Arkansas Trucking Association

FMCSA warns truck drivers about e-smoking

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a safety advisory about risks associated with the possession and use of battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices—such as e-cigarettes, personal vaporizers and electronic nicotine delivery systems—in commercial transportation.

The use of battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices has resulted in incidents including explosions, serious personal injuries and fires, the notice states.

And while federal hazmat and trucking regulations do not specifically address the potential safety risks posed by these devices, carriers and drivers “should be cognizant of the risks ... and exercise good judgment and appropriate discretion” in their possession, storage and use around commercial vehicles.

Additionally, truck operators should adhere to the smoking prohibitions on, near or when loading and unloading a motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials in accordance with federal regulations, FMCSA states.

Save