5 Basic Steps for HazMat Shipping Success

摘要

When shipping hazardous materials(HazMat),the required 49 Code of Federal Regulations(CFR)from the U.S.Department of Transportation(DOT)are complex,striking fear in the hearts of most just by reading them,and a source of frustration if not followed correctly.The most recent increases in DOT civil and criminal fines(April 2017)should serve as incentive for shippers to create regulation-based procedures that support a HazMat shipping process that ensures compliance.These procedures should reinforce the shipper's training and serve as a reminder of the basics that must be followed daily for every shipment.Here are five basic steps for proper HazMat shipping.1.Classification: HazMat chemicals or articles are common items we come in contact with every day.Determining the classification can sometimes be difficult and confusing.The best way to obtain classification is to consult the Safety Data Sheet(SDS)or the Product Data Sheet(PDS)to determine whether a chemical or an article is a hazardous material(HazMat).If the chemical or article is not a HazMat,then the rules in 49 CFR do not apply;however,if it is a HazMat requiring transportation,then the 49 CFR rules apply.