WTF! Are You Handling Dangerous Goods?

If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's probably a duck. Sounds simple doesn't it? But can you always rely on your senses when it comes to describing dangerous goods? Sure the exporter of the product must have alot of information and training to properly described, classify, and package dangerous goods, but what about YOU! Who are YOU?

YOU are the party who may be accepting the goods for transport. YOU may be accepting the goods for multiple modes of transport that may include international transportation. Do YOU know how the goods should be properly labeled, placarded, described on a shipping paper? Do YOU know what if any other goods dangerous or not can be loaded on the same transport vehicle or on the same vessel or the proper segregation that must take place on that vessel?

An example of misclassifying hazardous materials involved a shipper who failed to properly describe a class 1 material on drums that contained primary and high explosive materials. Instead they were improperly described on a hazardous waste manifest and not properly marked or labeled. Class 1 materials have specific safety, security, and vehicle routing requirements, none that were followed in this case and had an explosion occurred it could have been in a densely populated area. As it turned out there was an explosion when the drums were taken to an incinerator and they caused significant damage to the incinerator. The shipper agreed to pay a civil penalty for violiating federal hazardous materials transportation law. You can see how this could have been a much more tragic incident and could have cost lives if the drums exploded during transport or handling.

Ignorance is no excuse for accidents when it comes to handling dangerous goods. Someone's life could be in your hands. Don't be ignorant, be smart. Take a haz mat class and learn how to use a 49CFR. Learn how to properly mark, label, placard and describe dangerous goods and how to use a hazardous materials table. Someone somewhere may thank you!