Before loading hazmat, what should you do?

Hazmat loading begins with a vehicle inspection that includes all standard pre-trip items plus hazmat-specific checks: placards in good condition and available for installation, fire extinguishers (one or two depending on cargo type), emergency response information, shipping papers and emergency response phone numbers, and a sealed compartment if required. The cargo compartment must be clean and free of contamination from previous loads, and there must be no defects that could allow leaks (gaps in the floor, damaged sidewalls, etc.). Loading proceeds only after inspection passes. Never accept a loaded hazmat shipment without verifying the placards match the shipping papers and the load is compatible.