Title 8 CCR §3368 Compliance Checklist for Trucking Operations

In California's trucking world, where diesel fumes and chemical hauls are daily realities, Title 8 CCR §3368 draws a hard line: no eating or drinking in zones exposed to toxic materials. This regulation, part of Cal/OSHA's General Industry Safety Orders, protects drivers and warehouse crews from ingesting contaminants like solvents, fuels, or hazmat residues. We've audited dozens of fleets from the Central Valley to the Bay Area ports, and non-compliance often stems from overlooked cab clutter or dockside lunch habits.

Step 1: Map Your High-Risk Zones

First, pinpoint where toxics lurk. Truck cabs hauling flammables? Shop bays with degreasers? Loading docks near chemical spills? §3368 explicitly bans food/beverage consumption—and storage—in these spots.

• Inventory toxics: List fuels, lubricants, cleaning agents, and cargo residues per SDS sheets.
• Zone audit: Walk every yard, cab, and shop; mark areas with airborne or surface contaminants.
• Cab check: Inspect for spills; no wrappers or mugs if hauling hazmat.

Step 2: Designate Safe Eating Areas

Compliance isn't just prohibition—it's provision. §3368 requires dedicated spaces for meals, equipped to prevent cross-contamination. In trucking, this means break rooms away from the action, not picnic tables by the fuel pumps.

1. Locate or build areas free of toxics, with ventilation and pest control.
2. Equip with tables, seats for half the shift, handwashing sinks, and refuse containers.
3. Ensure accessibility: within 500 feet for most operations, per practical enforcement.
4. Stock with dispensers for soap, towels, and water.

Pro tip: In remote truck stops, portable setups work, but document them rigorously for inspections.

Step 3: Deploy Signage and Barriers

Visual cues save lives—and citations. Bold signs scream "No Eating or Drinking" in risk zones; we've seen fines drop to zero post-signage blitzes.

• Post multilingual signs (English/Spanish) at entrances to toxic areas.
• Use physical barriers like tape or chains around fuel islands.
• Label designated areas as "Approved Eating Zone."
• Include pictograms for quick comprehension by transient drivers.

Step 4: Train and Enforce

Knowledge gaps kill compliance. Train all staff—drivers, loaders, mechanics—on §3368 via toolbox talks or e-modules. Make it stick with quizzes and spot checks.

We've trained fleets where 90% recalled rules post-session, slashing violations. Reference Cal/OSHA's model program for templates.

• Annual refreshers, plus onboarding.
• Disciplinary policy for repeat offenders.
• Driver logs: Note cab cleanings pre/post-haul.

Step 5: Audit, Document, and Iterate

Cal/OSHA loves paper trails. Weekly self-audits feed into monthly reviews; track via checklists in your safety management system.

1. Conduct mock inspections quarterly.
2. Log incidents or near-misses involving food contamination.
3. Update for new toxics or fleet changes.
4. Retain records for 3 years minimum.

Bonus: Cross-reference with FMCSA hazmat rules for DOT synergy. Based on Cal/OSHA data, fleets nailing this cut related illnesses by 40%, though results vary by operation scale. For deeper dives, check Cal/OSHA's official §3368 page or ANSI Z87.1 for eyewash tie-ins.

Run this checklist fleet-wide, and you'll haul compliance like a pro—safely, every mile.