Question 1

If your tanker vehicle rolls over, the most immediate danger is:

Accepted Answer

Tanker rollovers frequently damage the top manholes and valves, causing product to leak. If flammable, this creates a massive fire hazard.

Question 2

If a tanker carrying flammable liquids is involved in a fire, you should:

Accepted Answer

Fires involving the cargo tank of flammable liquids can lead to a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion). Drivers should evacuate and let professionals handle it.

Question 3

Where are the remote emergency shutoff control handles typically located on a tanker?

Accepted Answer

Emergency shutoffs are required to be accessible during an incident, typically located at the front driver's side of the tank and often at the rear discharge area.

Question 4

If you are driving a tanker and your brakes fail on a downgrade, what is your best option?

Accepted Answer

Truck escape ramps are designed to stop runaway vehicles safely using gravel or uphill grades. This is safer than rolling over or hitting traffic.

Question 5

In the event of a jackknife with a tanker, the trailer usually swings out because:

Accepted Answer

When trailer wheels lock up (common on empty tankers with less traction), the trailer loses directional stability and swings around (Trailer Jackknife).

Question 6

If you spill a hazardous liquid from your tanker, you should first:

Accepted Answer

Protecting life is the priority. Isolate the area to prevent people from entering the hazard zone (fumes, fire risk, contact).

Question 7

To prevent a rollover when steering to avoid a crash:

Accepted Answer

Jerking the steering wheel with a high center of gravity load (tanker) creates massive side force that causes rollovers. Smooth inputs are critical.

Question 8

If the emergency shutoff valve fails to close automatically in a fire, you can:

Accepted Answer

Emergency shutoff systems have manual release handles (remote controls) that can be pulled to trip the valve if the thermal link hasn't melted yet.

Question 9

A 'BLEVE' is a specific hazard associated with:

Accepted Answer

BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) occurs when a pressurized tank containing liquid is heated by fire, causing it to rupture explosively.

Question 10

If a tanker is leaking a flammable liquid, you should warn others not to:

Accepted Answer

Flammable vapors can be ignited by minor sparks, including electronics or lighting matches. Elimination of ignition sources is critical.

Question 11

If you drive a tanker off the pavement onto a soft shoulder, the liquid will:

Accepted Answer

Liquid seeks the lowest point. As the truck tilts onto the shoulder, the liquid shifts to that side, moving the center of gravity further over and pulling the truck over.

Question 12

In a crash, the 'cage' or rollover protection on top of the tank is designed to:

Accepted Answer

The rollover protection system keeps the tank fittings from hitting the ground directly, maintaining the seal and preventing leaks.

Question 13

If you must stop on the side of the road with a hazmat tanker, you should place your warning devices (triangles):

Accepted Answer

Standard CDL rule: Warning devices must be placed within 10 minutes of stopping on the shoulder or road.

Question 14

You are unloading a tanker and the hose bursts. You should first:

Accepted Answer

Stop the flow immediately using the emergency shutoff or internal valve control to limit the size of the spill.

Question 15

Which extinguisher agent is best for a gasoline tanker fire?

Accepted Answer

Gasoline is a Class B fire (flammable liquid). Use a B-rated extinguisher (foam/dry chem). Water spreads gas fires.

Question 16

If you suspect your tanker is leaking while driving, you should:

Accepted Answer

Move the vehicle off the road to a safe spot if possible, but do not drive further than necessary. Secure the area.

Question 17

If a tanker carrying corrosives spills, you should generally stay:

Accepted Answer

Stay upwind to avoid inhaling corrosive fumes or getting splashed.

Question 18

When using flares (fusees) around a leaking tanker, you must be careful because:

Accepted Answer

Never use flares (open flame) around hazmat tankers, especially flammable liquids/gases. Use reflective triangles.

Question 19

In a rollover, 'outage' can create a problem because:

Accepted Answer

While outage is necessary for expansion, the free space allows liquid to move (slosh). In a sudden turn, that moving mass hits the side of the tank, pushing it over.

Question 20

The most common cause of tanker rollovers is:

Accepted Answer

Speeding in curves forces the high center of gravity outward. Combined with liquid surge, this is the #1 cause of tanker rollovers.

Tanker Emergencies Practice Questions

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