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University of Delaware
Procedures for Transporting Chemicals
Note: These
procedures are for driving or transporting
chemicals by University Personnel. For information regarding shipping
chemicals through a carrier such as FedEx, refer to the Chemical Shipping
procedures. These procedures are only for chemicals. If the samples
contain biological materials, contact the Biosafety Officer at 831-1433.
If the samples are radioactive, contact the Radiation Safety Officer at
831-1434.
Contact the Department of Environmental Health & Safety
to determine if your materials are regulated by the Department of
Transportation (DOT). This Federal Agency regulates the transportation of
hazardous materials by road in the United States.
Use the following
procedures to transport samples which do NOT
meet the DOT definition of hazardous materials:
All materials must be transported and stored in a
secondary container to prevent breakage. A secondary container must be
capable of containing the materials if the primary container breaks or
leaks. Absorbent materials must be included in the secondary container to
absorb any liquids.
Cushion the materials to prevent container breakage.
Include on the container a sheet listing the materials being
transported and the below-listed emergency phone numbers. Provide
the driver with a copy as well.
It is best if the materials can be transported within the trunk or
bed of a pick up truck. It is also recommended, though not required, that
a
university vehicle be used for the transportation. For security and safety
purposes minimize stops along the route.
It is prudent to
carry a cell phone in case of any problems or
emergencies along the way. If there is a problem during transport, contact
the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) during normal
business hours at 302-831-8475. After normal hours contact DEHS via Public
Safety at 302-831-2222.
If the material is considered hazardous per DOT:
A state agency or local jurisdiction that transports
chemicals for its own use, using its own personnel and state-owned
vehicles, is exempt from the DOT regulations as long as the material is
not shipped for commerce, it remains within the state, and it is packaged
according to these procedures. The University of Delaware must comply with
the DOT regulations if it offers chemicals to a non-governmental carrier
(by motor vehicle, aircraft, rail, or vessel) or transports these
materials in "furtherance of a commercial enterprise."
This procedure states the
requirements for the packaging and
transport of chemicals in a manner that will minimize the threat of
release via container breakage during transport. Chemicals which are
considered hazardous cannot be transported in privately owned or personal
vehicles. All transport must be in a University of Delaware vehicle by a
university employee. Chemicals can only be transported for the purposes of
conducting research, field investigations, educational purposes and other
official university business.
All materials must be transported and stored in a
secondary container to prevent breakage. A secondary container is capable
of containing the materials if the primary container breaks or leaks.
Absorbent materials must be included in the secondary container to absorb
any liquids. Cushion the materials to prevent container breakage.
Include on the container a
sheet listing the name of the suspected
materials being transported and the below-listed emergency phone numbers.
Provide a copy to the driver as well.
To transport materials on dry
ice, you must have completed the DOT
Dry Ice Shipping WebCT training within the previous 2 years. To register
for the training, contact DEHS. You will need to provide your name and
your UDelNet ID e-mail address. The registration process may take up to 48
hours. You will receive an e-mail with instructions when you are
registered. Once you have completed the training, print the "My Grades"
sheet at the end of it as instructed and send it to DEHS.
You will then receive a training certificate. Package the samples as
listed above in a sealed primary container and a secondary container which
will contain the material if the original container were to break or leak.
Place the samples, in their secondary container, in a Styrofoam lined
sturdy cardboard box containing the dry ice. Tape the box shut.
It is best if the materials
can be transported within the trunk if
the vehicle has one or the bed of a pick-up truck with a covered bed.
Large quantities of hazardous materials must be transported in a
truck. Contact DEHS for guidance. For security and safety purposes
minimize stops along the route.
With the exception welding/cutting systems and materials of trade used by the Facilities Group, cylinders shall not be transported in a motor vehicle by University personnel
on a routine basis. This transport should be handled by a licensed outside vendor.
Welding and cutting carts shall only be transported in University Vehicles from a storage area to a job site or building. These systems shall not be stored in vehicles. At the completion of the shift, University personnel must
disassemble the carts and store the cylinders in properly segregated storage locations (the oxygen cylinder separated from the fuel gas by twenty feet or a one hour fire rated enclosure/wall).
It is prudent to carry a cell
phone in case of any problems or
emergencies along the way. If there is a problem during transport, contact
the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) during normal
business hours at 302-831-8475. After normal hours contact DEHS via Public
Safety at 302-831-2222.
Laboratories should keep records for all materials transported.
Documentation should include what materials were transported, where the
materials were transported to. Date of the transportation and
quantities. These records should be kept for one year and then
destroyed.
Questions regarding shipment or transportation issues may be
addressed to Jane J. Frank or
call 831-2103.
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