CDL Hazardous Materials Practice Test

When hazardous materials are transported, they must be segregated based on...

1. Type of load

2. Compatibility

3. Weight

4. Destination

The correct answer is: Compatibility

Hazardous materials must be segregated based on compatibility to ensure safety during transport. Different hazardous materials can react negatively with one another, potentially leading to dangerous situations such as fires, explosions, or toxic releases. Thus, it's essential to understand the chemical properties and interactions of the materials being transported. Compatibility considerations guide the segregation process, which means that items that could react with each other should not be stored or transported together. For instance, acids should not be placed in the same area as bases or reactive metals because their interactions can lead to hazardous chemical reactions. While the type of load, weight, and destination are important factors in the overall logistics of transportation, they do not address the specific safety concerns that arise from chemical interactions. Segregation based on compatibility is a critical safety measure mandated by regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials.