Hazardous Material is any material prescribed as such by any written law and
includes explosives, petroleum products and any material involving high risk.
Hazardous materials are solids, liquids, or gases that are harmful to people,
other living organisms, property, or the environment. They are often subject to
chemical regulations.
Characteristics of Hazardous Goods
Hazardous goods are known for the following characteristics:
• Flammable; something that can burn easily
• Corrosive, something that rusts or decomposes
• Reactive; something that can explode
• Toxic; something that is poisonous
Before handling hazardous material, the driver is required to get legal approval
that requires special equipment and different alterations to the vehicle to make
it suitable for transporting any of these materials.
Hazmat Endorsement Framework is an assessment process for any driver
seeking to obtain, renew and transfer a hazardous materials endorsement on a
commercial driver’s license.
Classification of Hazardous Materials
There are 9 classes of hazardous materials. These are:
• Explosives
• Gases
• Flammable Liquids
• Flammable Solids
• Oxidizing Substances
• Toxic & Infectious Substances
• Radioactive Material
• Corrosives
• Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Each class of hazardous material has a prescribed procedure for loading and
offloading that the driver should adhere to.
In Kenya, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS), National Environmental
Management Agency (NEMA) and NTSA coordinate licensing for transportation
of hazardous goods.
Do not handle hazardous material unless you have the appropriate
licensing to do so.