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OSEH UPDATE presented at November 2010 Reseach Deans meeting
Shipping Hazardous Materials :: Heightened Awareness of FAA Regulations
A training course on how to handle hazardous shipments, including those containing dry ice, is available monthly. Register on the OSEH website, www.oseh.umich.edu/
In the [recent], there have been two incidents at U-M where principal investigators have shipped materials inappropriately and pulled the attention of the inspectors from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In one case, a package was caught on inspection at the Detroit Metro Airport leaking water - from ice that was used inappropriately as a refrigerant. The researcher was untrained and unaware of the proper methods of purchasing and using refrigerative overpacks to protect their specimens in transit.
In another case, a shipment of hazardous materials that was properly prepared for shipment was caught on random inspection and the investigation revealed that the shipper (U-M research employee) had not been properly trained as required by the regulations.
In both cases, what could have been a citation and fine structure that starts in the $10,000 range was reduced to a warning, as U-M has very good awareness level outreach and certification training provided to the research community upon request.
In most cases, when these requirements are not followed, the package will not be accepted by the carrier picking them up; as they've been well-trained to carefully inspect packages and spot when things don't seem quite right.
Since the FAA inspectors may not be so kind the next time they visit our campus, please be aware that any research employee who intends to ship a hazardous material -- including biological specimens -- must be trained on the appropriate methods of preparing packages, labeling, marking, and manifesting.
Online guidance [pdf] can be reviewed on the OSEH website. Training on DOT shipping requirements can be provided by OSEH if you call 734-763-6973.
Shipping Regulations
- Shipping regulations are complex and changes are continually being proposed.
- At this time regulations are determined by multiple agencies and application of the regulations will vary upon the sample being transported and the mode of transportation chosen.
Dry Ice Hazards
- Explosion hazard: dry ice releases a large volume of carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates. If packaged in a container that does not allow for the release of the gas, it may explode, causing personal injury or property damage.
- Suffocation hazard: a large volume of carbon dioxide gas emitted in a confined space may create an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
- Contact hazard: dry ice is a cryogenic material that causes severe frostbite upon contact with skin.
- Learn more:
- OSEH Training for Shipping Materials with Dry Ice [pdf]
- Update for Shipping Biologics and Dry Ice with UPS [pdf] July, 2010
November, 2010
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