How to Ship Dangerous Goods?
If you are new to shipping products that fall under HAZMAT category (hazardous materials), you would be surprised to know that these products or items need special attention and can get you in trouble legally if not properly shipped according to the regulations. This is why it is very important that you have a team with TDG certification that can be obtained after thorough transportation of dangerous goods training. According to specialists, Hazardous Materials Regulations require shippers to properly classify, package and label the package to identify the hazard. The goal is to avoid any kind of accident during the shipping or transportation process.
So, if you are transporting hazardous substances like lithium batteries or battery-powered devices, aerosols, oxygen cylinders, etc. It is very important to be very careful and follow the give-below steps to ensure your package is correctly packed and marked.
Prepare a Safety Data Sheet –
One of the most important steps, when you prepare for the transportation process, is to prepare a detailed and accurate safety data sheet (SDS), which can be also obtained from the manufacturer of the products. It is very important that you check the transportation information (PDF) section. Particular attention needs to be paid to the important information that pertains to shipments by air.
Perform Assessment Analysis –
When you plan to transport a dangerous good, FAA suggests that the shipper should perform an assessment analysis. The goal is to determine which employees will be performing a hazmat function and identify the level of training. This is a very important step and hence needs to be performed by a certified person who has completed a TDG course.
Updated TDG Training –
While a TDG certificate is valid for a long time but it is very important that your team remains updated with the latest information in the industry. The reason here is that the latest updates are launched after some time, which needs to be learned by people who are responsible to handle the process of transportation of dangerous goods. The training program does not just ensure team members learn proper labeling of products, but also take appropriate action in the event of a spill or any other emergency situation.
Proper Supervision –
Even if you have a trained and certified professional handling the whole process of transportation of dangerous goods, it is very important that everything is being supervised by someone having experience in the field. This ensures a two-level accuracy check on the process to avoid any kind of unwanted situation during the transportation process.
Include Inner Packaging –
When you are using a combination of packaging, it is suggested that the material is placed in the inner packaging according to the closure instructions. If you have got a TDG certificate, you would better understand what closure instructions actually mean. The packing must be sealed in accordance with the closure instructions.
Follow the above-mentioned steps or tips to ensure proper packaging as well as transportation of dangerous goods.
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