When it comes to shipping hazmat materials, there are a few common mistakes that can easily be avoided. By being aware of these potential hazards, you can help keep your employees safe and your business in compliance with the law. Here are six of the most common hazmat shipping mistakes to avoid:
Not knowing what hazardous materials are regulated
Many businesses are not aware that there are a set of regulated hazardous materials which they must follow when shipping. Not being aware of what is regulated can cause serious compliance issues and delays in shipping. It is vital to understand which hazardous materials are regulated by the government and properly package them according to government regulations before shipment. Failing to do so could result in a costly violation that could even criminalize your actions, leading to hefty fines and other consequences. Taking the time to learn about hazardous material regulation requirements can reduce the potential for mistakes and help assure timely delivery of products.
Misclassifying the hazard
Misclassifying a hazardous material can have serious consequences, resulting in delays and fees, as well as potential legal penalties. A mislabeled package could put the safety of everyone involved at risk – from the sender to recipients down the supply chain, final storage point, or even emergency responders. It’s essential to take time to ensure the materials being shipped are classified correctly by referencing appropriate guidelines and research to avoid unnecessary peril. Anytime there’s uncertainty about classifying a hazardous material, it’s best to consult an expert who can confirm classification and labeling requirements for safer and smoother shipment of your materials.
Forgetting to include required labels and placards
Making sure all the right labels, placards, and necessary documentation are included in a shipment of hazardous materials is an important step to avoid running into problems with the authorities. Failure to include the correct labels and placards can not only cause delays, but could even result in fines or penalties. It’s essential to understand exactly which labels are required for each hazardous shipment and how to properly affix them to the container. Adding additional tags such as “keep away from heat” or other safety instructions may also be warranted depending on the material being shipped. It’s always best practice to err on the side of caution when it comes to transporting hazardous materials, so make sure you include all the appropriate labels and documents before sending any items off for delivery.
Improperly packing and securing the hazmat
When transporting hazardous materials, it is essential to ensure that each item is properly and securely packaged for shipment. Failure to correctly package and secure the material can have a variety of serious consequences, including damage to the item or other items in transit, contamination from leaking containers, and delayed delivery due to lack of compliance with shipping regulations. Taking additional precautionary measures such as using double-layered packaging for certain situations and using compliant products such as UN-certified containers, dunnage and absorbents can help avoid these common packing and securing mistakes.
Not having the required documentation
When shipping hazardous materials, it is essential to have all of the necessary documentation in order to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards. Not having the required documentation can lead to costly delays, denied shipments, fines, or even legal action. Companies should be aware of any local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing their cargo when transporting hazardous materials. Moreover, all of the required paperwork must be in good condition and accurately completed before a shipment is allowed to leave its point of origin. Taking the time to double-check that all documents are complete before shipping hazardous materials can help avoid costly mistakes or unexpected complications during transit.
Failing to train employees on hazmat shipping procedures
In the world of hazmat shipping, one of the most important—and all too often overlooked—components is training. Without training(DOT, IMDG or IATA) and appropriate knowledge regarding packaging, proper labeling, emergency response information and more all essential in Hazmat shipping, even the most well-planned shipments can go wrong. Investing in proper safety training not only ensures you’re able to move your freight efficiently and securely to its destination, but also makes sure that you stay compliant with federal regulations that protect public health and safety. By making sure your employees are aware of these procedures, you avoid major send-backs due to errors or having to deliver a shipment late due to unnecessary steps along the way. Training also reduces any risk associated with poor classification decisions as well as mishandling or mislabeling hazardous materials. Ultimately, employee education is key when it comes to safely and securely transporting hazmat materials.
Final Thoughts
Shipping hazmat can be tricky and there are a lot of regulations to follow. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are shipping hazmat correctly and keeping everyone safe. Do you have any other tips for shipping hazmat? Let us know in the comments below.
