Shipping Hazardous Goods? 4 Shipping Tips To Help You Do It Safely And Efficiently
Dangerous goods are a little more challenging to ship than other goods. However, the shipping process is possible when you have the right people handling it for you. The local government expects you to train your employees on the safety procedures to follow when managing dangerous products. The regulations are stiff, and anyone that does not abide by them receives a fine for non-compliance. Here are four tips to help you and your employees when shipping hazardous materials to ensure the shipping process is safe and efficient.
Consider Compatibility of the Goods
The first factor to consider when handling hazardous materials is their composition. All hazardous materials fall into nine major categories. The most common ones include explosives, gaseous products, radioactive substances, infectious and corrosive goods. Each of these categories has its separate shipping and handling recommendations. The regulations also include details like the recommended shipping quantities.
Every hazardous material will typically have a data sheet from the manufacturer, and it is your responsibility to follow the instructions therein. The guidelines include which items can be shipped together and which categories should be packaged and shipped separately.
Plan How to Segregate the Materials
Different hazardous materials should get shipped in different container types. For example, liquid products might need shipping in containers like steel drums instead of plastic or aluminum. The segregation increases the safety of the material and decreases the chances of a spill or other contamination.
Before shipping the materials, you should be aware of the shipping regulations given by the department of transportation. Also, find out whether suppliers and wholesalers can ship small quantities of hazardous chemicals. In most cases, it's advisable to segregate the hazardous chemicals or goods once the quantity exceeds the set limit or certain amount.
Include Safety Labels and Placards
Safety labeling is of utmost importance when shipping and handling hazardous materials. Some of the information that you must include in the primary packaging of the materials include names, weight, the product inside the packaging, and safety regulations of handling the materials. For example, you can include information such as whether it is safe to expose the material to heat and other chemicals.
Get the Right Shipping Papers
You will need the proper shipping papers when shipping hazardous materials. Without the right papers, the relevant authorities will assume your goods found their way into the market illegally. Ask about the licensing and other documentation the authorities need in every state for the transit process. Your drivers will have an easier time when they have the papers required.
Shipping hazardous goods shouldn't be a daunting process. You just need to know what's required and the processes involved during shipping to avoid legal issues. Heed to the regulations set out by the department of transportation to make the shipping process smooth.