Welding & Gases Today Identifies Common DOT Violations
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Audited companies paid an average of $4,000 to $6,000 in penalties.
Dewitt, NY - Department of Transportation (DOT) audits were a big item in 2010, and this has not changed in 2011. DOT has published a list of baseline amounts or ranges for frequently cited violations that resulted from audits in 2010. Michael Dodd, GAWDA's DOT, Security, OSHA & EPA Consultant details the most frequently cited violations that apply to the gases and welding industry in his article "DOT Audits." Dodd's article appears in the Second Quarter 2011 issue of Welding & Gases Today, the leading magazine for the gases and welding equipment industry.
In past years, DOT audits were typically initiated as a security review, and while the inspectors were there, they reviewed shipping papers, driver qualification files, alcohol and substance abuse programs, hours of service records, vehicle files and other DOT items as they wished. In 2010, however, most of the audits were full-blown compliance reviews. "Some audits were with one inspector and lasted from a few hours to as many as two inspectors taking several days," says Dodd. "Based on what they found and how they felt about the company, the penalties ranged from a few hundred dollars to as high as $16,000 per company. Most averaged $4,000 to $6,000 per audit."
Among those violations that apply to gases and welding distributors, failure to register as an offeror or carrier of hazardous materials and pay the registration fee was a common lapse. The penalty for such a violation is $1,000, plus an additional $500 for each year not registered. Industry members also were commonly cited for failure to provide hazmat training or recurrent training at least every three years. Hazmat training areas include general awareness, safety, function-specific and security awareness, and penalties start at $450 and up for each area.
To view a list of the most common violations from Department of Transportation audits, read "DOT Audits" (http://www.weldingandgasestoday.org/index.php/2011/03/dot-audits/) at Welding & Gases Today Online. For more information, contact Devin O'Toole, content editor at Welding & Gases Today at devin@weldingandgasestoday.org or 315-445-2347.
About GAWDA
Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (www.weldingandgasestoday.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (www.gawdawiki.org), GAWDA connects suppliers of gases and manufacturers of related equipment as well as manufacturers of welding equipment and distribution leaders, for the purpose of safely delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. GAWDA publications are the industry's voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning welding equipment and products and services related to industrial, medical, specialty and cryogenic gases. A 501(c)3 organization, GAWDA members are located throughout North America.
