Certified DOT HAZMAT Specialist Course (CDHS)
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Course Description
Hazardous materials are defined by the Secretary of Transportation as materials and substances that can pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. With more than 800,000 hazardous materials shipments occurring every day, understanding the regulations governing their transport is essential. The U.S. Department of Transportation develops, issues, and enforces the Hazardous Materials Regulations, which are found in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 171–180.This course is designed for anyone involved in the transportation of hazardous materials who needs to know how to apply these regulations or teach them to others. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to comply with federal requirements and ensure safe transportation practices.
Students will learn about the Hazardous Materials Table, shipping papers, packaging, marking, labeling, placarding, HAZMAT classification, and emergency response information. The course also covers training requirements for HAZMAT employees, transportation regulations, incident reporting, the Emergency Response Guide, and carrier requirements for highway, air, and rail transportation, ensuring that all participants are prepared to safely handle and transport hazardous materials.
What You'll Learn
- Read and understand the Hazardous Material Table from the DOT regulations.
- Utilize the instructions in the DOT’s Emergency Response Guide.
- Specify hazardous materials (HazMat) shipping, packaging, marking, and labeling requirements.
- Specify carrier requirements for transporting HazMats.
Who Should Attend
After completing this course, participants will be able to: Understand DOT regulations and standards for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) transportation. Identify various types of hazardous materials and their associated risks. Safely handle, package, label, and store hazardous materials according to regulatory requirements. Respond effectively to HAZMAT spills, leaks, or emergency incidents.
Certified DOT HAZMAT Specialist Course (CDHS) Blueprint
1. Overview
The Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CDHS) blueprint summarizes the examination structure and core knowledge areas aligned to the IASHEP General Industry course. The source course emphasizes 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations and standards, OSHA policies and procedures, hazard recognition, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety program implementation.
2. Examination Parameters
| Duration | 4 Day course alignment |
| Total Questions | Standardized assessment |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice and scenario-based |
| Passing Score | Standard passing requirement |
3. Prerequisites & Qualifications
Candidates for this certification generally have responsibilities in workplace safety, compliance, supervision, industrial hygiene, facility operations, risk management, or program administration. Preparation should include:
- Familiarity with OSHA general industry requirements and 29 CFR 1910 standards.
- Ability to recognize common workplace hazards and recommend controls.
- Understanding of inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
- Practical experience supporting or managing safety and health programs.
4. Examination Domains
| Domain Name | Weight (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance | 25% | 25 |
| 2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment | 20% | 20 |
| 3. Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls | 20% | 20 |
| 4. Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions | 15% | 15 |
| 5. Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning | 10% | 10 |
| 6. Communication, Training, and Professional Application | 10% | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100 |
5. Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance
Weight: 25%
Knowledge of:
- OSHA general industry regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- 29 CFR 1910 safety regulation/standard structure and application.
- Regulatory compliance requirements for workplace safety and health programs.
- Use of OSHA standards as a guide for identifying high-hazard areas.
Domain 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Recognition of common workplace hazards including chemical, electrical, machinery, ergonomics, and environmental risks.
- Risk assessment methods for prioritizing hazards and exposures.
- Hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention concepts.
- Selection of practical control strategies based on observed workplace conditions.
Domain 3: Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Implementation of effective safety programs and hazard control measures.
- Accident prevention strategies and corrective action planning.
- General industry safety and health principles as applied to real-world situations.
- Integration of safety procedures into routine operations.
Domain 4: Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions
Weight: 15%
Knowledge of:
- Planning and conducting workplace inspections.
- Documenting inspection findings and identifying corrective actions.
- Evaluating facility, maintenance, production, and healthcare work environments.
- Communicating inspection results to supervisors, coordinators, and managers.
Domain 5: Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Incident investigation principles and root-cause awareness.
- Corrective action planning following accidents, near misses, or identified hazards.
- Use of incident findings to improve hazard control and prevention programs.
- Follow-up activities to verify corrective actions are completed.
Domain 6: Communication, Training, and Professional Application
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Communicating OSHA requirements and safety expectations to workers and management.
- Supporting training, orientation, and safety awareness activities.
- Applying course knowledge immediately in workplace settings.
- Professional responsibilities for safety supervisors, coordinators, industrial hygienists, facility managers, line supervisors, and program administrators.
6. Additional Information
Course Alignment:
- IASHEP CSHS-GI course page identifies the course as a 4-day intermediate General Industry course.
- The course description identifies 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations/standards as the primary focus.
- The course outcomes include OSHA compliance, hazard identification, safety program implementation, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
Source: IASHEP course page, Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CDHS), accessed May 14, 2026.