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CDL · Loading and Unloading

Can you smoke or allow smoking within how many feet of a vehicle containing Class 1 explosives, oxidizers, or flammables during loading?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

25 feet

  1. A 25 feet
  2. B 10 feet
  3. C Smoking is permitted with proper ventilation
  4. D 100 feet

Why this is the answer

Federal rules prohibit smoking within 25 feet of a motor vehicle that contains Class 1 explosives, Division 2.1 flammable gas, Class 3 flammable liquid, Class 4 flammable solid, or oxidizer. The same rule applies near tanks containing these materials and at loading/unloading sites. The 25-foot distance prevents a lit cigarette or match from igniting flammable vapors that may have escaped into the air around the vehicle. Cell phones with batteries that could spark, open electrical devices, and matches are all banned by extension. The rule is regularly violated by complacent operators and just as regularly produces serious fires. Even after unloading, vapors may persist for an extended period.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 9.3.6 Smoking Restrictions

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About this topic: Loading and Unloading

Loading and unloading hazmat questions cover segregation of incompatible materials, securing the load, the no-smoking and engine-off rules, and the special handling for explosives, flammables, oxidizers and poisons. This is one of 10 Hazardous Materials questions on loading and unloading, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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