To ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about chemical hazards must be available to workers. This is no different when shipping hazardous materials.
OSHA recommends certain transportation tips and methods to maintain safety. Keep reading to learn the different processes.
Transporting Hazardous Materials
Many chemicals are both dangerous and hazardous. There are transportation regulations you’ll need to follow for safety reasons. More rules are necessary for materials with physical hazards.
When transporting chemicals, these are the rules to follow:
- Avoid transporting with water, food, and other reactive chemicals
- Follow separation and segregation rules
- Secure hazardous chemicals so they can’t fall or move
- Keep a record of chemicals
- Have the right equipment
- Make sure the driver has the correct license
There are nine classes of hazardous chemicals. It’s important to know each to know what you can and cannot ship together.
Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are required for hazardous chemicals during shipping. There are 16 sections of these data sheets. Each section provides specific information about the chemical.
Anyone that comes in contact with chemicals needs to understand how to handle them from start to finish.
Safety Data Sheets include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- First aid
- Fire fighting
- Accidental release measures
In addition to SDSs, a carrier transporting these chemicals must have a CDL license and a HAZMAT license. It’s important to complete HAZWOPER refresher training online when licenses expire.
All companies have to disclose the regulations and hazards of the transported chemical materials.
Bill of Lading
Manufacturers have to include a bill of lading (BOL) when shipping any good, including hazardous chemicals. The BOL is a contract for the transportation process.
A small business owner shipping dangerous chemicals will provide the BOL to the shipping carrier. A bill of lading details:
- The shipped items
- Shipment path
- How it’s being shipped
In the chemical industry, this document includes Safety Data Sheets and other labels. Anyone involved in the transport will have access to the BOL for workplace safety measures.
Chemical Transportation Methods
It’s important to know the different methods of chemical transportation. A transportation company might specialize in one or multiple methods.
The three options are:
- Road chemical transport
- Air chemical transport
- Ocean chemical transport
- Rail chemical transport
Road chemical transport is the most common option because it is economical and ensures proper transportation of time-sensitive materials.
Air chemical transportation allows both internal and domestic shipping of chemicals. Ocean chemical transport is also economical and customs procedures are simplified but is less common than road transport.
Lastly, rail chemical transport is the quickest option. It includes special containers for shipments.
Understanding Chemical Transportation
Transporting hazardous materials can be a dangerous job. Drivers need the correct licensing. Manufacturers must include Safety Data Sheets in the shipment.
With this guide, you’ll have tips on the shipping process. Use each strategy for safety from start to finish.
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