Hazmat Training: What is HM-181?

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HM-181 and DOT Hazmat Training

Q: "Someone told me that I need “HM-181 training” to ship or receive hazardous materials. Does Lion offer this type of training?"

A: Yes—Lion offers this type of training. "HM-181” is commonly used as shorthand for the US DOT hazmat training requirements found in 49 CFR Part 172.704. Lion offers hazmat employee training to help organizations satisfy these US DOT/PHMSA requirements. 

(Related: What is HM-126F?)

What is “HM-181”?

US DOT often works on dozens of rulemaking actions at the same time. To organize all of these rules and prevent mix-ups, DOT assigns a “docket number” to each one. Docket numbers make it easier for the public to track new regulations throughout the rulemaking process, which can last for years or even decades.

HM-181 is a docket number that has been assigned to many rulemakings related to hazmat transportation safety and employee training over the years. 

The most noteworthy HM-181 rule was published in December of 1990. That rule completely overhauled the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to align or “harmonize” US rules with international standards. This rule had a tremendous impact on the domestic hazmat shipping standards. HM-181 was a game changer.
 

If you worked in the field of hazardous materials transportation in the 1990s, the HM-181 rulemaking loomed large. The rule required re-thinking shipping procedures, packaging, training, hazard communication, and more. Entire organizations had to get familiar with the updated rules, and that required a lot of training.

That’s why many people in industry still use “HM-181” to refer to hazmat training today. 

View the HM-181 rule in the December 21, 1990 Federal Register through the Library of Congress.  
[55 Fed. Reg. 52402. December 21, 1990.]

Other HM-181 Hazmat Rules

Two other important hazmat-related rules assigned to docket number HM-181 were a 1993 Rule that revised the regulations to require training within 90 days of employment and a 1996 Rule that, among other things, created a three-year timeframe for re-training hazmat employees.

HM-181 is a Link to Hazmat History  

Use of docket number HM-181 dates back more than thirty years. The fact that the term is still used to discuss hazmat training shows what a monumental affect it had on professionals across the supply chain.

In 1990, the HM-181 Final Rule affected nearly every person and business involved in any phase of hazmat transportation. It's no wonder the label has survived so long!

For professionals starting a career in hazmat transportation today, recognizing the term HM-181 and understanding why people use it allows you to communicate more clearly with colleagues and business partners, and to identify potentially relevant training.

More: Hazmat Training FAQ.