By Prokopis A. Christou, PE
Transportation regulations require that hazardous materials be prepared and packaged in such a way so as to prevent escape and exposure to the materials hazards under normal transportation conditions. If hazardous materials escape from their containers, they can pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, property or the environment.
Preparing a safe package is the responsibility of the shipper. But how do you know if a package is safe for transportation?
The checklist at the end of this document will help you find the answer to this and many other questions.
1. Find the specific regulatory citations that correspond to the questions of the checklist.
2. For each question, explain why that requirement is important. What is it supposed to prevent? What could happen if it was ignored?
3. Use the checklist to inspect a hazmat package you prepared. What were the results?
4. Use the checklist to inspect a hazmat package someone else prepared. What were the results?
5. How would you check for other modal requirements (shipping by air, rail, water)? Is it possible that a shipment may include more than one transportation mode?
6. Compare the checklist requirements (which are based on United States regulation) with requirements of another national or an international dangerous goods regulation.
7. How can you use hazard communication information (labels, placards, shipping papers) to help you check whether a hazmat package was prepared in compliance with regulations?
The term "hazardous materials" used in the U.S. is identical to the term "dangerous goods" used internationally. Many national and international regulations have been aligned with the Untied Nations Recommendations for Dangerous Goods Regulations. As result, aligned regulations should impose almost identical requirements.
The checklist is based on the U.S. hazardous materials regulations. It focuses on non-bulk shipments offered for ground transportation.
Non-bulk packaging is a packaging which has: (1) a maximum capacity less than 450 L (119 gallons) or less as a receptacle for a liquid; (2) A maximum net mass less than 400 kg (882 pounds) or less and a maximum capacity less than 450 L (119 gallons) or less as a receptacle for a solid; or (3) a water capacity of 454 kg (1000 pounds) or less as a receptacle for a gas as defined in Sec. 49 CFR 173.115.
You can find an Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the checklist at The Hazmat 101 Web (click on Files): http://www.hazmat101.com .
As usual, the web site's disclaimer applies to this document:
1. Does the package include the markings and labels for the materials in the package?
2. Is the packaging authorized for the materials in the package?
3. Is the packaging assembled according to packaging manufacturer's specifications or company instructions?
4. Is the packaging compatible with contents for corrosively, permeability, softening, premature aging and embrittlement?
5. For mixed contents, are contents compatible with each other?
6. For solid material which may become liquid during transportation, is the packaging capable of containing the material in the liquid state?
7. Is the packaging closed and secured so that the closure is secure and leakproof?
8. If the packaging will allow venting of its contents, is venting permitted?
9. Are quantities of the materials in the package in accordance with quantity limitations specified for the packaging?
10. For liquid material in a combination packaging, are the closures on the inner packagings upright?
11. Can the outer packaging withstand friction during transportation without affecting the contents?
12. For combination packaging, are inner packagings secured and cushioned? Is cushioning material compatible with contents?
13. If nails or staples are used, are they installed so that they do not protrude into the interior of the outer packaging?
14. Is each package capable of meeting the vibration test specified in Sec. 178.608?
15. For a liquid material in a single or composite packaging, is the specific gravity ≤ the specific gravity marked on the packaging (S.G. of 1.2 if not marked)?
16. For a solid material in a single or composite packaging marked for solids, is the gross mass ≤ the gross mass marked on the packaging?
17. For a liquid material in single or composite packaging marked for solids, is the gross mass according to requirements?
18. For a liquid material in packaging marked with the hydrostatic test pressure, does it comply with the vapor pressure requirements?
19. Is the outside surface of the packaging clean of any material after filling?
20. For mixed contents in an outer packaging:
21. For receptacles filled with liquids, is there free space in the receptacle (not completely filled at 311 oF or less)?
About the Author
Prokopis Christou, P.E. has 14 years of diverse experience in managerial,
technical, and teaching responsibilities in environmental, safety,
transportation, regulatory, and engineering matters. Email: prokopis@hotmail.com