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Transportation of Hazardous Materials

Guidelines have been developed regarding the transport of hazardous chemicals such as acids and corrosive liquids, flammable solids and liquids, toxic chemicals, oxidizers and reactive chemicals, (including waste containing such chemicals) from one room to another within a building or from building to building. The guides require: (1) using a proper container, (2) utilizing a proper transporting device, or (3) limiting the size and quantity transported. Other hazardous chemicals, such as compressed gas cylinders, biohazards, radioactive materials, carcinogenic compounds, etc., require special precautions. D.O.T. shipping boxes are available from EH&IS at extension 7233 for safe transporting of hazardous materials.

Glass Bottles

1. The transport of large glass bottles (one gallon or larger) by hand shall be done in a proper carrier. Acceptable carriers include a plastic acid or bottle carrier, Styrofoam casing, or appropriate cardboard box, wooden crate, etc. In general, depending on the hazard, a single glass bottle of one quart or less may be carried by hand, except inside an elevator (see 1e.).
2. Whenever more than one glass bottle of any size is being transported, it is necessary that measures be taken to prevent the glass bottles from contacting each other. Such devices as cardboard boxes with dividers, Styrofoam cases with compartments, or the use of vermiculite filler is appropriate.
3. If a cart is employed to transport glass bottles within a building, precaution must be taken to prevent the glass bottles from contacting each other and/or falling off the cart. Glass bottles shall not be placed loosely on a cart unless the cart is specially designed to accommodate the bottles, or the bottles are in protective containers, such as described above. The cart shall have an adequate lip to prevent packages from slipping off the cart.
4. Anytime glass bottles are to be transported from building to building, additional precaution must be taken. The cart used should have larger wheels (4"; minimum), preferable of a pneumatic type. The cart should have at least a 3" lip and all bottles should be transported in some type of protective container, such as described above.
5. Transport within elevators always requires an acceptable carrier as described above.

Plastic Coated Bottles/Metal Cans/Safety Cans

1. The hand carrying of these kinds of containers is permitted since the integrity of the container is far superior to that of the glass bottle. If any of these containers are involved in an accident, it is not likely that the entire contents of the container would be immediately spilled or splashed about. There also would be little or no glass fragments.
2. Whenever more than two of these containers are being transported, an additional carrying device, such as an appropriate cardboard box or a wheeled cart with a lip should be employed. Follow the precaution given for the type of cart as outlined above.

Cardboard Cartons, Crates, Boxes Containing Chemicals Bottles

When transporting chemicals in their original shipping packages, normal transporting methods may be used, such as pushcarts and dollies. If these containers must be transported on outdoor paths, the precautions listed above for bottles shall be followed, unless the packages can be adequately secured to the cart or the dolly.

Chemical Ordering Do's and Don'ts

1. Whenever the chemical is available in a plastic coated bottle, order it that way.
2. Whenever a flammable liquid is available in the MCB SAF-T-CAN (glass bottles inside metal can), order it that way.
3. Do not order more of one chemical than you will utilize in normal operations. Overstocking to save money on large quantities creates many other problems, such as exceeding the permissible amount of flammable liquids in a lab, or increasing the possibility of the chemicals getting old before they are consumed. Old chemicals may become hazardous due to aging, and disposal is always costly. If the overstock is not used it will likely have to be shipped off as waste at extra cost to the campus.

Biohazard Transport

Transport of biohazards to other labs or facilities requires suitable enclosed containers. Contact Environmental Health and Instructional Safety Office for assistance if a biohazard (or suspected biohazard) is delivered to your area.

Cylinder Transport

Whenever compressed gas cylinders are moved, caps must be placed over the valves and suitable carts with securing devices used. Cylinders have to be secured to the bench or wall of labs at all times using the campus standard two chain method. Freestanding cylinders, or cylinders moved without a cart, may become "unguided missiles" if they fall and the cap is broken.

Transporting of Radioactive Materials

Transportation of all radioactive materials and waste must be performed under the supervision of the Radiation Safety Officer.

Transport of Chemical Carcinogens

Personnel utilizing carcinogens or suspect carcinogens should be aware of the hazards involved in transporting these chemicals. The risk can be reduced by using sealed containers, such as plastic bags, which are large enough to contain the material if spillage or breakage occurs. The sealed bags shall then be placed in an airtight can, such as a paint can. A warning label shall identify the substance, its carcinogenicity (use "Caution -- Cancer Suspect Agent"), and the quantity, with the researcher's name and department. This procedure is the NCI recommended practice not only for transport, but also for storage of such materials. Please refer to Chemical Hygiene Plan for more information on proper handling and storage of carcinogens. ("Handling Chemical Carcinogens - A Safety Guide for the Laboratory Researcher"; contains additional information and is available from EH&IS)

Finally, never utilize a private vehicle for transporting hazardous materials.

Always consult Environmental Health and Instructional Safety Office if in doubt as to safe procedures.

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