Section: Safety and Security
Policy Number: 7-43
Policy Name: Hazardous Material Shipments/Transportation
Date: April 30, 1997
Revisions: January 13, 2006

  1. PURPOSE

    To assure all shipments of hazardous materials off-campus are prepared in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations, International Air Transportation Authority (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and to minimize the exposure of all persons to hazardous materials during their transport.

  2. DEFINITIONS

    Hazardous Materials: Means a substance or material which has been determined by the Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce, and which has been so designated. The term includes items such as samples, reagent chemicals, infectious substances, and commercial products. For specific details on types of hazardous materials, refer to the Hazardous Material Shipment Procedures.

  3. POLICY

    1. All hazardous materials, such as samples for analysis or collaborative work, must be prepared in accordance with the Hazardous Material Shipment Procedures available from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

    2. All individuals involved in the shipment of hazardous materials must obtain training commensurate with their involvement and at a frequency indicated by the DEHS.

    3. Individuals requesting shipments of materials off campus will be responsible for the expense involved with the preparation and shipment of the hazardous materials.

    4. Exceptions to this policy must be addressed to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety.

    5. Under no circumstances can radioactive materials and select agents be shipped from or to the University without prior approval by the DEHS.

    6. Unless otherwise stated in the Hazardous Material Shipment Procedures, no hazardous material(s) can be transported by a person. All shipments must be sent via a certified shipping company.

    7. Hazardous materials arriving at Central Receiving and Delivery are subject to the following:

      1. Packages received will be inspected but not opened prior to entering the campus delivery system.

      2. Damaged cartons will be held at the General Services Building and DEHS will be notified. They will not be delivered.

      3. Ordering departments are responsible for noting special handling requirements or requisitions to assure proper procedures are taken upon receipt of the material.

      4. Ordering departments are responsible for notifying Procurement Services of any discrepancies after the carton has been opened by knowledgeable personnel in appropriate work areas.

For further information please refer to the shipping procedures on the Environmental Health and Safety website, or contact ext 8475.

Submitted by: Environmental Health and Safety