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Shipping and Receiving Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials, also known as dangerous goods, pose an elevated risk to public health, property, or the environment during transit. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces regulations to ensure safe transportation. Anyone involved in shipping hazardous materials must receive training relevant to their duties. Regulated activities include packaging, marking, labeling, preparing shipping papers, driving, and loading. Failure to comply with regulations can result in fines or imprisonment. To enhance safety and reduce risk, only qualified Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) personnel are authorized to ship hazardous materials from the University of Utah, with some exclusions.

Things to Consider

 

Hazardous Material Shipping Categories

Hazardous Material Category Examples Shipped By
Hazardous Chemicals Flammables, oxidizers, corrosives, toxic substances, Category-A infectious substances EHS Only
Radiological Materials Radioactively labeled tissues, articles, devices EHS Only
Infectious Substances (Category B) HIV (non-cultures), Hepatitis (non-cultures), West Nile (non-cultures), SARS Trained Lab Personnel
Infectious Substances (Category A) Cultures of HIV, Bacillus anthracis, Escherichia coli verotoxigenic, Herpes B virus EHS Only
Dry Ice Shipments Frozen exempt human specimens, proteins, DNA, antibodies Trained Lab Personnel

Identifying Hazardous Materials

If a material poses an elevated risk to health, property, or the environment, it may be classified as hazardous. Unless trained in DOT classification, contact EHS for assistance. Hazardous materials may exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Explosive
  • Oxidizing
  • Reactive
  • Toxic
  • Infectious
  • Radioactive
  • Corrosive
  • Flammable (gases, liquids, and solids)

DOT hazmat regulations are contained in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR).

The Hazardous Material Shipping Process

  1. Submit a shipment request via the Dangerous Goods Shipping Request form at least three working days before shipment. Ensure all sections are completed accurately, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  2. The Shipping Coordinator schedules a pickup and verifies the information at the location. The primary container is inspected for integrity and proper labeling.
  3. The Shipping Coordinator picks up, categorizes, packages, marks, labels, and prepares shipping documentation before transferring the package to a contracted carrier.
  4. The carrier collects the hazardous material for shipment.
  5. The Shipping Coordinator notifies the requestor of shipment completion, including a tracking number.
  6. The requesting department is billed for carrier charges, while labor, equipment, and materials are currently not billed back.

Guidelines for Shipping Hazardous Materials

  • Use appropriate containers with airtight lids. Corks, cotton plugs, tape, or parafilm are not acceptable.
  • Label containers with exact names and contents, including percentages for mixtures. Avoid abbreviations or chemical formulas.
  • Attach copies of the request form receipt and SDS to ensure proper handling during pickup.

Guidelines for Receiving Hazardous Materials

Before accepting a package:

  • Pre-coordinate with third-party shipping partners.
  • Identify hazardous materials by their DOT hazard class labels and required shipping documents.
  • Inspect packages for leaks, damage, or suspicious odors. Do not accept compromised shipments.

After receiving a hazardous materials package:

  • Handle with care using mechanical devices when necessary.
  • Store packages securely, upright, and away from pedestrian areas. Keep them under authorized control.
  • Do not stack boxes to prevent accidental tipping.

Hazardous Material Security

  • Limit Access: Only trained personnel should handle hazardous material shipments. Do not leave packages unattended or in unsecured areas.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: Contact Public Safety if you observe unauthorized individuals or suspicious activities in hazardous material areas.

For assistance with hazardous material shipping and receiving, contact EHS at the University of Utah.

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