Final answer:
When dealing with a leaking tire while hauling hazardous materials, you must pull over safely, wear proper protective gear such as goggles, follow United States Department of Transportation regulations, and immediately alert the proper authorities while handling the situation with caution.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are hauling hazardous materials (hazmat) and encounter a leaking tire, it is essential to follow the United States Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations. These rules are designed to help prevent accidents and ensure the safe transportation of potentially dangerous goods.
Firstly, you should not ignore the leaking tire. Haulers of hazardous materials have a legal and ethical obligation to maintain their equipment to minimize risks.
You should pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and examine the situation. Do not attempt to handle the tire if you are not wearing proper protective equipment such as goggles, which are recommended in all experimental laboratory situations and when working with tires.
Furthermore, hazmat situations often require you to be very careful around potential sources of ignition due to the possibility of flammable materials. In case of accidents or chemical spills, it's critical to alert the proper authorities immediately.
Next, as with laboratory protocols where you would check with your teacher on how to dispose of chemical waste, in a practical setting, you should check with your company's safety officer or refer to the established procedures for dealing with such scenarios.
Proper disposal methods need to be followed, hazardous spill protocols must be adhered to, and safety measures taken to prevent any further risks. Lastly, handling hazardous materials requires you to be aware that you are responsible for your own actions, and safety should always be the top priority.