Yes. The rule lets you keep the plan as an electronic file, if it can be reached at or through your principal place of business. You must make it available on request to an authorized DOT or DHS official at a reasonable time and place. Employee access has its own limits.
Reviewed October 17, 2026
Make retrieval part of document control
Section 172.802(d) allows either a copy of the plan or an electronic file accessible at or through your principal place of business. §172.802(d)
An authorized DOT or DHS official can ask for the required plan. You must make it available at a reasonable time and place. §172.802(d)
Name one person who keeps the plan. Test how that person would pull it up through your normal business access. Put a clear revision label on the file so anyone answering a request can tell which version is current.
Match employee access to duties
Employees who carry out the plan must have the most recent version, or the parts they need. Limits apply for clearance or background-investigation rules and for a demonstrated need to know. §172.802(c)
When the plan changes, tell the responsible employees. Keep all copies current as of the latest revision. §172.802(c)
If an insurer asks for documents, ask for its exact list. Then use your company's review process to decide what to share. That is our suggestion. The official-access rule on this page names DOT and DHS, not insurers.
Questions and answers
Should the whole plan go into every employee packet?
Not always. Match each packet to the person's duties, within the access limits above. A distribution list tied to jobs is a good way to track it.
About Bill Stomp
Bill Stomp built Propane Safety Pro. He is a war veteran who ran over 87 propane branch offices across 12 states, and he has helped more than 200 propane companies improve their profits, sales, safety and operations.
Next step
Decide who keeps your plan and how the office pulls it up. Then see the DOT Hazmat Security Plan page for propane companies.
General information, not legal advice.