Environmental Health and Safety

FAQs

Shipping

How do I ship samples in 10% formalin?

10% formalin is classified as an "aviation regulated liquid, n.o.s.," UN 3334. See the  US Department of Transportation (DOT) letter of clarification for more information.

The DOT's classification "includes any material which is not covered by any of the other classes, but which has an anesthetic, narcotic, noxious or other similar property such that, in the event of spillage or leakage on an aircraft, extreme annoyance or discomfort could be caused to crew members, preventing the correct performance of assigned duties." (172.102©(2)(A35))

When I transport hazardous materials between buildings, do I need DOT training?

Only shipments "in commerce" require Department of Transportation (DOT) training. See the  DOT interpretive letter to define in-commerce transportation.

What is a dangerous good (hazardous material)?

Dangerous goods, which are often called hazardous materials in the USA, may be pure chemicals, mixtures of substances, manufactured products or articles that can pose a risk to health, safety, property or the environment if not properly handled during use or in transportation. Dangerous goods meet the criteria of one or more of the nine hazard classes outlined by international and U.S. transportation regulations. The nine classes relate to the type of hazard associated with the assessed item.

What is a hazard class?

There are nine hazard classes that help to describe materials that may pose a risk to health, safety, property or the environment if not properly handled during use or in transportation.

What is the IATA?

The IATA, known as the International Air Transport Association, is an international association that consolidates and prints regulations pertaining to the transport of dangerous goods in air transport. The IATA works in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Organization, known as ICAO, to create regulations that are easier to utilize and are often more restrictive.

Is training required in order to assess and/or ship a product that includes dangerous goods?

Yes. All shippers who intend to ship dangerous goods must be fully IATA-trained and certified in order to do so. Contact EHS for assistance with assessing and shipping dangerous goods. Biological material and dry ice shipper training is available from EHS.

What shipping trainings are available from EHS?

EHS offers biological material and dry ice shipper training to allow WCMC collaborators to complete shipments containing dry ice and/or biological materials. For all other dangerous good shipments and hazard classes, EHS must be contacted for guidance and help with assessments and/or shipping.

Is a battery classified as a dangerous good for air transport?

Depending on the battery type, the chemicals contained within may be classified as acidic, alkali, flammable, toxic or water-reactive. This assessment may only be completed by those who are fully IATA (International Air Transport Association)-trained and certified.

Is dry ice a dangerous good?

Yes. According to the IATA, dry ice is classified as a class nine dangerous good. Dry ice, also known as solidified carbon dioxide, may only be shipped by trained individuals. EHS offers biological material and dry ice shipper training to allow WCM collaborators to complete shipments containing dry ice and/or biological materials.

What is a class nine dangerous good?

Class nine dangerous goods are articles and substances which present a danger during transport, but are not covered by the other eight hazard classes.

Can I leave a shipment containing dangerous goods at a FedEx drop box?

No. International and federal regulations, as well as FedEx policy, prohibit leaving dangerous good packages at a drop box. Dangerous good packages must remain in a secure area, or under direct supervision of a responsible person until collected by the carrier/transport company. It is recommended to make arrangements in advance, as most carriers and transport companies provide two-hour pick up windows. FedEx will pick up the package directly from your lab or office free of charge. To schedule a pickup, contact FedEx: (800) 463-3369 or http://www.fedex.com/

Do I Need an Import Permit?

https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/ipp/etool.htm

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