions can also be used.

Training must include function specific duties related to military air transportation. See A25.8 for details.

To learn more about Shipping HAZMAT visit our Shipping HAZMAT By Military Aircraft Online Training web page.