{"id":716,"date":"2019-06-05T16:33:12","date_gmt":"2019-06-05T16:33:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hazmatuniversity.com\/news\/?p=716"},"modified":"2024-03-27T04:12:18","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T04:12:18","slug":"hazmat-employees-technical-terms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hazmatuniversity.com\/news\/hazmat-employees-technical-terms\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Hazmat Employees Knowing Technical Terms"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"technicalThe English language has hundreds of thousands of unique words, which give speakers a wide variety of ways to describe the same idea. However, there is little room for leeway in hazmat regulations compliance. Any ambiguity may result in confusion that could lead to non-compliance. That\u2019s why the federal government and international organizations are always careful with their diction when drafting the<\/span> hazardous materials regulations<\/span><\/a>. They choose every single word for a specific reason, and they use very few synonyms in an attempt to avoid confusion. <\/span>As you read the regulations, you need to know what every word means so you can prevent mistakes and comply to the utmost. Here is some information on the importance of knowing technical terms.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are Technical Terms?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When we write about \u201ctechnical terms,\u201d we refer to the jargon used by people who work with hazmat, whether through research, regulation, or transport. As you can see from <\/span>49 CFR \u00a7171.8<\/span><\/a>, regulations may codify specific definitions for certain technical terms. Any time such a term is mentioned in the regulations, it is used with that one meaning (unless otherwise specified). As a hazmat employee, remembering these definitions is part of your job. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here is an example of why you need to know these technical terms: can you tell the difference between a package and a packaging? There is one and the two cannot be used interchangeably. The term \u201cpackage\u201d is defined as \u201ca packaging plus its contents.\u201d So then what is packaging? \u201cA receptacle and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform its containment function.\u201d While preparing shipments of dangerous goods\/hazardous materials by any mode of transport, there are many key terms that come into play to be able to either communicate information and\/or prepare a shipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearing Up Any Confusion<\/span><\/h2>\n

The difference between packages and packagings is only one question that regulations strive to answer regarding this matter. Dare to compare the following technical terms:<\/span><\/p>\n