Shipping Hazardous Materials to Alaska Safely
Many everyday products are considered hazardous materials when shipped: hairspray, household cleaners, camping stove, kerosene lanterns, cell phones, laptops, essential oils, paints, and much more. Several steps need to be followed when shipping hazardous materials to other locations, such as Alaska. The measures ensure that those handling the packages are doing what is required to keep them safe.
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Shipping papers
The shipping papers must communicate that the package contains a hazardous material and conforms to the regulations. It should include a description of the dangerous material, including the shipping name, hazard class, identification number, and packaging group. A carrier can transport no hazardous materials unless the shipping paper accompanies it.
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Marking
The requirements for marking consist of the shipping name and identification number of the hazardous materials in the package. It should be in English, durable, and not obscured by any other shipping labels.
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Labeling
Those who offer the transport of hazardous materials must ensure the package is labeled correctly.
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Placarding
Placarding must be placed on bulk packaging, unit load device, freight container, rail car, and transport vehicle that contains any amount of hazardous material.
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Hazardous material training
Employees must be hazmat trained to transport hazardous materials. The training should include:
- General awareness and familiarization
- Function-specific training
- Safety training
- Security training
- Any additional training required for specific hazardous materials
Hazmat must complete the training every three years.
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Emergency response information
The emergency response telephone number needs to be monitored at all times while the shipment is in transit. The information that should be on that form includes describing the hazardous material, the immediate hazards to health, direct methods for large or small fires, spills, and leaks.
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Security plans
Employers must implement a security plan, including training for their employees. A security plan ensures that the hazardous materials stay secure during transport.
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Packaging
Containers that have hazardous materials in them must pass a performance test. In addition, a vibration test is required for non-bulk packaging being shipped domestically.
At Alaska Air Forwarding, we can ship your hazardous materials for you. We have a Haz-Mat professional on staff, and if it is legal, we can send it. Contact us today to set up your shipment.
