CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
SECTION I. PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION
1.1 Purpose
This chapter describes the overall approach to the organization of this publication and provides a
general introduction to the various regulatory requirements governing the management of hazardous
materials.
1.2 Organization of this Publication
The chapters of this publication are organized to describe the various processes involved in a storage
facility as related to hazardous materials. Chapter two emphasizes the importance of the proper
identification of hazardous materials and describes the various tools available to personnel to
accomplish this. Then chapter three describes the receipt process and the importance placed on this
critical function in storing hazardous materials. Chapter four, the heart of the entire document,
describes the various types of hazardous materials storage facilities and addresses the critical need for
proper segregation. Chapter five addresses the concerns that must be addressed when the material is
selected and chapter six discusses topics involving the preparation for movement. Chapter seven
addresses environmental protection, chapter eight addresses safety and health issues and chapter nine
addresses training requirements from a regulatory perspective. Chapter ten discusses ammunition and
explosives and chapter eleven discusses hazardous property disposal. The chapters are followed by
appendices which support and amplify the topics discussed in the chapters. It should be noted that the
topics discussed in chapters six, seven, eight, and ten are addressed in specific detail in other DoD
publications. Thus these chapters are somewhat broad and are intended to provide an overview and
general awareness to storage personnel so they can perform their jobs more effectively.
SECTION II. FEDERAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
1.3 Federal Laws and Regulations
Federal laws dealing with the health, safety and the environment have a great impact on all operations
within the DoD. The National Environmental Policy Act is one of our nation's highest priorities and
requires major changes in nearly every military functional area. The following Federal regulations are
summarized to help identify those that may be applicable to a specific operation:
A. Title 49 CFR Parts 171-177: The US Congress issued the Hazardous Materials Transportation
Act (HMTA) of 1974 and the Hazardous Materials Uniform Safety Act of 1990 delegating the
responsibility for regulating hazardous materials to the Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT,
in turn, issues Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) which governs the classification,
description, packaging, marking, labeling, placarding, and proper condition of Hazardous Materials
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