What does "segregation" mean in the context of transporting HAZMAT?

In the context of transporting hazardous materials (HAZMAT), "segregation" refers to the practice of keeping incompatible materials separate during transportation to prevent dangerous reactions. This is a crucial safety measure to ensure that different hazardous materials do not interact in ways that could lead to fires, explosions, or toxic releases. Segregation helps mitigate the risk associated with transporting these materials by ensuring that even in an accident or spill, the potential for a harmful reaction between incompatible substances is minimized.

This practice is guided by regulations that specify how different classes of hazardous materials should be stored and transported to ensure the safety of transport personnel, the public, and the environment. Proper segregation can include physical distance, the use of barriers, or other methods to keep incompatible items apart.