What item must a driver carry in their vehicle when transporting hazardous materials?

When transporting hazardous materials, it is essential for a driver to carry a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which has been rebranded as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under the Globally Harmonized System. This document provides detailed information about the specific hazardous materials being transported, including the properties of the chemicals, health risks, handling instructions, and emergency procedures. It is crucial for ensuring safety in the event of an accident or spill, as it equips first responders and the driver with the necessary knowledge to address potential hazards effectively.

While other items such as a fire extinguisher, emergency contact list, and first aid kit are important for overall safety and emergency preparedness, they do not provide the specific, critical information required to manage the risks associated with the hazardous materials being transported. The MSDS is unique in that it directly relates to the handling and potential emergencies specific to the materials involved in the transport. Therefore, having the MSDS on hand is a requirement for compliance with safety regulations in the transportation of hazardous materials.