ARTICLE
Hazmat Drivers Face Tougher Background Checks

In the coming months, as part of its Hazmat Threat Assessment Program, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require nearly 3 million commercial drivers seeking to obtain, renew or transfer a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on their state-issued Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting.

This requirement became effective for all new HME applicants on January 31, 2005. In the final phase of implementation, as of May 31, 2005 all individuals that currently hold HMEs and wish to renew or transfer the HME, must undergo the fingerprint-based background check.

"We are eager to continue implementation of this important program to help enhance our nation's security," said Rear Adm. David M. Stone, USN (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security of TSA. "By partnering with states to ensure Hazmat drivers have undergone a security threat assessment, we add another layer of security in the transport of hazardous materials."

TSA issued the rule as a result of requirements in the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56, Section 1012) and the Safe Explosives Act (Public Law 107-296, Sections 1121-1123). This rule is a companion to a rule issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which prohibits states from issuing a HME unless the driver has successfully completed the TSA threat assessment. FMCSA will also require the states to setup a renewal period of at least five years to ensure that the applicants are regularly screened.

The Final Rules, Interim Final Rules, amendments and exemptions regarding the execution of the Hazmat Threat Assessment Program are available for review at http://www.tsa.gov/public/.

(source: http://www.tsa.gov)