When a placarded vehicle is left on a public road, who must supervise to ensure compliance with all requirements?

• A. A qualified person
• B. A supervisor from the shipper
• C. A traffic control officer
• D. The driver alone is sufficient

Answer: (A)

When a placarded hazmat vehicle is left on a public road, supervision must be provided by a person who is qualified to ensure compliance with all hazmat regulations. A qualified person has the training and authority to verify that every requirement is being met—proper placards and markings, current shipping papers and emergency information, correct packaging and labeling, securement of the cargo, routing considerations, and the vehicle’s overall compliance while it’s unattended. This on-scene supervisor is the one best positioned to enforce the rules in real time.

The supervisor from the shipper may not be present or knowledgeable about the specific on-site conditions, and the driver alone cannot guarantee that every regulation is being followed when the vehicle is left idle. A traffic control officer isn’t responsible for hazmat compliance. So, having a qualified person overseeing ensures all hazmat requirements remain met.