How should hazardous materials be managed during transport?

Managing hazardous materials during transport requires ensuring they are stable and secured to prevent any shifting. This is crucial because unstable loads can lead to spills, leaks, or accidents, which pose significant risks not only to the vehicle and its driver but also to the environment and public safety. Securing hazardous materials properly helps to mitigate these risks and ensures compliance with regulations that govern the safe transport of such materials.

The other methods listed, while they may appear practical in some contexts, do not prioritize safety effectively. For instance, loosely stacking materials can lead to an uneven distribution of weight, creating instability during transportation. Stacking on open pallets might allow for visibility but compromises the integrity of containment and increases the risk of movement. Storing hazardous materials in any available space neglects the essential safety protocols that dictate how these materials should be transported to prevent accidents and ensure proper emergency response if needed. Therefore, option C is the best practice for the safe transport of hazardous materials.