Dewitt, NY – Driver training is one of the top concerns among distributors in the gases and welding industry. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the main issues of concern are hazardous materials, driver and drug and alcohol training.

In the Winter 2010 issue of Welding & Gases Today, the leading provider of information to the welding and gases supply business, Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) Consultant Michael Dodd—the association’s consultant for the DOT, security, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) breaks down the most significant issues as they pertain to driver training.

An employer who deals in hazardous materials must train, test and certify all employees, including drivers, whose responsibilities include anything relating to those materials. The employee must also meet function-specific training requirements, such as training in cylinder filling and cylinder requalification. Also, the driver must receive instruction in security awareness and have in-depth security training.

In addition, drivers must receive training in the safe operation of a motor vehicle that will carry hazardous materials. Any driver who transports hazardous materials must qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Each driver must have a hazmat record of training, which includes the three previous years. The record must be maintained for as long he or she is employed with the company as well as 90 days after employment. The record includes name, most recent training completion date, the name and address of the person providing the training and certification that the driver has completed the training.

Finally, driver supervisors must receive training in alcohol misuse and controlled substance use. Using that training, supervisors may determine whether or not reasonable suspicion exists to require a driver to undergo testing for substance abuse.

For more information, contact Welding & Gases Today Carole Jesiolowski, Editor of Welding & Gases Today, (315) 445-2347; e-mail editor@weldingandgasestoday.org.

Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (www.weldingandgasestoday.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (www.gawdawiki.org), GAWDA connects suppliers of gases and manufacturers of related equipment as well as manufacturers of welding equipment and distribution leaders, for the purpose of safely delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. GAWDA publications are the industry’s voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning welding equipment and products and services related to industrial, medical, specialty and cryogenic gases. A 501(c)3 organization, GAWDA members are located throughout North America.